Ultimate Outdoor Living in 2022
Now that the sun’s coming out and we’re rapidly approaching our warmest months of the year, it’s time to turn our attention to our gardens.
Nearly two years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions have considerably increased our appreciation for our gardens and the time we spend in them, bringing indoor/outdoor living to the forefront of architecture and design.
Yes, planting and landscaping is an ever-evolving project, but the garden furniture has to be meticulously researched so you can ensure timeless design, functionality and sustainability, before you click ‘pay’.
There are so many different suppliers and materials on the garden furniture market these days that it really can be a minefield, especially when buying online. It’s not unusual to see a rattan furniture set for £400 and then seemingly the same set, elsewhere, for upwards of £4,000! Whilst they may look the same on your screen, the difference in quality would be as clear as day in person. The truth is that, when it comes to garden furniture, it’s worth the investment. The cheaper options may be good for a season, but the following year you’ll be laying out for another set, meaning that it’s neither kind to you nor to our planet.
However, it’s important to plan ahead as garden furniture can carry lead times of between three and six months, so if you want to spend your days lounging on your daybed and your nights dining around the firepit you’ll need to get buying… and now.
To help you get started, here at Strive for Design we’ve put together this handy blog to help you create an outdoor space you’ll want to take indoors, and in time for summer. If you’ve read our blog posts Colour Me Happy or Be Kind Through Design, you’ll already know that this year design is all about enhancing nature, bringing its colours and elements into our homes and filling them with natural light and fresh air, and the same goes for the outdoors. (Great news, of course, that half the hard work is already done!)
Gone are the days of the hard plastic table and chairs with wipe-down cushions as they’ve made way for garden furniture made of recycled materials such as wood, bast and linen. Think trendy, luxurious but sustainable furniture that would look just as good inside your home, as outside.
Don’t forget, the most environmentally friendly possessions are the ones we already own, and garden furniture is no exception.
Upcycling couldn’t be easier with a plethora of paints, fabrics and transfers readily available. You’ll also find plenty of free information online with suppliers such as Ronseal offering advice and products to get your project started.
But if you’re looking to undertake a bigger project and maximise your outdoor space, there’s a big emphasis on functional but comfortable outdoor rooms, resulting in a welcome increase of indoor/outdoor furniture and alfresco dining equipment available to suit all budgets.
Keep in mind that whether you’re creating an outdoor room or investing in a dining set, the key to bang on trend outdoor living is minimalism. Muted colours and simple design and materials are the key players in 2022.
The UK’s drier climate has seen a rise in popularity of the outdoors kitchen with companies such as Grillo and Fire Magic supplying and installing custom-made outdoor BBQ and kitchen areas, so no matter what size your space you can be sure you’ll have an outdoor cooking/dining space that perfectly suits your needs.
If you're looking for a slightly more modest outdoor cooking experience then look no further than the Outdoor Pizza Oven. Opt for a traditional design and you’ll be transported from your back garden to al fresco dining in Italy or something more sleek and modern for a futuristic feel. Either way you’re guaranteed authentic dining in the outdoors that can be enjoyed time and time again.
Rattan furniture that’s durable enough for the outside but aesthetically pleasing enough also to be inside will be flooding the market and you can expect it to incorporate natural and muted tones such as sage, cashmere, beech and stone, all of which truly reflect nature.
The great thing is that these tones will blend perfectly with the colours found outside, but if you’re going to bring the furniture in for use indoors during the colder months, think about a colour that will also complement the indoor deco.
The Strive for Design team are extremely excited by the launch of the outdoor daybed, which will usually comprises four sections – the settee, two stools and a coffee table – which when all pushed together will form the perfect bed for lazy days in the sun. Genius!
For help with anything from daybeds to outdoor kitchens and dining, contact the Strive For Design team on 01223 622 688 or send us an email.
Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge, so if you're in need of inspiration for your home, please contact us.