Outdoor living has commenced unusually early during lockdown, and with good reason: unprecedented spring sunshine has left us hopeful for the upcoming summer weather. The lack of beach and beer garden lolling options has also turned our attention towards getting the most from our outdoor spaces. Whether you have a landscaped oasis or a balcony to laze on there are ways to maximise your summer living experience.

Picture credit: Pomax

Treat Your Patio Like Another Room

Treating your outdoor area as an extension of your home is key – if you do not feel as comfortable kicking back outside as you do inside then it will never be the escape you’re hoping for. Look at furnishing your patio with comfortable seating, occasional tables and soft furnishings. Rugs and cushions will add visual interest and depth to the space while creating a luxurious and relaxing environment to unwind in – check out the Pomax collection at Arnotts. Chimineas and firepits allow the space to transition from day to evening. For a more subtle effect, use candles, lanterns or a string of festoon bulbs. These small tweaks to a patio needn’t cost the earth; Oxendales have a large selection available online.

Picture credit: Arnotts

Furnish With Intention

Thinking carefully about the environment you want to create is important; is it a space for dining, living or leisure and how should you furnish? Choose sofa seating for an outdoor living space, don’t be afraid to invest in pieces that could work both inside and out. The Hoxton range at DFS is a versatile rattan line that would bring a design flair to any outdoor space and can easily be moved indoors as the weather turns. Consider the surface space available: occasional and coffee tables will flesh out your living space while also offering practical use for decoration and entertaining.

Picture credit: Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic at Dunnes Stores

Al Fresco Escape

When creating an outdoor dining experience, it’s important to treat the setting as equal to the food served; even the finest meal will taste sour if the environment isn’t aesthetically stimulating. The easiest way to create a fine dining space outdoors is to concentrate on your table scape. Choosing the right crockery is a start; melamine is a versatile material that is outdoor safe. The Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic collection from Dunnes Stores offer a selection of melamine tableware in colourful print and design to create a bohemian and informal table scape. For a more formal finish add a table cloth and napkins in fresh linens, and centre pieces such as candles and local foliage.

Picture credit: Jysk

Keep It Cheerful

No matter what aesthetic you choose for your outdoor space always bare one thing in mind; the joy of summer is central! Make your outdoor space a cheerful one by using colour to maximise the impact of the season. Decorate your space with in-bloom flowers either in pots and beds around your patio or hanging baskets and climbers across your walls. Choose those with summery scents such as wallflower or lavender as a treat for every sense. Add colour through soft furnishings and table accessories, or if you’re feeling particularly brave use brightly coloured paint on walls and decking or even patterned tiling create a joyful background to any outdoor setting.

Main featured image credit: The White Company