Designs to dine out on
WE PROBABLY don’t need a consumer survey to tell us that sales of garden furniture and equipment have shot up in preparation for post-lockdown socialising. But it’s hard not to be impressed with a 1,700 per cent spike in February compared to the same time last year.
This massive rise in demand is for garden dining sets, according to online DIY and home retailer ManoMano, with sales of parasols and gazebos up 934 and 588 per cent.
With foreign travel still banned and holidaying at home looking more and more likely, “taking the inside out” is on a roll – combined with a trend for patio styling.
Online lighting specialists Lights4fun is promoting the North African look, with solar-powered Moroccan lanterns, stake lights and fairy lights, which look great teamed up with exotic cushions and throws on low tables and seating.
Already got an outdoor dining set but its fading? Jazz it up with bright sunshinecoloured paint for a more tropical feel.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paints work on most surfaces – even plastic or metal with the right preparation – and a coat of Chalk Paint Lacquer on top will leave furniture water resistant.
Similarly, Frenchic has an Al Fresco Inside/ Outdoor range for use on garden furniture that is self-priming, self-sealing and suitable for most surfaces.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to some new accessories, perhaps a double walled wine cooler or ice bucket fromViners’ new Barware collection, and you can imagine you’re in that boutique hotel you’ve always dreamed of.