A garden staycation
Want to get that holiday vibe at home? From outdoor tiling to the perfect alfresco dining spot, here’s how to make your outdoor space feel like a summer escape
Our outdoor spaces have become our sanctuaries over the past year – and now more than ever, as many of us are unlikely to travel abroad this summer. The great news is that you can transform your garden into a holiday paradise – all it takes are some simple tweaks and clever styling choices.
LET IT FLOW
Alfresco eating is key to that holiday feel, so make it inviting to step out of your back door into your dining area. Whether you choose a long table for summer meals with friends or soft, comfortable seating with a coffee table for drinks, opt for easy-clean, non-slip outdoor tiling that will continue the flow from house to garden. If you want to keep your parties going late into the night, vitrified porcelain tiling is impervious to fire and staining (as well as frost and mould), so it’s the ideal surface for a firepit.
ADD ATMOSPHERE
Great lighting is an easy way to create the ideal holiday ambience. String up some festoon lighting or lanterns to give you that warm, soft summer glow, or line your patio with solar garden torches.
GET IN THE ZONE
Creating clearly defined areas with different purposes is a smart way to make your garden feel like a holiday retreat – and flooring is key. Topps Tiles’ easy-to-install Everscape outdoor range is available in various sizes and colours, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. Not only does it look super-stylish but it can also be laid on gravel, grass or cement to create anything from a sun-drenched spot for your favourite chair to a breezy terrace. For the ultimate in beach-style relaxation, add a hammock, either hung between trees or freestanding.
FINISHING TOUCHES
For a lush, tropical feel that will make it seem as if you’re miles from home, add vibrant fragrant blooms and potted palms. Bamboo screens work well to break up areas, and you could even add a pop-up bar for evening cocktails using pallets. Colourful accessories such as oversized cushions, blankets and outdoor rugs will also make an impact, as well as ensuring you won’t want to leave your garden escape.