As we move into May, we’re all looking forward to enjoying warmer weather as well as two bank holidays and National BBQ Week (26th May -1st June).
For new homeowners, well-designed and functional outdoor space is a growing priority – and with a new Redrow home, you’ll have a blank canvas to extend your living space outside.
So, if you love al fresco life and want to create an outdoor living space that features stylish garden furniture and is perfect for outdoor entertaining and relaxing, we’ve compiled some of the freshest outdoor space design ideas just for you.
Outdoor Living Spaces: Designing Your Dream Garden
Whether you’re looking for the best garden furniture you can leave outside in all weather or require space saving garden furniture, there are so many options to choose from.
This article provides inspiration and practical design tips, tailored to new homes, so you can create a space that feels just like a lounge area. For more advice and inspiration on patio design and garden zoning check out our 10 garden space ideas and tips for making the most of your garden.
Alysha Alli-Rowlands, of our in-house interior design team, said: “Outdoor space has always been a key driver for people looking for a new home, but it is now a top priority. One crucial design trend that has emerged is how outdoor space can be utilised as an additional room to your main home. We love to design areas that flow from and complement our show homes, particularly if they feature open plan areas that blur the boundaries of inside and outside space. Using beautiful garden furniture, including outdoor sofas and chairs that are almost indistinguishable from your lounge furniture, is a great way to achieve this feel.”
Stylish garden furniture ideas
If you’re looking for garden furniture ideas to incorporate into your patio design, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re creating a barbecue zone, outdoor kitchen or simply a place where you can relax this summer.
“Retailers offer an array of weatherproof materials from coated wicker, rattan and wood to glass and aluminium. Create an even cosier space by adding ambient lighting, screening and outdoor heaters,” said Alysha.
When it comes to making your choices, ensure there is a flow from inside to out. This can be done through colour schemes and textures, ensuring your outdoor living space complements your home interior.
Garden zoning can be achieved by adding a colourful outdoor rug within your entertaining area, or by creating a screening effect using a panel or trellis, screen-style planting or a pergola.
Seating plans for outdoor entertaining
No longer just for weddings and events, a great seating plan is key to creating an outdoor entertaining area that works for you and your family.
Alysha said: “Consider how much space you want your seating area to take up and how many seats you’ll need. You can always opt for a set with just enough space for your family and add extra chairs when guests are visiting.”
Configurations for your garden furniture include round tables with tub chairs, which can be great if you regularly enjoy alfresco dining, or you can choose sofa and chair combinations such as corner or ‘U’ shaped sofas with coffee tables. Combine these with footstools and ottoman style padded benches that double up as additional seats or added storage.
Alysha added: “If you’re clever with your configurations you can include enough comfortable seating for your family and guests, while still keeping your seating area compact if you’re limited on space.”
Maximise the time you can spend outdoors by considering additional landscape lighting and outdoor heating. Our outdoor lighting ideas for gardens guide features lots of options to consider from solar powered outdoor lighting to smart lighting, all perfect to enhance your outdoor entertaining experience.
Discover your dream garden in one of our new homes.
Pergola ideas for your outdoor living space
As we’ve explored, with clever patio design you can create a space that feels just like a lounge area. Careful positioning of garden furniture, screening and cosy accessories to keep you warm on cooler evenings, all play their part. However, a pergola can elevate your outdoor living space to the next level.
Pergolas are perfect for new home gardens as they add instant character and create the feel of a more established garden. They can also provide cover from rain for additional comfort and shading from the sun, as well as assisting with garden zoning.
Pergola ideas include open wooden structures, which enhance space and light; retractable fabric pergolas, which offer flexibility to open and close when needed; and fixed roof pergolas, which provide a more permanent covered area. These can still enhance the natural light if you choose a polycarbonate or glazed cover.
If you’re not content with just dining and socialising outside, how about a spot of snoozing too? In addition to sun loungers, day beds are becoming increasingly popular items of garden furniture and can double up as seating. A rattan garden day bed is a great option to include as part of your outdoor living space or beneath your pergola. You can split the sections apart to create seating and a table when you’re ready to enjoy a spot of lunch.
Alysha said: “Day beds can create a feeling of indulgence and luxury for true relaxation outdoors. They really do blur the lines between outdoor and indoor living and can look great with luxurious throws and scatter cushions in beachy pastels, and a coordinating sunshade. They’re so comfortable you may never want to return indoors!”
Water features: Adding tranquillity to your garden
The benefits of incorporating water features into your garden design include providing sustenance for wildlife and adding the sound of water to create a serene, relaxing environment.
Water features can enhance garden zoning, particularly if you’re creating outdoor living spaces for relaxation.
There are lots of elements to consider, including size and footprint, materials, budget and access to power. If you have young children, you may want to avoid water features with additional hazards like ponds or open pools.
Our guide on making your garden safe in the summer has additional information around using electricity safely in the garden and safe garden water features.
Luxurious finishing touches for your outdoor living space
Alysha adds “Finishing touches are just as important for your outdoor room as they are indoors.
“Oversized lanterns, woven style candle holders and collections of clay and ceramic pots can look great grouped together around seating areas to create the ‘inside out’ look.
“When adding soft furnishings like cushions and throws, you need to consider washability and durability, especially if you are leaving them outside for longer periods of time. We love the range of outdoor cushions now available, which come in an array of bold tones and feature prints influenced by nature, both key trends of the season”
Discover your dream outdoor space. Explore our luxury new homes featuring al fresco dining areas perfect for entertaining guests.
