This blog is part of a paid collaboration with Argos Home.
With summer in the UK now fully underway, we all start to crave getting outside and making the most of any fleeting sunshine. Research suggests that being outside and working in our garden is great to help alleviate stress, gets us moving and an opportunity to be creative. But rather than retiring back indoors to your house, summer is an opportunity to bring inside living, outside.
Sometime outside seating can just be a collection of 10 year old plastic chairs which have seen better days and a slightly wonky parasol. But why stop there? My sunny seating area is in total need of a revamp. I’m going to show you some key tips and stylish but affordable items you can pick up and really make your garden feel like a second living room with Argos Home.
Comfortable Seating and practical furniture
You wouldn’t buy a sofa if it wasn’t comfortable, so why stop at outside furniture? It’s usually cost or size of space which stops us but this Rattan Bistro Set from Argos Home ticks all the boxes. Being two chairs and a side table, it fits in even the smallest of outdoors spaces such as a balcony, while being really comfy and great quality. And at £130, it’s not going to break the bank in comparison to other outside furniture.
To add a personal touch, I’ve swapped out the side table for this wooden table, which is part of the new Spring/Summer 19 Global Monochrome range. The wood and steel frame add another texture to lift the space, while being totally on trend. But once winter comes around, this can be moved inside and look just as good!
Think about your walls
In the house we add pictures, mirrors and shelves to our walls to add interest. But why stop outside? In this space I’m styling, we built out own DIY Wall Planter to add interest and life to a boring brick wall. You can read how I made this here. You could also add a mirror to help bounce light and make the space feel bigger. Or add some simple shelves and style up your plant pots.
Add textiles & accessories
Adding some softer accessories such as cushions are not only comfy but add a bit of your personality to the space. One of my favourite colours is yellow, so these outdoor Global Zebra cushions were pulling at my heart strings. Pretty and practical, they are also water repellent so you can wipe it clean and are only £12.50 each. Fancy a bigger cushion? This Global Monochrome floor cushion will add richness to your space. Use it to rest your feet, somewhere to sit or rest a tray on such as this patterned metal tray and rest your cup and book like I have.
Outdoor rugs have also become more popular and a great way to cover up some decking which could do with a paint or broken patio without costing the earth.
Let there be light!
When the sun starts to set, light up your outside living space with a variety of lights. Haven’t got access to mains power? Solar lights work just as well and are much greener. Add these Solar Powered Festoons and drape them over your chairs or have them hanging down a wall. I also love this black lantern which adds another gentle light source for only £25.
Grab your favourite drink and snacks
Last but not least, grab a jug full of your favourite drink in a Global Monochrome Bubble Pitcher – be it a smoothie or a cocktail – and serve them in the matching Hi-Ball Glasses. Hard-to-break melamine plates are not only stylish but great for outdoor use. Serve your favourite snack on them: from pastries to fruit, we’re not fussy here.
And that’s it. These simple items and tricks will help make your outside space feel like a second living room. With the new for 2019 Global Monochrome range really stealing the show being practical, affordable and totally on-trend.
