Outdoor Living: Add a Little Luxe To Your Garden

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get the garden ready for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Barker and Stonehouse share their garden essentials for hosting the perfect BBQ or summer party. From garden furniture to fire pits and even an outdoor kitchen, you’ll have everything you need to be the hostess with the mostest…

“Gardens and outdoor spaces have fast become an extension of our living areas so it’s important to consider ways in which you can style these spaces to be both beautiful and practical. Rattan furniture will create a laid-back feel and can be adorned with bold scatter cushions to complement the colour scheme of your garden. From lounge chairs to dining suites,  rattan instantly adds relaxed character and style to your garden.” Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse

Barker and Stonehouse

Polpero Reclining Corner Dining Set  with fire pit £1,599

Barker and Stonehouse

Madeira brown rattan garden corner sofa dining set with rising table, seats 8, £1275

“Corner sofa sets are a great way to create a sociable set up in the garden.  Combine outdoor rugs, textured throws and scatter cushions to create a snug, homely feel that makes your outdoor space feel like an extension of your interior.

Fire pits are ideal for retaining a warm space during those cooler evenings, and simple finishing touches such as wooden lanterns and a cluster of candles create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy long after the hazy afternoon light fades.” Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse

Barker and Stonehouse

Azores outdoor sofa set £1,999

Barker and Stonehouse

Provence Rattan Corner Sofa with Fire Pit Table and Garden Chairs, Seats 8 £1,799

Barker and Stonehouse

Castello Hanging Garden Chair With Base, £299

“If you’re planning to host a garden party this summer, the first thing to consider is garden furniture. If you have a big garden, I’d recommend getting as large a table as your space allows, but if your outdoor space is limited, then a round table with a pedestal base still allows you to seat your guests comfortably.

Garden accessories shouldn’t be overlooked as these are key elements to consider when styling your garden. If an abundance of beautiful blooms appeals to your sense of style, consider investing in a decorative set of concrete planters to display your plants. For the ultimate in ambience, set your scene with beautiful lighting. Not just simply a source of light, layered lanterns and candles are also style statements. Lanterns look wonderful when used to create a centrepiece, or simply magical when suspended from trees. Complete the look with an outdoor rug to ground the space and add colour and texture, as well as warmth underfoot.

“To extend summer garden parties into the evening, I recommend investing in a firepit – these not only look great and serve as a focal point of any outdoor space but they provide a cosy warmth and can even be used to toast marshmallows after an alfresco lunch.” Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse

Outdoor kitchens

Barker and Stonehouse Grenada Outdoor Kitchen

“When designing an outdoor kitchen, first consider your space. If you have a large garden then opt for plenty of practical cabinetry to keep cooking essentials close to hand and to avoid dashing back indoors whilst entertaining. Consider materiality – stainless steel was once a popular choice for outdoor kitchens, but it can sometimes look clinical and in recent years, consumers have favoured wood, which has more character. Cabinetry with a hi-tech ceramic top is very practical as it’s UV, scratch, stain and extreme temperature resistant, perfect for Britain’s temperamental and unpredictable climate. Complete the look with accessories – a colourful outdoor rug looks stylish and also helps to blend together your indoor and outdoor spaces. I also recommend displaying fresh herbs in terracotta pots on the worktops – not only will these ingredients enhance your cooking but they also to add a touch of greenery to your outdoor kitchen.

It’s not only those with large gardens who are opting for an outdoor kitchen either– there is demand for outdoor kitchens even amongst those with limited outdoor space. If your garden is very small, consider placing a single cabinet alongside your barbecue. This won’t take up much space but will make for a practical, stress-free cooking area that’s perfect for hosting.” Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse

Bistro sets

Barker and Stonehouse Bergamo bistro set £349

“For those with limited outdoor space, such as a small balcony or courtyard, I’d recommend a bistro set. Bistro sets are compact, making them the perfect option for those with small gardens. Those with large gardens should also consider a bistro set because they are small and lightweight so they can be easily moved around the garden so that you can enjoy the last of the evening sun. Alternatively, bistro sets can be used in a small dining zone in the garden – they comfortably accommodate two people for an intimate outdoor dining experience.

Whilst most commonly used in gardens, bistro sets also work well in garden rooms and can be moved easily between the indoors and outdoors, making them a practical and sensible choice given the often unpredictable British weather.

Brightly coloured bistro sets add interest to the garden or balcony, however, in recent years, more neutral colours have proven popular, along with cushioned options, which provide added comfort and support. Given the retro style of the product, people often choose materials to complement this, like rattan or wicker, and those materials remain on trend today.” Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse

Outdoor Lighting

Barker and Stonehouse large bulb outdoor light £39

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