TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

SIMPLE AND STYLISH WAYS TO Transform your Outdoor Space

Whether it's a poky patio or decadent decking, all outdoor spaces can be spruced up with some stylish touches. Gabrielle Fagan reveals how...

Spending so much time at home has made us really appreciate our outdoor spaces - even if it's the tiniest balcony or terrace.

Sales of outdoor furniture and accessories have rocketed, as we've lavished TLC on our patios so that they're a sanctuary that truly reflects our taste and needs.

"There's a growing recognition that an outside space really is the 'fifth room' in your home, and should be furnished and decorated with the same amount of care and attention to detail as any indoor room," says Lynsey Abbott, seasonal buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres.

"This should be a space that begs you to throw open the windows and unwind a t the end of a long day during the spring and summer months.

Whether it's a set of French windows, the door to your balcony, or simply your outdoor patio, your home probably has an ideal place to style as that fifth room."

Tempted? Take your pick from these ideas for creating the perfect outdoor space...

SMALL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL

Size truly isn't everything when it comes to creating an inviting outdoor space. With a dash of imagination and flair, you can work magic on even the tiniest spot. "No matter how compact your space, it can be turned into a little sanctuary perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails," agrees Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor at Wayfair.

"I love a relaxed boho look for summer, with wall hangings and outdoor rugs in all colours and shapes. Layering rugs has a striking eff ec t and will add depth to a balcony or outdoor space with limited square footage."

TOP TIP: Light coloured seating will look less dominating in a small area. Add punchy colour and pattern with colourful, textured cushions and blankets, handy for warding off the chills on cool nights. A decorative wooden ladder is a super way to display hanging succulents or small lanterns.

TAKE IT TROPICAL

Summer holiday to that far-flung hotspot on hold? Ramp up the temperature at home by creating your own Caribbean-style retreat outside your back door.

Kit it out with neon patio furniture, a palm-fringed bar, potted palms (fake or real) and accessories in exotic prints. No passport or suitcases required - and pina colada optional!

SHAKE UP SOME STYLE

TOP TIP: Adding a lick of paint isn't just for indoors. Get creative and bring hot colour and character to your outdoor space with an exterior paint. You can also use a shade to complement or contrast with the planted areas of your garden, depending on the look you're going for.

TREATS FOR THE TABLE

Al fresco tableware is so stylish now, it's tempting to use it all year round, indoors as well as out. Keep garden table dressing pared-back for the best effect - it doesn't want to be fussy, as that will ruin the casual, kick-off-your-shoes atmosphere you're trying to create. Just choose a couple of statement pieces and then match a key colour with napkins or a table runner.

CREATE A FIFTH ROOM WITH FURNITURE

"Choose furniture that suits your indoor style, then there will be a real follow -through of your look into the outdoors that blurs the boundary," says Abbott.

"Consider the height of furniture. Low-backed furniture, for instance, won't block your view of your garden. Add cushions and throws to soften the contrast between garden furniture and indoor furniture. Reflect key garden colours in accessories to further tie the scheme together."

FREEDOM Activity Camp

GET SOME EXTRA COACHING IN YOUR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE

Weekly camps, venue: Grainville School Dates: 20th & 27th July, 3rd, 10th & 17th August £175 for the 5 day Summer camps

For more information, application forms and availability please contact Jim Westwater Tel. 721640 or 07797 723496 Email: moascfreedom@gmail.com or click: www.freedomactivitycamp.com

TOP TIP: Large, leafy palms and striking succulents can star in an outdoor space and be brought indoors in the colder months to bring greenery inside. Displaying a collection of plants by the entrance to your patio or balcony area is another way of merging the divide between the indoor and outdoor areas.

GO SUPER NATURAL

One of the hottest trends in patio style is a laid-back look, which combines natural materials with an easy-on-the-eye neutral palette. It's perfect for a sophisticated stylish space.

"We're seeing a growing emphasis on fabrics made from recycled materials and furniture made from natural, organic material, as well as responsibly-sourced sustainable woods such as A-grade teak," says Tina Mahony, director at Go Modern (gomodern.co.uk).

"Teak is weath er-p roof and retains its beautiful warm honey-tones. It blends wonderfully with any surrounding style and is perfect for creating an 'outside room' look," she adds.

Mahony highlights new material Tricord - a weather-resistant synthetic that's now often being used in place of natural rattan because it won't fade or rot, is easy to clean and extremely comfortable.

NATURAL BEAUTIES

Bring interest to a neutra l scheme with woven textures and organic materials.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

"Outdoor spaces, whether small or large, have so much untapped potential to be transformed at night into a warm, welcoming

haven with the addition of lights," says Becky Tasker, brand creative at Lights4Fun.co.uk.

"Arrange lights in your courtyard, garden or balcony just as you would in an indoor room. It's important to have three levels of light. I'd suggest stringing festoon lights overhead for a twinkling canopy, add waterproof candle-style lights on a table top, and arrange candle lanterns on the ground to zone the area "

TOP TIP: A group of lanterns, candles and micro lights on a mirrored tray makes a stunning focal point for a table. String lighting on your fencing, solar lights around pots and bedding plants and enjoy a night -time garden landscape that rivals the daytime one.