Set a scene with seating

Your patio should be furnished in style, so that there’s a seamless transition from indoors to out.

“As the warmer months make a welcome return, we all remember the simple pleasures of spending time relaxing in the garden,” says Marcus Eyles, buying director at Dobbies garden centres.

“With so many different looks to choose from, you can easily transform your outside space to become a stylish extension of your home.

“Our Refined Coastal collection, inspired by breaking waves and endless skies, is a sophisticated but laid-back interpretation of the nautical trend.

“A restful palette of pale blues, warm whites, soft neutrals and breezy stripes, which complements sleek, timber furniture and seafarer accessories.

“Generally, there’s a move towards bold multicultural prints and exotic planting reflecting global influences in decor, but the demand for a palette of soft tones and natural materials never wanes.” Patio project: Mix indoor and outdoor natural materials, so you blur the boundary between the indoors and the outdoors.

A balanced combination of rattan, wood, metal, ceramics and glass will give a space a natural, collected feel and connect the interior with the exterior.