Thank you, this competition is now closed. Congratulations Jan!
It’s officially Spring and now that we have lighter evenings, I’m yearning for warmer weather and long, lazy days spent outside in the sunshine. Everyone’s outside spaces take a bit of a battering over the cold, winter months, but just because they’re outdoors, exposed to the elements, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the same stylish treatment as indoors. I’ve teamed up with German brand Kettler to show you how to make the most of your outdoor space, no matter how big or small, whether you’re in the thick of the country or the tight confines of the city.
At the moment we have a little sun trap of a balcony, with just enough room for one person, but soon (fingers crossed) we’ll have a garden when we move house. I am so excited to have a garden after eight years of bbqing and picnicing in packed London parks. It will be a space to relax after a long day, gather friends and loved ones, and exercise my green fingers and grow a few plants.
But, with all the years having a balcony right next to our living room, I’ve learnt how to make the most of even the teeniest outside space, all year round. With a little imagination, you can create a peaceful, green sanctuary to retreat to that’s a natural extension of your home. Here are some of my tips I’ve gathered along the way:
– Extend your style outside – don’t be afraid to use soft furnishings you might use inside, such as patterned rugs, blankets or cushions outdoors to create an inviting oasis worthy of any stylish interior
– Start small – gardening can be daunting task, especially after winter or if you’re starting from scratch. Try a few herbs in a window box or some low maintenance plants such as box plants in containers
– If you’re on a budget, get creative and reuse old wooden crates or cans for plants
– Be selective – use the same style of outdoor furniture to create a cohesive look; similarly a couple of bigger planters will look cleaner than lots of little pots
– If you’re stuck for space, use vibrant colour and texture to create an impact
– Update your outdoor space with the seasons, whether it’s planting Spring bulbs or hardier evergreen varieties in the winter – an outside space is always a work in progress
– Think about views in and out – if you want a bit more privacy, shield a dining or seating area with a parasol or build up taller plants and bamboo to hide any unsightly views out
– Extend the life of your outside space into the colder winter months with heaters or a log burner to gather round. If you’re on a budget, string up some fairy lights when it gets dark, light some tealights, or take inspiration from childhood camping holidays and huddle around a fire (space allowing) with a blanket and toasted marshmallows
The lovely people at Kettler are offering my readers the chance to WIN a Palma Cube Set, worth £599, as seen below. Suitable for both inside and out, it’s perfect for gathering friends over a bottle of Rose on a sunny afternoon…
All you have to do is simply enter the rafflecopter widget below.
The competition is open to over-18 mainland UK entrants only and entries close 24 April 2016. Good luck and santé!
How are you updating your outside space for Spring? I would love to see your spaces, simply share them on social media using the hashtag #IndoorsOutdoors
This post was written in collaboration with Kettler. You can find more tips and tricks on taking the comfort of your indoor space outside on Kettler’s new Indoors Outdoors hub, where they’re also giving away a Palma Sofa Set.
Pingback: And the winners are… - Kettler | Kettler