Though overseas holidays have been cancelled this summer, this doesn’t mean that you can’t bring a little of the outside world into your own space and enjoy some quality time at home, while creating a garden inspired by the world at large.
When looking to produce an inviting outdoor space, it’s important to plan well, taking into account where the sun falls, what you will be using the garden for and at what time of day you’ll be planning to spend time there. Garden designers will often loosely separate your space into zones – a barbecue area, sunbathing space, dining, etc – so it’s key to ensure you have the right items in the best places for your use.
Once you have your lovely garden laid out, you’ll need to furnish it with some charming pieces that tie in with your theme and encourage you to spend all day and night out there. Leading garden centre Hayes Garden World bring us their top picks, whatever theme you are going for, they have some top pieces to complement the look and ensure your garden is the envy of your neighbours.
Maldives: Lounge Sets
Relax, recline and recreate an enviable beach bar vibe as you sip cocktails on a beach-inspired lounge set. With rattan-inspired designs and luxurious comfy cushions, these sets are sure to whisk your imagination away to your favourite sandy spot.
Alexander Rose Ocean Maldives Lounge Set
Lap up the luxury with this super modern set sure to transport you to sunnier climes. The perfect spot for lounging, chatting and sipping on a drink, while adding some style to your garden, this lounge set comes with two chairs, a sofa and glass topped coffee and side tables.
Alexander Rose Ocean Pearl Lounge Set
This elegant pearl toned set comprises a sofa, two chairs and a coffee table with the basket weave pattern not only offering maintenance free furniture but a cool, fresh look too. Pair with other items from the set and you’ll have a coordinated garden ready for entertaining.
Shop all lounge and garden furniture sets here
UK Countryside: Garden benches and swing seats
A typical UK countryside garden embodies overflowing flower patches, plenty of greenery and lots of inviting areas for local wildlife. Where better to enjoy your peaceful and colourful space than a garden bench or swing seat?
5ft Solid Teak Tenbury Garden Bench
Take a break from gardening with this solid teak bench, boasting a smooth lustre and texture with a closely interlocked grain. Pair with a coffee or side table to create a set and you’ll be taking plenty of breaks in this inviting area. Make sure you keep this well treated to ensure the pale-yellow appearance doesn’t turn to a silvery grey.
Barlow Tyrie Monaco 150cm Swing Seat
Is there anything more relaxing than gently swaying in the warming sun upon a comfortable perch? Suspended by braided rope, everyone will be fighting over a spot on this sophisticated teak swing seat, which will quickly become a focal point of your garden.
Shop all benches and swing seats here
Italian coast: Bistro Sets
Cast your imagination to the Italian coast with these intricate aluminium bistro sets. Reminiscent of cosy European cafes and al fresco dining, these comfy sets will help you make the most of eating outside.
Hartman Rimini Bistro Set
This bronze cast aluminium set makes the ideal compact dining spot for a couple or as additional seating in a separate part of the garden. Cushions are made with an all-weather fabric and the lightweight material of the table and chairs also makes it rust free.
Alexander Rose Monte Carlo Bistro Set
This resin weave set will pair well with many other garden furniture items on the list, so you don’t have to compromise on style and continuity in your outdoor space. Perfect for a balcony or small patio, this set will last for a long time and the stackable chairs are ideal for storing away in colder months.
Shop all bistro sets here
South of France: Parasols
The sun may not be as strong in the UK as your favourite holiday destination, but it’s still important to make the most of the shade, especially as we’re not so used to the sun making an appearance. Fortunately, you can seek shade in style with these elegant garden parasols.
Wall Mounted Square Cantilever Parasol
This wall-mounted parasol is perfect for those who need cover in an instant. The compact design makes it ideal for storing away neatly and a cover means that you’ll be able to benefit from this for years to come.
Norfolk Leisure 3m Square Royce Cantilever Parasol
You need never bake in the sun again with this three-metre square cantilever parasol. Choose from carbon or taupe to match with your garden and enjoy al fresco dining with some welcome shade.
Shop all parasols here
Caribbean: Sun loungers
While you can’t go jetting off to the Caribbean this summer, you can still make the most of some time to yourself with a garden sun lounger. Sit back, relax and soak up some rays with one of these great picks.
Alexander Road Ocean Fiji Adjustable Sunbed With Cushion
This contoured sunbed offers maximum comfort along with a cushion and adjustable position so you can lie flat or upright. The modern look will fit right in alongside the Alexander Rose Ocean Maldives Lounge Set so you can switch from socialising to sunbathing in your stylish garden in an instant.
Barlow Tyrie Sun Lounger Cushion
Made with durable fabric to withstand vigorous cleaning and to repel water, this cushion is available in white sand, pepper and sand colours. Choose from standard or rain, which has an additional barrier coating to make it waterproof, and this cushion will complement your lounger adding comfort and style.
Shop all sun loungers here
Rome: Pergolas
Bring a hint of classical Rome into your garden space with a stunning pergola. These striking garden features offer an elegant option for shade and are perfect for dining under for lunch when the sun is at its strongest.
Hartman Cast Aluminium Roma Pergola
Choose from a bronze or grey effect and use with or without the retractable waterproof canopy ensuring versatility in your garden. This pergola is three-metre square making ideal to envelope a dining area or to be paired with a bench or bistro set.
Forest Garden Ultima Pergola Arch
This wooden arch pergola will blend seamlessly into your garden and makes the perfect item to grow climbing plants up the trellis. Reaching 2.7 metres high, this could create the ideal entryway to another part of your garden.
Shop all pergolas here
Morocco: Fire pits
Add a hint of Moroccan heat to your garden dining this summer with a fire pit. Not only will a fire pit add a touch of elegance to your outdoor area, but it’s a great source of heat and can be used to cook authentic dishes too.
Happy Cocooning Square Fire pit
Warm yourself up when the sun goes down and create a cosy atmosphere with this gas fire pit. No more trying to strategically avoid the waft of smoke, this fire pit is easy to light, looks authentic and is strong and weatherproof too.
Shop all fire pits here
