Home & Lifestyle 30 July, 2020

7 Tips to Transform Your Outdoor Space

When the temperatures soar and the night sky is still ablaze past bed time, we inevitably turn our attention to our outside space and how we can spend more time soaking up the sun. But, this year, embracing the great outdoors has never been so prevalent. Over the last few months we've sought solace in nature and let a new found love for fresh air and seasonal blooms inspire us to create a little sanctuary of our own.

From BBQ's and sunset drinks to al fresco dining and nursing seedlings, creating an outdoor space you can enjoy comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether it's a sun terrace or a manicured garden, Westfield London's Home Quarter houses stylish outdoor solutions for every sun trap and every budget.

With so many of us swapping our summer holiday for a staycation this year, it's a fantastic opportunity to turn your own backyard into a seasonal oasis you can enjoy long after the sun has set.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

If your outdoor space is limited, window boxes and hanging baskets are an effective way to bring some greenery onto a balcony or terrace. Maximise any wall or floor space you have by filling them with flowers, foliage, herbs or even tumbling tomatoes.

Rattan Hanging Basket, £12.99 H&M Home

Metal Planter Box, £49.99 H&M Home

JAZZ UP FLOOR SPACE

Whether they're bright and colourful or neutral and terracotta, pot plants can bring a bland patio to life. Pair orange-hued clay pots with tonal plants such as lavender or rosemary for a pared-back look, or clash vibrant flowers with mismatched pots for a fun finishing touch.

Outdoor Plant Pot, £89 BoConcept

Concrete Hurricane Planter, £70 Raft

PUT YOUR FEET UP

You don't need to have an estate to enjoy a relaxing seating area outside of your abode this summer – we have a huge selection of outdoor furniture for basking in the sun. Opt for bistro-style table and chairs which can easily be folded up and stowed away or recline in style with a spacious corner sofa.

Ambition Garden 3 Piece Sofa Set, £2099 DFS

Zenosolid Oak Folding Table & 2 Chair Set, £315 Habitat

Meranti Wood Bench, £99.99 H&M Home

CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE

Often underestimated, outdoor lighting can instantly change a garden or terrace. Not only does it add ambience, it means you can entertain long after the sun has gone down. If you're tight on space, wall lights are a chic way to add a cosy warmth to the space or hang delicate tea lights for a romantic feel. For those with lawn aplenty, stake lights or over-sized lanterns are a beautiful way to light a pathway or seating area.

Nordlux Luxembourg Outdoor Wall Light, Copper, £80 John Lewis and Partners

Duracell Solar LED Pathway Outdoor Stake Lights, Set of 4, £54.99 John Lewis and Partners

DON'T FORGET ABOUT ACCESSORIES

If you think that stylish décor accessories are limited to interiors, think again. From waterproof rugs to wipe-clean cushions, there's plenty of options to bring the inside, out. A stand-out mirror design is a perfect way to make a small space appear bigger whilst a warm throw is a must for chilly evenings.

Foxed Trio Mirror, £399 West Elm

Garden Layers Rug Diagonal Almond Ivory by Giandia Blasco, £733 Heal's

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Make an impact and give guests the wow factor by transforming you mundane door into an elegant entryway. For a minimal no-fuss look, position tall hurricane lanterns either side or, for those with green thumbs, climbing plants can frame a door beautifully. For a quintessentially English countryside feel, rose bushes in planters can add a pretty touch to modern doors.

Fireside Large Lantern, £95 The White Company

GO AROMATIC

A pretty herb garden isn't just for allotments and vegetable gardens – they can be grown in pots, planters and window boxes to bring a splash of greenery to your outdoor space. Not only do chives and mint flower, they will also offer a delicious aroma all year round.

Cole & Mason Potted Herb Keeper, £15 John Lewis and Partners