What do you need to take your garden to the next level? 

In the summer, there are few greater pleasures than being outdoors. Modern gardens are about more than just plants and flowers, they are an extension of your living space and should reflect your individual needs and tastes. Whether you want to create the ultimate outdoor entertainment setup, or just want somewhere to relax on sunny days, the right furnishings can transform your outdoor area. Here’s our ultimate guide to summer essentials that will take your outdoor living space to the next level. 

Comfortable Seating 

Creating a comfortable seating area is the cornerstone of any outdoor living space. The right furniture can make your garden or patio an inviting place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the summer weather. When designing your space, it’s important to consider your needs. If you have a large family, a sofa or corner set offers plenty of comfortable seating for everyone. If you live alone or have a smaller family, something smaller like a lounger or footstool set could be better, giving you the same versatile lounging options as something larger without the footprint.   

Shade Solutions  

While the summer sun is lovely, rare as it may be, having some shaded or covered areas is essential to staying cool and protected when the weather dictates. Retractable awnings and parasols are popular, versatile solutions, offering flexible and moveable shade options, when you need them. For more robust coverage, a pergola provides a permanent and stylish solution. Coming with the added benefit of being completely weatherproof, the right pergola can do more than just offer shade and can be the ultimate garden centrepiece for hosting and entertaining friends and family.  

Outdoor Lighting  

Lighting is key to extending the usability of your outdoor space into the evening hours. It also adds ambiance and highlights the beauty of your garden. Whether it’s string lights adorning a garden fence or solar lights to illuminate walkways, outdoor lighting is essential to maximising the style and functionality of your outdoor living space. For the best results, Mix and match different types of lighting to create a layered and dynamic effect.  

Outdoor Cooking and Dining 

Outdoor living is synonymous with barbecues and outdoor dining, so it’s important to equip your space with the right cooking equipment. Whether it’s a simple barbecue, an outdoor pizza oven, or a full-blown outdoor kitchen, having somewhere you can cook in the open air makes the experience of your garden even better. Pair with an outdoor dining table and chairs and you have the perfect evening setup. Just ensure there’s enough seating for all your guests.  

Garden Storage 

Keeping your outdoor space tidy and organised will enhance its usability and greatly improve its aesthetic. Investing in durable, high-quality outdoor storage, for tools, outdoor furniture cushions, children’s toys or even bulkier items like lawnmowers, will greatly reduce the clutter in your garden. Meaning you spend less time tidying and more time relaxing.  

Finishing Touches 

Adding a personal touch is a must, allowing you to bring your own unique style to your garden. Add decorative pots and planters with unique flower displays to bring vibrant colours and smells to your space. Or, for added serenity, a stylish water feature can provide a relaxing ambiance. If evening gatherings are more your style, a gas fire pit brings a warming glow to the space and keeps the party going long into the night.  

Transforming your outdoor living space into a summer paradise is all about combining comfort, style, and functionality. With the right furniture, shade, lighting, and decorative touches, you can create an inviting and beautiful area that will be the highlight of your home, year after year. 

Visit www.hexliving.co.uk to find out more. 

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