Gardens, balconies, decks… whatever the outdoor space you have, you want to make the most of it during the summer and make it feel an extension of your home. Here are some quick ideas to make your outdoor room feel fresh, and make it feel part of your home without stealing too much time away from your well earned rest and relaxation in the sunshine.

Bring your favourite things into the garden

Garden furniture is having quite the renaissance and whether you have super cool rattan or a more traditional garden set in your space, be sure to style up your alfresco space. Add vases of flowers to your table – take cuttings from your own flowers to make this cheap and cheerful – and make sure you have lots of plants around.

Find old mirrors from inside and fix them to fences to reflect colour and light around your exterior space. Have plenty of lanterns and candles dotted into between to light when the sun goes down and create a magical space for you to enjoy or entertain in.

Make fire a feature

Fire features have also been enjoying a revival lately and there is a huge array available in a range of price points. They add an instant gathering point when entertaining, making the night last longer when cosying up next to the fire whilst the sun goes down, and are the perfect centre piece for dessert and toasting marshmallows.

Make a modern statement with a fire pit, or go more traditional with a charming chim-inea. Ensure you have plenty of seating around your warm centre piece and lots of blankets on hand to make everything extra cosy.

Add lots of pillows and throws

There’s no easier, or economical, way to bring new life to outdoor seating than pulling together a new colour palette in your garden. Update your furniture with pillows in summery hues like citrus brights and swimming pool blues, and add throws for when the sun sets so you can continue outside in those balmy evenings.

If you want to add something really special, there are lots of wonderful outdoor rugs that can be added to your seating areas to bring more pattern and colour to your space. Add flowers in a contrasting colour to make everything that little bit more cheerful.

Outdoor lighting

There are so many outdoor lighting solutions you can pick from. Whether it’s gorgeous solar bulbs hanging in trees and branches, fabulous festoon lights draped from pergolas, or lots of solar lights dotted in pots and plants, be sure to add more and more.

Create a beautiful spot by twisting a string of white lights around trees or shrubs. Not only will this create an enchanting place to sit in the evenings, but it will be charming to look at from inside your home. For something even more special, add an old lantern or chandelier above your pergola, style with faux greenery and add candles to light when the day turns to dusk.

Enjoy the sunshine!