Stylish Outdoor Living

What a gorgeous summer we're having here in the UK this year. It's not often we have so much sunshine and dry weather and as a result are spending more time in our gardens and enjoying the outdoor space we have at home.

Spending more time in our garden has made me think about how I could add a bit of style to it, we all make a big effort on the interior of our homes as this is where we are most of the time but now we're spending more time outdoors why not make it look as good as your indoor living space?

Not many of us think of buying garden accessories but they really add the finishing touches and can transform your garden at very little cost and effort. How about some candles or outdoor wall decorations? Or even an outdoor rug?

It's time to stop neglecting your garden and have a look at my outdoor style guide - you'll have your garden looking amazing in no time!

Seating

One of the main things we do in our gardens of course is sit down and relax so good seating is essential. 

Hampstead Jewel day bed

Embrace outdoor living with this stunning Hampstead Jewel day bed, which provides the perfect place to lay back and relax. This stunning piece features fully waterproof and wine-proof cushions which are amazingly comfortable too. The base cushions are supplied in a coordinating shade of taupe tone whilst you can choose the colour of the six included scatter cushions to personalise the finish. These day beds are very indulgent but how amazing would it be to relax on one of these in your garden?

Stockist: bridgman.co.uk

Price: £4,999 (Was £6,138)

It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Cushion

I love these bright cushions! You can personalise them too so you can have any image you like printed on them. They're perfect for accessorising your garden chairs or you could even use them for a picnic at home.

You can choose from three beautiful fabrics: soft faux suede – soft velvet finish, cotton feel – cotton-like 145g polyester and cotton feel waterproof (ideal for outdoors). The colours are vibrant, wear-resistant, non-fade and printed using environmentally friendly water-based inks.

Stockist: britishmade.gifts
Price: £24.99

Large Bean Lounger from Armadillo Sun

Add the wow factor to your garden with this stylish range of durable, all-weather outdoor seating. The fabric is 100 percent water resistant, mould and mildew resistant and stain resistant so perfect for the British weather as well as withstanding any garden parties or inevitable spills which come part and parcel of family life. Super comfortable, the range comes in a variety of vibrant colours and patterns.

Stockist: armadillosun.com
Price: From £30 for a scatter cushion to £235 for a large bean lounger

Accessories

Window D'Light Burner

This hand crafted clay pot D'light holder makes a beautiful table decoration at any time of day and is extra special when under lit by a D'light candle. It comes with one Megah Candle, approximate burn time is six hours per candle. All Dalit candles are handmade by the Dalit people of India and the purchase of these candles supports their work with street children of this people group.

Stockist: dalit.co.uk

Price: £27.99

Galvanized trug

A galvanized trug with waxed beech wood handles, designed by Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball.  Each trug is handmade and aged to give each piece its own character and is great for carrying cutlery and BBQ essentials. Keep it by the back door so you can grab it as and when you need it when you're pottering around the garden.

Stockist: annabeljames.co.uk
Price: £22.95

Giant Willow Heart (76cm W x 8cm D x 96cm H (approximate))

A wonderful decorative statement! This giant handmade heart will create a stunning focal point when hung on a wall or fence. It is intended for indoor use but should last for years in a protected exterior location if you apply a suitable wax based water repellent (such as that used on sheds and fencing). Simply thread a loop of twine or strong string through the back twigs to hang on a wall or fence.

Stockist: scumblegoosie.co.uk

Price: £49.00

Lighting

Lanterns are a classic accessory for indoors and out and I love these gorgeous metal candle lanterns from Annabel James. Add a few to your table to create a gorgeous soft light when the nights draw in. I think they would look gorgeous on my garden table and in autumn and winter they will add a cosy touch to my living room.

La Rochelle Globe lantern

Inspired by the sea, this nautical themed free-standing circular lantern is inspired by fishing nets, with a robust handle and chunky netting cover made from rope. Arrange a few different sizes together for a stylish centrepiece.

Stockist: annabeljames.co.uk

Price: medium £98.95, small £78.95

La Rochelle Lantern - Small

With its robust rope handle, this La Rochelle lantern has a wonderful nautical feel. Place around your garden or living space for twinkling candlelight. Crafted in nickel-plated stainless steel, glass and rope. Also available in large and mini sizes. Please note the lanterns are not supplied with the candles. Recommended candle: 130 x 70 mm church candle.

Stockist: annabeljames.co.uk
Price: £59.95

Barbecue

We don't have to cook our sausages on a boring metal department store barbecue when there are so many stylish options out there that do the job just as well.

Fire Pit

These amazing fire pits are the real McCoy! They are great for cooking on and they are also fantastic at providing warmth on chilly evenings. Available in the following diameters: 40, 60, 80, and 90cms. Also perfect for toasting marshmallows on!

Stockist: scumblegoosie.co.uk
Price: From £79

Red Devil 30cm Table Top Ceramic BBQ
What about this for a cool looking barbecue? It is small enough to fit on a table top whilst looking very chic, it is fantastic quality and will take your entertaining up a level.
Stockist: bridgman.co.uk
Price: £399