All set for outdoor living to enjoy the best of summer

You could be forgiven for thinking summer itself was on holiday this year, so poor was the start to the season. As I write this I’m still waiting for summer to show any stability, but that hasn’t lessened my resolve to make the very most of every free moment I have before the weather turns and the evenings start to shorten again. I started making plans for maximising my summer in early spring when I began organising my outdoor space.

I stained the deck and the outdoor dining furniture, I splashed out and bought a new couch and chaise on which I plan to catch late evening sunsets as often as possible.

I even sought out new cushions for that set and a box in which to store them outside.

A month or so ago I unpacked new lights to add that special something to my outdoor space so now there are fairy lights in trees and smart LED spotlights tucked in corners.

January’s Homed is packed with tips on how to make the most of your outdoor space and how to get your outdoor lighting right, but along with those practical ideas we have the Richards family’s fabulous Moncks Spur renovation and cute stories about Cantabrians and their beloved caravans.

Don’t miss Julia Atkinson-Dunn’s piece on her first year of gardening – it’s a great read for anyone considering trying out their green thumb.

Homed editor Colleen O’Hanlon is all for taking advantage of every drop of the golden weather before the cold takes hold again.