Inspiring ideas for al fresco lounge, dining and kitchen to create the sanctuary of your dreams
Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony, a sprawling garden, or something in between, your outside space can be styled to offer holiday vibes all year long. First, think about how you want to use the space; do you want a cosy spot for your morning brew or an outdoor kitchen for entertaining? If you have the space, consider ‘garden zoning’ – creating dedicated areas for lounging, wellness, dining and cooking. Read on to give your garden the summer glow-up it deserves.
Outdoor lounge
Transform your outside space into a second living room by combining durable garden sofas and furniture with cosy accessories, such as outdoor rugs, outdoor cushions and all-weather heating. Don’t forget a table for your cuppa or cocktail.
Outdoor dining
If you love to host, measure up in order to maximise seating with a garden furniture set or a modular sofa. Compact bistro sets are a great choice for smaller spaces, giving you the option to fold up and store when not in use. When positioning your furniture, think about where gets the sunlight.
Outdoor kitchen
Bring on the BBQ feasting with a barbecue or outdoor pizza oven, or keep things cosy with a firepit that you can sit around chatting late into a summer evening. Check out hostess supremo Laura Jackson’s inspiring tips for elevated al fresco entertaining.
Outdoor atmosphere
Make your garden’s atmosphere so comfy and welcoming you’ll never want to leave, with small-yet-mighty garden accessories, such as outside lighting, candles and planters filled with deeply scented plants, such as lavender. Then sit back and recharge in your corner of paradise.
Finishing touches
You can also dedicate your outdoor space to the things you love. Maybe that’s an outdoor cinema with well-padded seats and a projector, or reading (or snoozing) in the sunshine in your dream chair or sun lounger. Add a water feature or a bird feeder to introduce the calming sounds of nature.
