It's all in the small ideas

Bringing single notions together are what create a gorgeous outdoor living space. So choose from here those you love, and add them to your garden.

• Cloak it in green - Soften hardscapes, such as a fence or brick wall by covering them with greenery. Climbers such as ivy, Virginia creeper or creeping fig easily attatch to surfaces, helping harsh edges blend more naturally into the garden.

• Add cosy vibes - Make the outdoors feel as welcoming as your indoors by adding soft cushions and furnishings. Choose weather-resistant pieces or bring indoor comforts outside – and they'll invite people to come and sit a while.

• Screen it in - Add a feeling of intimacy to your seating area by subtley lining it with a screen. A timber slatted pattern and soft rounded shape offer privacy without feeling closed in, and add a lovely sense of design.

• Hang a plant - Brighten up your space with a hanging basket packed with seasonal colour. Choose one bold variety or mix it up – either way, plant generously for maximum impact. More plants, more fun!

• Serve it up - Always have a table and add a touch of style by using a tray to display candles, plants or a mix of your favourite decorative items. It’s an easy way to bring order, create a curated look, and add personality.

• A grass act - Define zones by planting ornamental grasses, like miscanthus, along borders, where their gentle movement and softness add texture and interest. Cut back to ground level in late winter to clear old growth.

• Rug up - You don’t need a large rug to dress up the outdoors – layering smaller ones works too. It adds texture, warmth and comfort to compact spaces. Choose colours that mix'n'match with your cushions and cloths.

• Oh so special - Build a frame high around your seating area to drift a row of lights across the middle. Then cloak the corners with loosely tied-back sheer curtains - and just wait for the comments of pleasure to sit there.
  
   

• Green a wall - Vertical planting transforms a plain wall into a lush backdrop. This clever system uses individual pots, so you can easily swap plants with the seasons or refresh the display as your garden evolves.

• Go undercover - In a small courtyard, a simple umbrella creates a cool, shaded retreat. It protects furniture from the sun, makes seating more comfortable, and turns even the smallest space into a welcome outdoor haven.

• Bright ideas - Furniture fabrics in leafy green and coral tones mirror surrounding plants and add colour to neutral furniture. This simple update ties the space together and gives it personality – no big budget required!

• Deck it out - A compact deck instantly elevates your outdoor space. This area is made from recycled timber, bringing character and charm. No room for a deck? Timber tiles offer a similar effect and create a clear sense of place.

• The power of flowers - Bold bougainvilleas bring relaxed Mediterranean vibes. You can also find them in compact varieties – perfect for pots or small spaces!

• Sun shade it - Make the most of outdoor moments with a market umbrella, offering shade and style, and easily folding away when not in use.

• Nautical love - Striped cushions and wrought iron chairs create an elegant and comfortable setting, ideal for leisurely outdoor entertaining.

• Terracotta charm - Fill large pots with vibrant geraniums and transport your outdoor space straight to the sun-soaked, colourful terraces of Europe – voilà!

• Borrow the scenery - Take advantage of open sightlines to neighbouring trees or landscapes to enhance your own garden’s sense of space and depth.

• Blur boundaries - Festoon vines, like jasmine or hardenbergia, across fences to hide unsightly views. They also double as a verdant backdrop!

• A frond embrace - Introduce lush, tropical vibes with the larger-than-life leaves of the giant alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos).

• Tuck yourself away - Take advantage of your garden's lush greenery and create an outdoor oasis right within its foliage. Build a deck, bring out your furniture, hide away and enjoy!

• The glow has it - A pergola creates a definitive entertaining or relaxation zone. And with solar lights through the beams, you create a really inviting space.

• Curtain mystery - Swathe your pergola with curtains you can pull around to soften the space and create a cosy, sheltered retreat. Furnish as you would indoors.

• Mood lighting - Use lamps and batteryoperated LED candles so you can enjoy the outdoors well into the night. No fire hazards here, just atmosphere!

• Potting world - Place a pair of potted plants at the pergola's entrance to stand sentinel, creating a welcoming focal point and enhancing design.

• The lights have it - String bulb lights overhead to instantly create a mood. They cast a soft, warming glow that makes the evenings outdoors even better than the days.

• It's a double up - Don’t buy – just borrow! Take a favourite lamp from indoors and bring it outside to easily elevate your alfresco setup.

• All-weather lounge - Wicker furniture is lightweight, durable, and a classic choice for effortless outdoor living.

• Bloomin' marvellous - Snip a few stems from the garden or treat yourself to a fresh bouquet – either way, fresh flowers always bring charm, colour and a little joy to your outdoor setting.

 

• Cushion delight - Layer outdoor settings with weather-friendly cushions to add colour, and softness. Mix patterns and textures to show off your personality and make lingering outdoors even more inviting.

• Full circle - A round rug is the perfect way to soften harsh lines and rigid hardscapes in your space. It adds warmth and makes your retreat feel cosy and complete. Choose a patterned rug to create a talking point!

• Flower power - Brighten the deck with pots of seasonal blooms, and group them in odd numbers for maximum impact. Mix shapes and sizes for added visual interest but use the same material (here, terracotta) to keep the look cohesive.

• Stand-out seat - Make room for a hero piece, like a hanging lounge chair. The gentle sway creates a soothing, calming effect, while its cradling design provides a cosy nook – perfect for curling up with a book or unwinding in comfort.