Feature: Outdoor Living Seven creative ideas to


elevate any outdoor space Help your customers transform their gardens into a space that’s both stylish and inviting. The garden is your own private slice of nature, and the right design choices can elevate it into a dreamy getaway. Keep reading for a list of exterior design examples that will help make any garden a beautiful feature, courtesy of Harbour Lifestyle.


Create a cosy gathering corner A main focal point that doubles as a seating area is a must for any upscale garden. An L or U-shaped corner sofa will naturally create a comfortable, inviting nook that’s perfect for get-togethers. Add an outdoor rug and a low dining table or coffee table to help section off the space, and you’ll essentially create an outdoor living room. If there’s a wall nearby, tie the look together with outdoor wall art, such as wood or metal accent pieces. Daybeds and lounge chairs are other options for creating a cozy lounging area. With plush seating, you’ll encourage others to relax and enjoy a meal, conversation, or party game.


Dine under the sun and stars Another way to bring the indoors outside is with a garden dining set, such as an outdoor kitchen, dining table, or bar. Have a think about what you want to use the space for. If your goal is to enjoy big family dinners outside or host garden parties, opt for a long dining table set. If you’ll be hosting intimate gatherings or if you have a small family, opt for a more casual round table. An elegant option is a tabletop fire pit bar set, perfect for entertaining friends and serving drinks late into the night.


Embrace nature with rustic details If you’re in love with your garden’s natural beauty, choose wooden garden furniture that integrates with the environment. Wooden accents create a rustic look that blends seamlessly into the natural world. Wooden chairs and side tables also look excellent next to potted plants, bushes, and trees. Other ways to embrace a rustic look include installing a stone walkway and placing stone benches along your garden path.


Opt for sleek metallics If a rustic design isn’t your style, add some modern flavour with metal furniture. Industrial- style chairs and tables often embrace the concept of “less is more,” letting the rest of your yard, like the flowers, a pool, or other water features, take centre stage. Black or silver metal


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Use woven textures Woven materials like rattan and rope are outdoor classics. Furniture with these textured patterns contributes to a timeless and charming look. Plus, this type of furniture is built to withstand all seasons. Rope garden furniture is quite stylish and stands the test of time. Modern rope furniture combines materials like thick rope and hardy aluminium to create designs that offer both elegance and durability. Another weatherproof woven option is rattan furniture. Similar to rope, outdoor rattan dining sets and corner sofas are designed to last without sacrificing trendiness.


Incorporate mood lighting Want to create a warm, radiant atmosphere in your garden even when the sun goes down? With stylish lights, you’ll draw people outside and illuminate your dinner conversations late into the evening. There are lots of lighting options to choose


garden furniture also creates a subtly sleek look. Metal furniture pairs well with glass tabletops and chic, modern-style homes.


Add shade with a pergola Say you’ve put together the perfect seating area with a garden sofa or two, but the space leaves you and your guests right under the scorching sun. Maybe you envision your seating corner out near the pool or integrated into the garden, but you’re concerned about the lack of outdoor shade. A pergola is a perfect solution. This open


structure with a slatted roof will help protect you from the sun on hot summer days. Plus, it will enclose the seating space even more, making it even cosier and more living room-like. A luxury pergola can come with customization options, like adjustable slats and drop sides, to let you create as much privacy and shade as the occasion calls for. If you choose a simpler wooden pergola,


you can grow vines along the slats and weave in lights along the top to add some personalisation.


from. Wall lanterns and sconces are convenient, lighting up the space with the flick of a switch. Cafe-style string lights above your seating area can create a romantic effect. Candles and traditional lanterns add a flickering, fireside feeling. Portable solar lanterns at each end of the sofa will provide a subtle glow.


More information With these unique garden furniture ideas as a starting point, you can kick off your brainstorming session. You’ll discover design elements that will transform your garden into the gorgeous sanctuary you’ve always wanted it to be. Make sure to add your own little touches of personality here and there. Finally, remember to integrate your outdoor design with your interior design to make the garden feel like a natural extension of your home. Soon, your garden will be a place that your family and friends will never want to leave.


• For more information on Harbour Lifestyle, please visit www. harbourlifestyle.co.uk


GCU Summer 2023


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