Lockdown has been tough for a lot of us, there’s no denying it! But with restrictions lifting so that we can now spend time with friends in outdoor spaces and the weather being consistently beautiful there is no better time than now to start paying attention to our outdoor decor. Whether you’ve got a balcony, patio, or the luxury of a large garden spending time outdoors in the British summer is idyllic. Especially when enjoyed with a glass of Pimms! So, we’ve teamed up with Cox & Cox, to share with you their amazing new garden furniture collection whilst also discussing some top tips from our design team on how to style your outdoors to perfection. So scroll on down for 5 easy ways to refresh your outdoor space for summer.
Tip No. 1: Use an outdoor mirror
Perfect for small spaces, mirrors are a great outdoor addition as they can make a space feel brighter. Whether they are hung on exposed brick, or leaning against a wall, they not only bounce light around to make a space feel brighter but can also make smaller spaces feel bigger too. We suggest using the White Rectangular Outdoor Mirror from Cox & Cox. The twelve panels will amplify any space.
Tip No. 2 : Add mood lighting
When the sun sets, the fun doesn’t need to stop. Add some garden atmospheric lighting to your space when the dark hits. We love using festoon lights in projects as they’re a bit more substantial than fairy lights. Cox & Cox’s extendible drop festoon lights can be joined together to drape across all sized spaces and are the perfect addition to all outdoor spaces. Hang them low for a cosy feel. Then, enhance the outdoor lighting scheme one step further by using an outdoor fire pit to create a cosy focal point for your lounging area.
Tip No 3: Bring the indoors out
Garden designs are all about making it feel as though you have an outdoor living room – or what we like to call ‘bringing the indoors out’. So think about the elements you’d have in a regular living room. So now you have a mirror and atmospheric lighting sorted, think about your lounging furniture & accessories. Try a comfy outdoor sofa you can enjoy late night chats on with friends such as Witsand Corner Set which is great as it’s high legs create the illusion of space in smaller gardens and would look great with an outdoor rug below. Or alternatively, if you want to create a nook to snuggle in,, the Malmo Corner Set is ideal. It’s all weather bamboo frame makes it ideal for both terraces, gardens or even conservatories.
Tip No 4: Outdoor dining
Nothing is more enjoyable than eating al fresco. Whether it’s a light salad or a full on BBQ outdoor feasting is enjoyable for all. So, think about creating a dedicated outdoor dining area that’s practical and comfy. We particularly love the Villa Wooden Dining Set which has a powder coated aluminium frame but the look of acacia wood for durability when outside. Or if you want something a little more substantial try the Antibes Dining Set which we’ve recently used in a penthouse terrace in London and can absolutely recommend. It’s great value for money, versatile & hard wearing.
More Cox & Cox items we love
Tip No. 5 :Adding textiles & accessories
When finishing off an outdoor space, it’s really important to add texture through soft furnishings like cushion and throws. We suggest using cushions suitable for outside use like the Ikat Cushions from Cox & Cox. They’re UV resistant, and filled with polyester beads so as to absorb less moisture – great for when this sunny weather spell ends! In addition to soft furnishings, add various plants / planters, candles, lanterns and small outdoor accessories to make your indoor-outdoor space pop. It’s all about layering texture, colour and height for the ideal set up.
So there you have it! 5 quick refreshes you can try in any space regardless of size and budget. And if you’re feeling brave, tag us on instagram with your garden refreshes by using the hashtag #topstylefiles.
For more information on Cox & Cox, head to their website and browse their extensive range homeware products that extend beyond garden / outdoor. We can safely say we use their products many times on shoots & projects and have always been amazed by the quality and style.
Photos by Theo McInnes & YUN Berlin.
Gude at Watermark Homes
Oh gosh, I love garden mirrors. My parents have one on their wall, half-hidden by plants and it honestly looks like a window to another secret garden… There’s something magical about it!