Five ways to give your outdoor space a chic summer makeover

Bring the inside out with textiles, lighting and plants
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Amanda Nelson2 November 2018

Whether it's a small balcony or a lush green garden, if you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, see it as extra room in your home - an extension to your living area.

Making your outdoor space beautiful doesn't have to be an expensive affair with landscape gardeners and limestone cobbles. A little TLC goes a long way.

Here are our top five tips on how to achieve a cosy outdoor space that you’ll want to spend your summer days in.

1. Textiles

Just like indoors, textiles do wonders to any space by adding personality and warmth. If you've got a patio or balcony, an outdoor rug underneath your garden furniture will create a feeling of an 'outdoor room'.

There are plenty of great water-resistant rugs on the market for under £20. For easy use go for a flat woven style that won't snag when moving furniture around and can be wiped down easily.

(Ikea)

2. Lighting

If you want to spend those long summer evening in your outdoor space, lighting is key. Good lighting can transform any old dreary space into a sanctuary. Old fashioned bulbs on a string are perfect for a party and work equally well in both large and small spaces.

If you can't be bothered with the faff of electricity there are also great solar powered options that will light up in the evening - providing it has been a sunny day! Some great lanterns scattered around your space is also a simple and cheap way to create that cosy candlelit feel.

(Lights4fun)

3. Decking

Decking might sound like some big expensive project, but it really doesn't have to be. There are several great 'click-together' outdoor flooring options on the market which don't require a builder or a large wallet.

For a small balcony or terrace this works particularly well as it dosen't require a lot of effort to lay down, but delivers ultimate impact. Stick a rug on top and you've got the perfect indoor-outdoor space!

(Ikea)

4. Decorate outdoors as if it was indoors

Don't be afraid to add furniture and decorative pieces to your garden or balcony which are more commonly seen indoors. Items such as large outdoor mirrors add an intriguing sense of space and depth to your garden.

Equally a metal shelving unit is a great tool for adding that homely touch. Fill it with plants, lanterns and other trinkets, just make sure it is secured to the wall first.

(made.com)

5. Plants

And of course, our final tip is to fill your space with plants! Whether you have a great big garden or a small little nook, some pots and plants are a must. Create a cluster of pots in different sizes and heights for a great focal point or add wall fixed planters to your fence for trailing plants.

Why not extend your kitchen with a herb garden? It's not just pretty, but prefect for seasoning the summer BBQ!

Click here for Dunelm discount codes

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