Whatever the nature of your outdoor space – whether a city balcony or a suburban garden with patio – it deserves a little love …
A few thoughtfully chosen scene-setters, such as pots and planters brimming with scented herbs and lush blooms arranged around a seating area, can transform even the blandest corner into something special. Don’t forget a parasol, it will protect you from UV rays. Not just any parasol, though: choose the sort you’d spot at a chic boutique hotel on the French Riviera. It will add impact to your space, so the more personality, the better …
Striped parasol (in Piana in paprika M4210-07 by Manuel Canovas), £2,095stg.
Plia Parasols can turn pretty much any fabric, trims, fringes or tassels into your dream parasol, from £1,490stg. You will need to provide at least six metres of fabric.
Love Parasols, founded by Sarah Timmis, produces handcrafted, luxurious wooden and canvas parasols. Each one is lined with hand-blocked rose patterns inspired by traditional artisanship Timmis discovered on her travels to Marrakech and Jaipur.
Blue Delphine octagonal parasol, €870; www.loveparasols.com.
Tapioca beige Aneli tilting parasol, €86.95; www.sklum.com.
Green Riviera garden parasol, Unopiù, €1,353; www.mohd.it.
Pink Amalfi parasol, Business & Pleasure Co, €276; www.smallable.com.
Cream XL garden parasol, €898; www.fatboy.com.
Beige Lull parasol, €409; www.fermliving.com.
Not a parasol person? Space-saving retractable awnings and canopies are a must-have if you have a patio. Find a wide range of high quality awnings for all budgets at The Outdoor Scene.
Home For The Weekends brings neglected gardens to life, curating pots and borders with premium plants. Choose from a selection of the most beautiful pots and olive jars. See @home.for.the.weekends on Instagram for details.
Or an 18th-century Irish limestone carved urn from a selection at The Store Yard.
We love designer Kelly Wearstler’s first indoor/outdoor planter collection in collaboration with Belgian brand Serax.
Dark green stoneware pot, €328, Kelly Wearstler; www.serax.com.
Brown stoneware pot, €183, Kelly Wearstler; www.serax.com.
Java brown Terra clay pot, €44.10; www.nordicnest.com.
Stone planter with shelf, €799; www.fermliving.com.
Corten steel planter, €365; www.fermliving.com.
