27 Jun 2023
Trends come and go, but when it comes to outdoor living, comfort and style never go out of fashion. Whether yours is a modern terrace or a cottage garden, here are our five rules for enjoying the great outdoors this summer.
Garden pouffes were all the rage in lockdown – we loved the jolly royal blue and orange cubes from Bramblecrest (there's still one in our clearance room, if you're quick). But this year, it's all about the footstool. In the same way that ottomans are triumphing over coffee tables in sitting rooms, comfortable, upholstered footstools are taking over the nation's patios.
Slide into the Sempre – a striking dove grey sofa set, with two armchairs and a luxe footstool, all wrapped in nautical rope detailing. It looks great with the Siesta parasol.
The Valentine garden sofa set comes with two generous, sink-into armchairs, a matching three-seater, coffee and side tables – and a deeply-cushioned footstool in smart charcoal grey. You can buy the armchair and footstool separately, too.
Scandinavian style abound in the Hellasgarden – small on size, big on rope-backed comfort with a lovely long footstool to match.
More versatile than a lounger, these Chedworth deluxe recliners come with two footstools and a side table for the ultimate relaxation station.
And we love these Weaver Green pouffes – made from recycled plastics, they're as eco-friendly as they are pretty to look at.
If lockdown taught us anything, it's that we can socialise in the garden in almost any weather. If we have a parasol.
The Truro – all 3m of its square, charcoal canopy – comes with LED lights so you're not fumbling around for your next glass of red.
The newly-arrived Siesta is, arguably, the next generation of parasol. It's huge, made from stunning wood-effect aluminium, and twists 360-degrees so you can dodge the sun (and the rain) all day long.
Or try the Chichester – the soothing sand-coloured canopy comes with a granite base and a handy cover.
Dressing your outdoor room should be approached with the same care you afford your indoor spaces. An outdoor rug will help pull your scheme together, and create a welcome entertaining space for you and your guests.
We love these Weaver Green outdoor rugs, which come in all patterns, shapes and sizes and are made from recycled plastic bottles. Shop the full range in the Rug Room in our showrooms, or call us on 01886 884665 for details.
Occasional tables, low or tall, strategically placed in your outdoor room are handy spots for drinks, glasses, magazines and anything else an afternoon in the garden requires.
For contemporary spaces, we love the Loop and Kona side tables. For more traditional gardens, the Coleton glass-topped all-weather wicker side table is an elegant and neutral choice.
Feeling luxe? Bring the drinks trolley out – just make sure you take it in before it rains.
Dressing your outdoor sofa – or dining chairs – with cushions and throws creates a welcoming, lived-in look to your outdoor spaces. Practical and cosy, they'll keep your guests at your table longer, particularly in early autumn when it's still far too nice to be indoors.
Our Gallery Showroom and dedicated Cushion Room are full of gorgeous cushions, some designed strictly speaking for indoor use, some outdoor. But you don't have to compromise. We love to use indoor cushions in the garden, and why ever not? Smart and stylish, choose summer-weight fabrics like linens, and patters from florals to stripes – and bring them in at night.
