Get your garden ready for summer events with these simple tips.
The clocks have gone forward, and summer has officially begun! As we head into the brighter evenings, it makes us turn towards our gardens. Carol Little from Alana Interiors, Lurgan has shared some outdoor living trends to brighten up your garden this summer.
Set the SceneWhen it comes to outdoor living, think about utilising one key area as your main space. Pergolas are the ideal way to create the illusion of a living room outside as their height acts as a bit of a ceiling – and you can choose to cover part of it to protect against the typical NI weather! They create a sense of privacy and comfort as well as adding décor, and we think adding climbing flowering plants will be a huge trend for 2021.
Creating Comfort
Bringing the inside out and making our outdoor spaces cosy and comfortable will be key, so getting a good outdoor sofa set is the next thing you need. Secondly, research your outdoor heating options. You may want a plug in or gas heat lamp, a built-in fire pit table, or a chimenea. Maybe you’ve built your own outdoor fire pit? Either way, it will add an extra level of comfort to have a heat source, while a set of rattan and grey garden furniture offers a sharp and contemporary look with the firepit giving very chilled out vibes.
Hanging Out
Alongside the classic outdoor furniture, we’re noticing more and more people enjoying a bit of a fun feature with hanging chairs, also known as egg chairs. They’re perfect to curl up in with a book and a cup of coffee but will also provide a bit of entertainment for the kids! The good news is that when the seasons change again, you can use the egg chair inside too.
Tread Cosily
The rug trend this season is probably the most interesting of 2021. Everyone wants to transform their outdoor living area into a second living room for the summer months, and a simple rug or throw really makes that happen. Our outdoor rugs have been very popular this season mainly because they can barely be distinguished from an indoor rug; they offer comfort, warmth and cosiness to any outdoor area… and your feet!
Finishing Touches
How do you create the finishing touches for any room in your house? You accessorise! To really bring the inside out, light it up. Beautiful outdoor lighting will be a huge trend this season; path lighting, string festoon lights to add a bit of fun, net lighting over bushes and outdoor wall lights are the least expensive and easiest to maintain. We have also noticed clocks becoming more popular to bring outside - there are options that are weather resistant and create spectacular features on any garden wall.
View our gorgeous garden collection here.