Summer is just around the corner. Flashes of blue sky, a hint of warmth in the air and longer days have got many of us dreaming of spending time in our gardens. The trouble is that after a long winter, outdoor areas across the land are crying out for TLC. If you’re on a mission to create a beautiful, welcoming al fresco space for summer, here are some top tips to design an inviting oasis.

Pots, Flower Beds And Containers
Adding plants, trees, shrubs and flowers to your garden is one of the easiest and quickest ways to breathe life into outdoor spaces and create areas you’ll look forward to enjoying all summer long. It’s easy to use plants and flowers in any space, from bijou modern yards to sprawling rustic gardens. Checking out sites like The Nurso is great to get inspiration for pots, planters, containers, and floral displays that catch the eye and give gardens personality, flair and style. You can choose from a vast array of styles, including traditional ceramic pots, contemporary planters, industrial troughs and decorative containers.
You can use flowers, trees and plants to channel themes and trends, add colour or inject vibrancy and freshness. It’s also an excellent idea to capitalise on scents and aromas to set the tone. If you’re designing a sensory garden for kids or a tranquil spot to read, for example, lavender, rosemary, jasmine and lemon verbena are excellent options.

Soft Furnishings And Furniture
Soft furnishings and furniture can create an enticing base to hang out with friends, read a book, listen to music, soak up the sun, eat, drink and relax. If you don’t already have a dedicated seating area, adding one to your garden is a brilliant way to create a more alluring and functional outdoor space. The range of options is vast. Popular types of garden seating include rattan sofa sets, hanging chairs and swing seats, benches, deck chairs, loungers, table sets and tree seats.
Once you’ve chosen your furniture, you can add cosiness and elevate aesthetics using soft furnishings and accessories. Examples include outdoor cushions, rugs, blankets, awnings, parasols and throws.
Ambient Lighting
Nothing makes an outdoor space more inviting than soft lighting. When the sun starts to fade, mood lighting creates a soothing, romantic ambience. You can achieve this look with outdoor lights and lamps, LED candles, or features like fire pits and fire pit tables. Match your lighting options with the style and vibe of the garden or the zone you’re accessorising. Brighter lights are fine for cooking and preparing drinks, but soft lights are best for chilled-out areas. String lights work well for informal seating areas while contemporary wall lights and free-standing lanterns are ideal for dining spots.

Temperatures are rising and the sun is shining. With summer on the horizon, many of us are looking forward to enjoying light evenings and lazy weekends in our gardens. If your garden isn’t quite the sanctuary you dream of, simple touches can help you create a beautiful, inviting space. Examples include plants, flowers and potted trees, furniture and soft furnishings and ambient lighting.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo