Let your outdoors take centre stage

SUMMER IS FAST APPROACHING AND THIS YEAR GETTING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE IN TIP TOP CONDITION HAS NEVER BEEN MORE TEMPTING

Spring may not have got off to the warmest of starts but summer is fast approaching; and this year, the garden is set to take centre stage like never before – taking outdoor living to a whole new level.

It starts with our desire to take full advantage of every inch of our home. Homes can easily become overcrowded and cluttered, with both people and belongings, so the great outdoors can literally feel like a breath of fresh air.

But if you’re going to enjoy the garden to its maximum, you need to ensure it’s in fine form. And fortunately, I have plenty of hints and tips to make sure it is.

PERMANENT PIECES

The key to making the most of outdoor living this summer is fixed furnishings – items you don’t have to remove each evening.

Summer houses are ideal. And while they might sound expensive, there really is something to suit all budgets.

From flat-pack gazebos to made-tomeasure garden rooms, the choice is endless.

Once you have decided on your structure, it’s time to make it more homely. Garden furniture is a must – don’t be tempted to use indoor furniture outside. As much as a couch might look great, you need something that will stand up to everything the Great British weather can throw at it. Fortunately, there are some stunning pieces that have been purposely created for the garden. And what’s more, you can accessorise them with waterresistant cushions, throws for extra warmth when the sun goes in and side tables. Accessorise as you would any other room in the home.

TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

If you plan to make full use of your garden room, lighting is a must.

Solar lights have come on hugely over the years, both in technology and design. Today you can get solar lights in all designs imaginable, from the traditional ‘stork’ concept to string lights and lanterns. Powered by the sun’s energy, they are super easy to install and don’t require a mains connection.

The same can be said for batterypowered illumination. Like their solar powered counterparts, these beauties are available in all manner of designs, including strip lights.

Strip lights are ideal if you want to illuminate a specific area, such as under a bench or around the edge of your decking.

Just remember to stock up on the AAs to ensure no unexpected lighting outage.

HOT STUFF

You wouldn’t entertain the idea of a house with no heat source, and while in an ideal world we would rely on the sun to keep us toasty all day and into the evening, sometimes we need to look elsewhere.

Firepits have long been a popular go-to for external heating. And why not? They look fantastic and are extremely welcoming. Just don’t be tempted to bring them into any kind of shelter – wide open spaces are a must.

If yours has seen better days, and you are on the hunt for a new one, a copper-coloured firepit is the go-to look this season.

In fact, copper accents can be used Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling. She lives in Wales where she is lead designer at luxury interiors lifestyle store Taylor’s Home and Interiors taylors-home andinteriors.co.uk

Choose lighting that is practical, safe and easy on the eye

There are outdoor gazebos to suit every budget

Make the most of your outdoor space with a permanent garden structure

Invest in furniture specifically designed for outdoor use

Add heat and atmosphere with a Morso outdoor fireplace all over the garden to add a contemporary look. Everything from plant pots and watering cans to copperinspired garden hoses.