Summer is just around the corner and there’s something quite amazing about the long balmy nights and being able to entertain friends and family whilst keeping the mess outside. And just as open-plan living has revolutionised our interior spaces, a well-designed garden can create an inviting and functional extension of your home.
Here, we’ll explore the latest trends and tips to help you elevate your garden and create an unforgettable summer oasis.
Create zones
Living in England, where the weather is more than temperamental, hosting outdoor gatherings like barbecues can be a gamble. There’s nothing more disappointing than planning a gathering, prepping the food, and sending out invitations, only to have rain dampen your day. A veranda is the perfect solution to ensure your events remain unaffected by unpredictable weather, providing an elegant and functional addition to your home.
A veranda serves as a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling you to make the most of your garden. It’s an extension of your living area that acts as an additional room, ideal for entertaining guests and maximising all areas of your home.
Create an outdoor viewing experience.
2024 is the summer of sport. And with the highly anticipated Euros and Olympics on the horizon, it’s time to start planning how you’ll make the most of all the excitement this summer. Why not transform your garden into an unforgettable outdoor screening venue by investing in an outdoor projector – that can be projected against a wall, or if you really want to go all out, a screen. This simple addition allows you to kick back, relax, and enjoy the excitement of the games from the comfort of your own home.
And once the sporting season is over, you can create an outdoor cinema experience and cosy up in blankets whilst eating popcorn under the stars.
Elegance and comfort
A main focal point that doubles as a seating area is a must for any upscale garden. An L or U-shaped corner sofa will naturally create a comfortable, inviting nook that’s perfect for get-togethers. Add an outdoor rug and a high-table and instantly you have somewhere for guests to gather and relax. Rattan furniture remains a popular choice for outdoor spaces, thanks to its timeless appeal and durability. Invest in high-quality, heavy-duty rattan pieces that will withstand the elements and retain their beauty for summers to come. While this may require a higher initial investment, the long-lasting comfort and elegance it provides will be well worth it, allowing you to savour your garden oasis year after year.
Most gardens in the UK also have a small area, that gets the very last moments of the sunshine. Consider adding a bench or a small table and chairs here to enjoy the cool beer or glass of wine as the sun sets. This intimate nook will serve as the perfect haven to unwind and appreciate your garden’s natural beauty.
Create an ambiance with lighting
You can transform your gardens into magical spaces with outdoor lighting ideas. As dusk descends, carefully positioned outdoor lighting ideas can play a central role for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Consider lighting up your new veranda or patio with more playful festoon lighting, helping to create a welcoming, fun, and party atmosphere. And think about which area of your garden you want to highlight – any problematic and potentially hazardous areas obviously need to be thought about. As do seating areas – as it’s likely you’ll be here until the darkest moments of the evening.
Uplighting can be a very effective way to enhance trees and shrubs as well as architectural elements in gardens.
The power of music
To truly elevate your garden gatherings and create a vibrant, inviting atmosphere, consider incorporating high-quality outdoor speakers into your space. With a variety of styles and sizes available, outdoor speakers can seamlessly blend with your garden’s aesthetic while providing exceptional sound quality. By syncing your speakers with a Bluetooth device or streaming music through a Wi-Fi connection, you’ll have an endless supply of tunes to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a lively barbecue, a sophisticated soirée, or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, the right soundtrack can create a different mood, and transform your garden into a lively and engaging setting. As the sun sets, use your outdoor speakers to transition from upbeat tunes to a more relaxing ambiance, creating the ultimate backdrop for a memorable evening under the stars.
