THE GOOD LIFE

Create your dream outdoor space with a few key elements.

Al fresco dining is the perfect way to savour those last days of summer, particularly if the spot offers easy access, a relaxing outlook, a little shade and some ambient lighting. Regardless of whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling area, creating the ideal outdoor space is possible with just a few basic pieces. Start with a comfortable place to sit that works with the size of your space. Create some shade, whether it’s with an umbrella or something more permanent. Add some lighting, such as a pretty string of festoon or fairy lights, some stylish hurricane lanterns or some ambient wall lights. And then you can decorate to your heart’s content with potted plants, art and sculpture, outdoor rugs and cushions.