INVEST IN MULTITASKING FURNITURE

As the trend for taking the inside out has taken hold, with soft furnishings and lighter textures making the move outside, garden furniture collections are increasingly looking like something you might have indoors. Cox & Cox’s outdoor tables and chairs, made from materials such as acacia, eucalyptus and rattan, would sit perfectly well inside and are light enough to be carried outdoors on sunny days, making them a good choice for those with smaller gardens who might not want a dining set taking up space all day long. For a more permanent solution, concrete tables add an industrial-chic edge and are easy to keep clean, while minimalist options, such as this powdercoated aluminium Eos collection from Heal’s (£185 for a chair; heals.com), will brighten up shady corners.

Go for minimalist shapes and warm hues