How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Space

Summer has well and truly arrived and with it has brought some rather good spells of weather that is ideal for enjoying our outdoor spaces and gardens. With a fabulous array of outdoor furniture and accessories available across the high street it is easier than ever to create an outdoor living space that oozes style and sophistication while creating a functional area to enjoy a garden party or BBQ that will wow your family and friends.

Whether you love classic botanical beauty or sleek, ultra modern landscaped gardens we have a few ideas and items that will create visual style and elegance in both large and small outdoor spaces.

Creating a seating area in your outdoor space is one of the most important aspects of garden design and can bring elements of your interior living room into your exterior living spaces to create a fluid balance of style. If your outdoor spaces are small or compact such as a square patio area or balcony then select items that make the most of the limited space whilst still providing practical seating for enjoying a glass of wine or cup of tea.

Classic bistro sets give a compact yet spacious seating area that embodies the refinement and elegance of a stylish French cafe and can be painted in a selection of glamorous black and silver or light white and pastels for a shabby chic look and finish. For larger outdoor spaces such as lawned areas or decking then why not opt for a stylish rattan furniture set that will create a luxurious and super comfortable space in which to sit back and relax. Choose classic sofa and armchair combinations or throw in an opulent day bed with a overhead canopy for lounging in the shade on hotter summer days.

Complete the laid back living look with a selection of outdoor cushions that can be scattered across your seating area or piled into a fabulous bohemian hammock or swinging chair in a shaded corner of the garden. For a classic ‘English cottage’ garden look then select floral cushions in rich red, pink , blue and green colour tones with familiar prints of your favourite blooms such as roses, daisies, gerberas or hydrangea in simple cotton and linen fabrics for a fresh and feminine look. For a more tropical look then opt for palm tree, flamingo and beach landscape images or modern, brightly striped designs that look great on contemporary rattan furniture items.

Classic Mediterranean gardens can be complimented with rich terracotta, beige, orange and yellow cushions featuring simple Greek key designs or more flamboyant Moroccan style designs for a vibrant and uplifting look. For cooler summer evenings place a shelf or box of co-ordinating throws next to your seating area to keep your guests warm and cosy while they enjoy the stylish surroundings.

Include outdoor areas that meet you and your family’s personal needs or showcase any green fingered hobbies that you may enjoy. Create a potting area in a shed or sheltered corner of your garden using a simple wooden or metal console table and shelving  and a secure chest or cabinet for your tools and accessories.

For the children, section off an area for their outdoor playing equipment and ensure that they have a soft grass or rubber matting base to avoid any bumps and bruises. If you don’t have space for a designated area then add a large toy style chest with a selection of activities and toys such as bats and balls, snakes and ladders and water pistols to keep them busy during the summer holidays. If you love BBQ season then why not create a specified BBQ area where you will find everything you need for a successful cooking session. Create a hanging space for tools and a cupboard area for serving plates and cutlery.

The finishing touch to any outdoor living area is a selection of lighting that will illuminate your garden and allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces even after the sun has gone down. If you have a decked area in your garden then why not include some simple yet stylish decking lights that will create focused areas of light around your seating area while adding to the sleek and contemporary look of your exterior space.

For a more traditional look then select some classic street lamp style illumination that will provide a more ambient light that will scatter across your entire garden area. Illuminated pots can be powered using simple battery powered LEDs for a sculptural and artistic look or line your paths and borders with solar powered lighting in simple chrome, coloured glass or novelty designs such as butterflies or frogs. For smaller spaces use Moroccan or nautical style storm lanterns with large church style candles for a cosy and romantic area of illumination.

For more ideas on creating the perfect outdoor living space, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Outdoor Living