With the sun shining for days—and the novelty set to continue—there's no better time to reclaim your outdoor space and turn it into a welcoming retreat. However, if your garden or patio has been a little neglected due to lack of use last year, fear not!
Here are a few simple ways to transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat for family and friends in time for the weekend.
Get Cleaning!
It’s a boring job, but the first step to a stunning outdoor space is a thorough clean-up! Recruit the kids to jet wash the patio to instantly elevate the area. Follow it up by mowing the lawn for that fresh, manicured look.
You’ll be amazed how much these simple jobs will immediately elevate your outdoor area, thus setting the stage to create a beautiful space.
Define Your Purpose.
The next step is to decide how you want to use your outdoor area. Will it be a space for entertaining, dining and unwinding, or do you have a football team of kids kicking footballs and playing in sandpits?
Defining the purpose will help you determine the necessary furniture and accessories you need to create a space that works for your family’s lifestyle.
Choose Sociable, comfortable and low maintenance garden furniture
As much as we’d like to believe the sun will continue to shine, this is the UK, so of course rain is never too far away! With that in mind, be sure to opt for weather-resistant furniture, prioritising comfort and create sociable seating areas and cosy corners.
Position your main seating area around a fire pit for warmth and atmosphere. Style chunky throws in baskets, which are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are perfect to snuggle into for an evening under the stars.
Incorporate Greenery
Plants are a beautiful way to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space. However, if you are starting from scratch and have guests over at the weekend, you may want to consider faking it!
Faux trees have come a long way from the cringeworthy, highly flammable silk affairs of the 80’s! Today’s faux trees, such as olive, topiary and bay trees, are not only incredibly realistic, but can transform your garden into a Mediterranean haven in time for the weekend.
Pop them in the garage over the winter, and they will be as good as new next summer.
Add Lighting
Lighting is crucial for setting the mood as the sun goes down. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered garden lights will create a warm, enchanting holiday vibe.
Flickering LED candles in lanterns are another great way to create an atmospheric glow without the worry of setting the trees on fire!
Set them on tables and in lanterns for ambiance.
Garden Accessories
Finally, accessorise your outdoor space with personal touches. Cushions, throws, rugs and decorative items will transform your garden into a stylish extension of your home.
And don’t overlook the soundtrack!
Play some chilled deep house at a low volume to create those Ibiza vibes—just the right touch without disturbing the neighbours.
So whether you have a sprawling garden, a cosy balcony, or a small patio, you can create a beautiful retreat right outside your door.
Now, grab your sunscreen and get ready to soak up that sun… but be quick, it will probably be raining tomorrow!