Whether you have a small terrace or acres of garden to roam in its important to create a space that enables you to relax and entertain in the great outdoors. From leisurely barbecues to spontaneous drinks, here are a few suggestions to help you create the outdoor space you’ve always hoped for.

Work with the existing space

Have a think about what is already in your outdoor space that you can work with, perhaps it’s an ornamental tree, a sun trap or an area full of interesting shadows when the light hits it. Now you’ve scoped this out, is there anything that could be improved perhaps with a lick of paint or some new tiles to add some life and interest to that space? A fantastic example of this is by interior enthusiast Hayley Stuart who stencilled the concrete patio of her rented home to create an astonishing look, and you can read more about it here.

set up somewhere to lounge

Make it feel like you are holiday whilst relaxing in your outdoor space by investing in some great outdoor furniture. Try to source items that connect with the rooms inside your home to create a flowing experience, picking out colours and textures that are used inside to create that luxury and established feeling. Remember that you aren’t limited to hardwearing or robust materials thanks to furniture covers and material treatments that can help to protect your furniture all year round.

Add Atmosphere with Lighting

Let there be light! Whether it’s from natural or artificial sources there are plenty of options to help you create the right atmosphere for your outdoor space. Treat the space as an interior one when thinking about lighting, for general or ambient lighting hang some simple festival lights to ensure visibility, add some solar pendant lights over areas that you’ll be reading or cooking in, and cluster lights into the trees with lanterns in lower areas for some accent lighting to achieve that beautiful setting you are hoping for.

GO Mad with Plants

Plants can really help to reinforce a certain outdoor style you were aiming for. Whether it’s a tropical, coastal, urban or country cottage themed the options are limitless along with the pots that help to house them. Choose pots that can be used at different levels and heights to create a dynamic and interesting scene so that whether you are wandering around your garden or seated with a sundowner in hand you’ve always got some beautiful plants to admire at eye level.

style it likes it’s the indoors

Who said that cushions, rugs and decorative objects were just for indoors? Add your own personal touch by styling and accessorising the space to suit your lifestyle and routine. This can help really bring it to life and create that inviting atmosphere you were hoping for, plus if the items are in keeping with your interior style then you can redistribute them throughout your home during the cold or wet months.

You Do You!

So there is a roundup of the best ways to style your outdoor space and the latest items to do so, if you’ve used any of these tips or products I’d love to see what you’ve come up with so make sure to tag me in your photographs, and checkout my instagram page to see how I’ve styled my outdoor terrace!

Styling Your Outside Space