There is a particular point in the British calendar – usually triggered by three consecutive days of 18 degrees-plus – when the garden abruptly becomes the most important room in the house.
Doors are opened, barbecue invitations sent, and suddenly we’re all determined to live alfresco as though we’ve been doing it for years, rather than optimistically for a long weekend in June.
For those of us who take these things seriously (and if you’re reading this, you probably do too), the modern garden is no longer a secondary concern.
The brief is simple: your outdoor space should feel like another room, just with a lot more ventilation.
It’s a little late in the day to hire a landscape architect, so let’s think about the furniture and accessories available that can transform your outdoor experience.
INSIDE OUT: Summer is finally here. When you select your outdoor furniture it’s time to lean into different eras for design inspiration.
Seat (of power)
The biggest shift in outdoor living is that the most exciting furniture has stopped trying to look traditionally “outdoor”. Sofas have taken precedence in the hierarchy of outdoor additions. Curved silhouettes are leading the charge again, softening a space immediately, making everything feel more relaxed, more sociable, and considerably more expensive, especially effective when sat in contrast to urban-coded materials like concrete, rendering and stonework (so you can leave the unpainted brickwork as is).
I’m always excited to see a little bold use of colour (hi there, lilac, brick red and sky blue), but if your tastes bend towards neutral, consider adding vibrancy with cushions and throws to add a little spice.
PURPLE REIGN: bold colour and softness contrast beautifully with concrete and stone, evidenced here by Ligne Roset.
Stylistically, timber finishes still reign for sofas and dining tables and chairs, largely because it ages so well and is fundamentally a sustainable choice. But it’s rarely best left alone: paired with powder-coated aluminium, woven rope detailing or textural upholstery that wouldn’t look out of place indoors can look incredible.
That’s the point: nothing should feel like it was bought in a moment of seasonal panic. Avoid the tyranny of the matching set. A garden scheme that looks like it arrived in a single van is rarely a good one.
Mix shapes, finishes, even eras if you can get away with it. The furniture you chose should be a true reflection of your taste and style and not just what’s available for next-day delivery on Amazon.
Lounge act
For a more intimate setting, armchairs are a must-have in my view, perhaps as habitually I associate them with both the beginning and end of the day.
Starting the day wrapped in a blanket, enjoying the morning sun with a black coffee, or sharing the warmth of a fire pit at sundown with a glass of wine is my (and probably many people’s) idea of heaven. Weighty armchairs create a focal point: even going so far as to pick something too dramatic for indoors will give the garden a memorable visual anchor.
GROUDS FOR OPTIMISM: investing in weighty, dramatic pieces, like this Olena chair from RH, anchors the garden layout.
If your space is home to a water feature – or a pool, you lucky thing – then don’t shy away from sun loungers. Look to the 1970s sleek and chic aesthetic to stay (ironically) ahead of the curve, avoiding a rather dated slatted timber shaker style that can feel a lot less sophisticated. Powder-coated finishes here will last a decade, and you can update upholstery over time, if needs be.
Glow get ’em
Speaking of fire pits, it’s worth remembering that even in high summer, British evenings have a habit of cooling just as things get going. Heating isn’t indulgent, but a practical addition. Yes, there are some amazing electric heaters available but few things can beat the natural glow and heat from burning wood.
If you’d like to add a wow factor with a decent scale, try a larger, sculptural fire pit instead so it doesn’t turn into a camping expedition. Beyond natural lighting or the glow from a fire, strategically placed uplighters can now be added without a fussy installation, using battery or solar powered variants.
FIRE STARTER: the handmade Dewdrop fire pit from Glowbus creates a stunning sculptural focal point.
Locate all perimeter lighting indirectly and incrementally to highlight trees, foliage or brickwork, adding some decorative accents for interest closer to seating areas. Wireless lamps can really up the ante on interior style outdoors. Just always be careful to pick a warm-white colour temperature for a flattering look.
Sitting pretty
Regardless of the area you have available, the best outdoor spaces share a common quality: they don’t try too hard.
There’s a confidence in choosing fewer, better things. In allowing space between objects and resisting the urge to fill every corner with small accessories or garden centre mirrors that won’t last a season simply because you have a blank spot.
A well-made sofa, stunning armchairs, some oversized planters and lighting that flatters suggest you’ve thought about how people actually use the space – that’s where the luxury lies. Or perhaps, sits.
Five tips to get it right
1. Know your habits
Think about how you’d like your garden to function. Is it for lounging and drinks? Cooking alfresco? Create zones to maximise your use year round.
2. Be the gallery owner
Your furniture should feel collected, not installed: avoid matching sets and opt for vintage pieces for added distinctiveness.
3. Store it
Your furniture scheme is a big investment, so ensure you have adequate storage for when it’s not in use, as well as covers for the coolest months. You’ll add years to your purchase by taking care of it when the weather inevitably fails us.
4. Bright horizons
Lighting and aspect are key. Note where you get the most sunshine throughout the day to maximise daily use of your seating areas, introducing lighting to extend the day and uplift your scheme.
5. Bigger is better
Scale matters when it comes to furniture and planters. Creating single and dramatic focal points is usually more effective than smaller gestures that make your garden feel cluttered.
For more inspiration, see rh.com, molteni.it, ligne-roset.com, and glowbus.co.uk
