Live life to the full outside this summer

Outdoor seating
Helen Stone,-Interiors Writer

Gain some extra space at home by making an outdoor area the place to go for living and dining

If we’ve learnt one thing during lockdown it’s that we can embrace life outdoors despite  (understandable) worries about the weather. Dinner in the garden can now be any day of the week, not just something saved for weekends or for when friends pop over.

And we’re loving it. Going al fresco is relaxed and easy, nature is ever-changing and so is the view, and the house stays tidier that bit longer… all positives. To make the most of this, see how much of your everyday life and your indoor accessories can be posted outside, and bag yourself the best seat in the sun.

Bring out the home comforts

Comfort is essential for any outside time and you can never have too many cushions. Outdoor cushions in weatherproof fabrics are designed to deal with the odd shower, but your regular cushions can also save the day here. Lay down a throw to protect fabrics and keep a large bag or basket just inside the back door for depositing them at night, safe from dew.

garden ideas deckchair

Follow the sun

Fixed seating such as an outdoor sofa or a garden table and chairs is great for being ever-ready but sometimes you want something lighter or more flexible for nimbly hopping in and out of the shade. A deckchair is a winner that folds flat for easy storage while camping chairs can also go into the car and journey out with you on day trips. Our favourite? The simple folding chair – light, versatile and as useful for squeezing in extra guests at the indoor table come Christmas as they are for taking on a picnic this summer.

garden ideas coffee spot

Style a living area

If you’re passionate about your home, you’ll want to see that care and attention reflected outdoors so get styling. Use the same principles of colour, texture and proportion, adding in accent colours and features. Go ahead and paint a section of wall to help cement it as a destination spot and fill the area with plants for height and movement. Don’t forget to add lighting too. There are extra dimensions you can bring outdoors such as sound and scent that can have a powerful effect on your mood – perhaps things to introduce back indoors when you finally head back in at the end of summer.

garden ideas outdoor furntiture

Switch things around

The threshold between indoors and outdoors is all the more important when you are in and out all day so make sure you’re using your indoor space to its full potential too. Consider shaking up your living arrangements to create soft seating areas within easy reach of the garden or even a hotel-style bar area to retreat to in the evening.

garden ideas dining

Stay close to home

The golden rule of getting the most from your outdoor space is to make things easy. Keep everything within striding distance and banish the ball games and the trampoline to the far-flung corners of the garden. Outdoor kitchens are on the up with BBQ and sink stations just outside the door for easy prep and sociable cooking, while a deck/verandah can be divided into living zones, moving from dining to relaxing without having to set foot indoors.

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