INTERIOR DESIGN
Make the most of your garden during the summer months by creating a relaxing space to gather outside
1 LIVINGWALLS
Planting is intrinsic to the garden, however it can do much more than make a space feel pretty. Surrounding your seating area with climbers will achieve a cocooning effect, while evergreen shrubs will help to delineate it and make your seating spot feel more cosy. ‘If you have an area surrounded by trees, flowerbeds or shrubs, it makes your outdoor living room feel more intimate and inviting, especially in the evening with the addition of candles and lanterns,’ says Sue Jones, co-founder at Oka. ‘Try to pick somewhere relatively close to the house so you won’t have to carry trays of drinks or platters of food across the garden.’
2 GET SETTLED
Treat the purchase of outdoor furniture in the same way that you would search for a living room sofa. Try out different pieces to ensure optimum comfort, and consider whether the scale of the pieces will work on your patio or deck. ‘It’s easy to consider your home and garden as separate but by unifying the two spaces you can create a sense of cohesion. Opt for designs that align with the style of your home, whether that’s contemporary, colourful or classic while being durable enough to remain outdoors,’ suggests Francesca Hadland, styling expert for Bridgman. The set here would look stunning in either a garden or conservatory.
3 THROWINGSHADE
We all love the summer, but having a space to escape the rays can be vital to the enjoyment of an alfresco space. There are a number of ways to shield your outdoor seating area. Trees can create a natural canopy; a pergola can provide dappled shade, especially when combined with climbing plants; or you could install a sail or screen that can be left up all year. For a temporary shaded oasis, suspend a beautiful lace sheet over a dining table or seating area to provide respite from the heat of the day. Metal washers will protect the fabric from tearing at the corners. Add to the charm by dressing a painted wooden table with layers of linen.
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