The time has (finally!) come to get your garden ready for the barbecues of 2016. But before you pull out the ingredients for Pimm’s, have you thought about how you’ll stylishly seat your guests?
It’s all about taking the inside out and getting creative. Who said that decorative pieces and furniture for our homes couldn’t stretch to our gardens, too? And this is especially true when creating a space for eating and drinking with friends outside.
Zone it with a rug
Placing a rug outside may seem like a contradiction in terms, but it’s the perfect way to really create a “room” in an outside space. Use a rug you aren’t too precious about, or check out the range of smart outdoor ones available. Here, this colourful rug zones the seating area and acts as a stunning focal point.
Embrace soft furnishings
You may think cushions and throws have no place outside, but think again. These details add the “life” and warmth to a seating space, which is particularly important when entertaining guests.
Go for accessories in floral prints or with bold flashes of colour to complement summer gardens. Be playful and don’t be afraid to embrace vibrant hues, because this will ultimately give your space personality.
Paint a wall
Just as painting a wall inside can transform a room, so too can it work wonders outdoors. This seating area looks lovely thanks to the simple combination of foliage, paper lanterns and a sturdy, functional bench set against a smart grey backdrop.
The table would also look great adorned with fresh flowers and candelabras. Visit local garden centres to pick up more design ideas on how to dress up your outdoor table.
Have a small gathering
Even if your outside area is mini, you can still have a stylish entertaining spot. The goal is to create the illusion of space and this can be achieved in a number of ways.
Here, the white-painted walls really open up this little courtyard. If you have decking, paint it white so it contrasts with the bright bursts of colour from any flowers nearby. If you have a fence, try hanging a selection of vintage mirrors on it, which will immediately appear to expand the area.
Think about where your guests will sit, too – in this small garden, a bench would work well to squeeze in even more seating.
Embrace Moroccan influences
Re-create a summer night away from it all by looking to a Moroccan scheme for inspiration. These patterned floor tiles form a stunning carpet effect and contrast well with the more natural and organic wooden table and bamboo chairs.
Add in a mix of different-sized floor cushions to create a comfortable atmosphere and illuminate the space with Moroccan-style pendants and lighting. Consider embracing exotic jewel colours, too, and striking North African prints. If you don’t have any outside electrics, use oversized Moroccan candle lanterns on the floor instead, with smaller versions on the table to create intimacy.
Take the sofa outside
Your choice of seating can define the style of your outside space. Go the whole hog and opt for an outdoor sofa, piled high with a beautiful throw and cushions for guests to totally relax.
Alternatively, opt for the mismatched approach and furnish your garden with a selection of affordable vintage chairs bought at a flea market and adorned with soft throws. These chairs can easily be stored away in winter.
Think about lighting
Waterproof fairy lights and lanterns are essential for creating a sociable atmosphere at a seating area in the evenings. If you don’t have outside electricity, go overboard on tealights – you could even string them up inside jam jars for a similarly twinkly effect. Solar path lights are also an effective way of highlighting your flowers after dark and adding subtle mood lighting to an area.
Here, the simple wooden bench means you can cater for lots of people in an informal, relaxed manner.
Be weather prepared
Let’s face it – English weather is unpredictable at the best of times, so the most practical advice is to create an intimate seating area under shelter. Consider spending a weekend constructing a timber pergola like this one to house a table and chairs beneath. Give it a beautiful Mediterranean look by growing vines over the top or add a simple reed roof for a more tropical feel.
Source: Houzz
