It has taken a while, but it seems, fingers crossed, that the UK summer has finally arrived. With BBQs, picnics and dining alfresco now on the cards, many eager sunseekers are swapping living rooms for the outdoors in a bid to soak up the long-awaited rays.
With the sun shining bright, now is the perfect time to set up the paddling pool, clean the cobwebs off the garden furniture, and make the most of the wonderful weather. As plans start to form about gardening, landscaping, and other outdoor design ideas, from water features and new patios to hot tubs, and awnings, it’s a great time to explore all your options. However, if a complete outdoor makeover isn’t in your budget this year – have no fear, as there are plenty of simpler yet effective steps you can take to create a peaceful outdoor space.
The right lighting
Never underestimate the power of the right lighting. Effective lighting can completely change the atmosphere of your outdoor space, giving it versatility and allowing you to set the tone and mood of your choice. One great thing about adding lighting to your garden is the ability to enjoy it even after dark. Whether you choose solar-powered lights, fairy lights, or lanterns, these options can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This makes it a delightful experience to spend time outdoors with loved ones and friends in the evening.
Consider installing outdoor lighting along pathways, around seating areas, and in trees to improve both the functionality and visual appeal of your space. Additionally, heated lamps and fire pits are also popular choices for creating an outdoor ambiance and providing both heat and light for year-round use.
The art of minimalism – declutter and organise
One of the first steps in transforming your outdoor space is decluttering. During the winter, patios, gardens, and balconies can become messy with unused items, toys, bikes and garden tools. As such, it’s important to start by going through these items and deciding what you really need for the summer and store away the items that are not in use to create more space for relaxation.
Using self storage units is an effective way to create more space and organise your belongings. Seasonal items like winter garden tools, bulky outdoor furniture, and other non-essential goods can take up a lot of space in your garden or shed. By storing these items off-site in a self storage facility, you can free up valuable space for summer activities. Moreover, this method enables you to swap out items seasonally, ensuring that only the necessary items for the current season are easily accessible. This means that hot tubs, bikes, and other summer items can be easily stored away in the colder months to make room for wellies, Christmas trees, and other seasonal items.
Embrace the greenery
There is a transformative power that adding plants and greenery contains, and it can truly bring an outdoor space to life. By mixing and matching colors and varieties, and by adding plants, herbs, and flowers, you can easily transform your garden and make it feel more expansive and inviting. Vertical gardens, hanging planters, and window boxes are excellent for adding a touch of nature without taking up too much ground room, if space is a concern.
Adding more greenery can also attract bees, bugs, and other valuable living creatures into the space, creating a living haven. Not only do plants improve the aesthetic appeal of your garden, but they can also provide shade and privacy, enhancing your overall outdoor experience.
Having your hands in the soil isn’t just nurturing for the garden. According to The Royal Horticultural Society’s 2021 research, those who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all. This proves that enriching your garden with greenery goes beyond just the surface.
Simple yet effective options
It’s understandable that given the turbulent weather, many will want to make the most of their outdoor space during the sunshine. While a complete garden makeover may not be on the cards, maximising your outdoor space can be achieved through a combination of decluttering, clever storage solutions, and thoughtful design. By storing seasonal items in self storage, enhancing your garden with greenery and setting the mood with effective lighting, you can transform your outdoor area into a haven for relaxation and entertainment. Furthermore, adding touches such as lighting and head solutions to your garden can provide year-round usage – come rain or shine!
Mehran Charania, Director of Ready Steady Store