It’s time to take life outdoors. We check out the top trends for al fresco living in a Scottish climate.

Bright ideas for styling your patio or garden when the warm weather allows us all a little al fresco living - or simply laze in the sun

As the weather takes a turn for the better, we keep our fingers crossed and dream of taking life outdoors.

It’s time to dust off those garden chairs and think about embracing the sunshine and styling those outside spaces with as much care and attention as our interiors.

In an age of bi-fold doors, summer houses and outdoor rooms, there is as much potential for creating gorgeous retreats outwith the four walls of our homes as within.

Al fresco is here to stay

Go bright and bring a little sunshine into your outdoor space whatever the weather – the beauty of taking life outside is that it is more fun and that means that we don’t have to adhere to strict schemes and design rules. If you are going to invest in a new dining set or some patio furniture, it pays to go for a neutral tone.

Dark hues such as green or grey are great, as they won’t get grubby especially if there are children around. Then you can pile on the style with beautiful bright accessories.

Go for cushions and throws in colourful bohemian prints or add plenty of beautiful blooms to bring the space to life. You can lift a dull table by adding place settings in bright yellows and pinks to add a party atmosphere to your outside space.

Small spaces work, too

If you have a tiny courtyard or a balcony as your only outside space, don’t panic. Choose your outdoor furniture carefully and you can still create a cute retreat for those warm evenings. A bistro set will work well, or do you have a corner where you could put a small rattan sofa?

Think about traditional fold-up deckchairs in modern prints for a practical solution for small gardens. Introduce planting in bright pots to add colour and attract wildlife to the space.

Swing low

A top trend for 2018 – embrace those lazy days of summer in a hammock or hanging chair. Just make sure the kids know it’s strictly not a new toy!

Choose from the traditional hammock strung between two trees or any number of modern equivalents for the ultimate chill-out area.

Pile on the cushions and blankets for days when there’s a chill in the air.

Stay warm

OK, so the sultry summer nights can be few and far between here in Scotland, so there is no harm in taking a few precautions against that east wind or the approach of the dreaded haar.

Have a few pretty throws to hand to give your outdoor dining experience a Scandi feel or, if you are a dedicated al fresco entertainer, consider investing in a patio heater or a stunning fire-pit, which you can gaze into long into the night.

Night lights

As darkness falls, some well-chosen lighting will add to the outdoor atmosphere.

Festoon your garden with strings of lights for an evening party or investigate the incredible array of solar lighting available, these are now made in every shape and size imaginable and are very flexible as they don’t need to be plugged in.