Whether your outdoor area is a huge backyard or a simple timber deck, it always helps to add a few little decorative pieces to make it feel like part of your home and, also, so it reflects your personal style. When it comes to creating a beautiful outside space, you need to think about what the area is used for and look at the types of plants you have growing about the garden.
ENTERTAINING MADE EASY
If you like using your yard as a place to entertain family and friends, you probably already have a lovely dining setting, but why not make it even better? Brighten up your table with some beautiful placemats, tableware and potted plants, then add a pretty outdoor umbrella to keep the hot sun off everyone.
A stylish stone or timber bench can provide additional seating for guests, or just be a place to relax on a sunny day – and it will look great with a row of stepping stones leading up to it. A sturdy hammock is the perfect place to kick back, especially with a book and a cool drink on a hot summer’s day. And if you still need extra seating, an outdoor rug is a wonderful idea – look for a weather-resistant one in a natural colour and fabric.
To make sure your area is well lit at night, invest in some outdoor lighting such as fabric lanterns or citronella candles. Iron lanterns are a great choice if you wish to create a rustic feel in your garden.
ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE
Placing statues, sculptures and urns between trees or in the centre of the lawn adds a charming decorative touch to your outdoor area. For a formal garden, look for classical Greek or Roman figures, or for a Victorian feel, pretty statues of cherubs or angels should do the trick. In addition, wooden signs and wrought-iron artworks are right at home in an outdoor setting. Why not hang some wind chimes from tree branches to create a calming ambience, or put a sundial among the flowers to conjure up the image of a traditional English garden?
A beautifully designed planter or small water feature can add an elegant look to an outdoor area and bring some colour and greenery to an empty corner. And, if you’re keen to attract native wildlife to your garden, include a bird bath or feeder – these come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern and are often quite inexpensive.
Don’t forget that less is more – avoid crowding your yard too much. Add just a few attractive accessories for an easy and inexpensive way to turn your outdoor area into a warm and welcoming space that everyone can enjoy.