How to transform your garden: Ideas to solve your outdoor decorating dilemmas

We’re heading into the season of outdoor living, when doors are kept open all day, lounging is done under blue skies, and we swap our Sunday roasts for backyard BBQs. If your garden, patio, or balcony has been neglected over the cooler months, you’ll be searching for easy outdoor décor ideas to spruce up your space before the weather warms. We’ve answered five commonly asked questions to help you get started.

How do you turn a garden into an outdoor oasis?

An oasis is a place of calm you can retreat to when you need peace and quiet. To design your own, there are a few outdoor decoration ideas you can employ to make it a space you’ll want to spend lots of time in. Firstly, open a parasol or hang up a fabric canopy to create privacy and a shady place to escape from the sun. Then, give yourself somewhere to lounge by stringing up a hammock or lining the ground with an outdoor rug or picnic blanket, dotted with tufted cushions. It will create an inviting area for snoozing, reading, scrolling, playing or picnicking. Lastly, add ambience with garden lighting such as a string of festoon lights or hanging lanterns.

How do you set a table for an outside party?

This season is synonymous with outdoor dining, so if you’re planning a party al fresco, why not wow your guests with a striking tablescape? In summer, outdoor table décor should feel relaxed and laid back. One idea to achieve this is to mix, not match, different textiles and tableware, and include lots of cheerful colour. First, lay a bright tablecloth, then set a place for each guest with a placemat, glass, and fabric napkin. As for the outdoor bar décor, self-serve cocktail-filled pitchers and tinted glasses will add a fun touch to your table setting while keeping your guests in high spirits.

How do you make an outdoor space cosy?

Even in the warmer months, your outdoor space might require a little cosying up, especially when the sun goes down. If you want to avoid the expense of an outdoor heater or fire pit, one way to combat the chill is to curate a basket of light cotton throws for your family or guests to dig into when they need an extra layer. And for cosiness during the day? Lay a picnic blanket to create a soft place to sit and decorate your outdoor space with a dash of colour too.

How do you make a patio more inviting?

The beauty of the patio is that they’re typically made with bricks or pavers, and these create a hard surface that’s perfect for styling with garden furniture and outdoor homeware. To make your patio more inviting, why not try perking it up with pops of print and splashes of colour? Form an eye-catching yet laid back space for socialising with a circle of patterned deck chairs, or, if lounging is more your vibe, scatter a few outdoor cushions on a picnic blanket to create a comfy and colourful spot for sunbathing.

How do you make a garden look fun?

Whether you’re searching for outdoor decorating ideas on a budget or you’re trying to style a small space, here are two things you can do to make your garden or balcony look more fun. Firstly, don’t overlook the doormat. The visual impact of this indoor or outdoor garden decoration cannot be understated, especially if it’s designed with a colourful print or cheerful slogan. Secondly, use decorative outdoor plant pots and planters instead of classic terracotta options to add a pop of colour and extra greenery to your outdoor area.