OUTDOOR
LIVING SPACES Want to make the most of summer living? Follow our tips and create an open-air chill-out zone that’s built for soaking up those gorgeous rays…
H
ome renovations have a bad habit of stuffing up your holiday plans. Let’s face it – the minute you sign those mortgage papers, there’s always going to be something more sensible to blow your pay packet on than flights to the Maldives, or even Majorca. It’s possible that the last time you hit Ibiza, Zoe Ball and Norman Cook still ruled the It crowd. Happily, you needn’t sacrifice that long-
awaited bathroom revamp to enjoy some alfresco chill-out time. By taking a ‘living room’ approach to your garden design, you can while away lazy Sundays outdoors in unprecedented comfort (once you’re done repainting the hallway, obvs). Admittedly, the concept of creating a living room in the garden still sounds a bit continental, a.k.a. ‘Not British’. And we do have to tread with a little more caution when
selecting furniture and fittings than those who don’t see a raincloud from one winter to the next. But months of unrelenting sunshine isn’t essential, or even that desirable (honest). You’re aiming for a relaxing place to lounge outside, and there’s nothing relaxing about risking sunstroke. It’s wise to consider including a shady element to your scheme. There are lots of cheap and easy solutions like
Garden furniture, from a selection at Ikea Garden lighting extends how long you stay outdoors in the evenings and sets the mood for relaxing or entertaining. Stringing lights under a parasol can add twinkle, while a group of lanterns will bring romance. Any electric lighting should be IP45 rated (Ingress Protection) for outdoor use. For extra design points, add uplighters under trees or shrubs and illuminate water features for a magical visual effect.
Windermere artificial grass from Carpetright 64 YOUR PERFECT GARDEN
