[AD] An urban oasis with minimalist outdoor furniture by Cane-line

[AD – This post is a paid partnership with Cane-line, styling and imagery: Cate St Hill. Cane-line are kindly offering my readers 10% discount off their beautiful minimalist outdoor furniture online! Use code CATE10 here]

With the lovely, sunnier weather I’ve been spending more time back out in the garden – it becomes an extra room to the house in these warmer months. All the plants have come out again and it’s looking so verdant and green. You might not believe this is zone 2 of London; with a backdrop of tropical palms and lush, architectural grasses, it’s my very own urban oasis, hidden from surrounding neighbours.

You might remember my garden makeover last year (see it here). We transformed the overgrown space into a simple, contemporary garden with minimalist outdoor furniture, and contrasting white gravel and black fencing. But it takes time to nurture a garden and I’ve enjoyed seeing it evolve through the seasons. A garden is never really finished, it’s a growing, living thing. Over the last 12 months, the growing greenery has softened the clean lines of the landscaping and the garden has sort of settled into itself – the space doesn’t look so sparkly new, which I quite like.

This year, I’m really excited to be the UK ambassador for Cane-line – if you’re not already familiar with this Danish brand, they design and manufacture quality, comfortable outdoor furniture. Their all-weather designs – simple and Scandinavian in style – are based on functional, long-lasting and socially responsible principles.

It’s easy to come across cheap, flimsy outdoor furniture that will only last a season (I know I’ve done that and regretted it a year later) but Cane-line work with innovative technologies to create pieces that endure and need minimal maintenance. Perfect for that wet London weather! From sturdy tables in timeless colours, through squishy sofas with quick drying cushions and UV resistant fabric, to handmade accessories to add the finishing touch, Cane-line’s aim is to make your outdoor space comfortable, practical and inviting.

Comfort is something that was lacking in my garden. We have two lovely egg-shaped accent chairs but no where to really stretch out and put our feet up. I was thinking that when it comes to outdoor furniture, a garden shouldn’t really be treated any differently to the rest of the home. Just as you might have a cosy sofa inside, accessorised with cushions and rugs, so you can do the same outside to create an outdoor living room.

Cane-line’s Breeze bench, designed for two or one if you fancy reclining back, helps provide the perfect, cosy corner. Designed by Strand+Hvass, it has a simple and lightweight expression that fits with the contemporary style of the garden. The curved, gently angled armrests create a cocooning effect that embraces the sitter, while the removable cushion adds a layer of comfort. When there’s two of you, you can sort of nestle into each corner so that your bodies are positioned slightly angled towards each other. When there’s just one you can prop a cushion on one of the armrests and lie back.

In a garden it’s useful to have lots of surfaces to place glasses, mugs, magazines or plants. When we have friends over for a barbecue there’s never enough tables (or seats for that matter). Cane-line’s On-the-move side tables are handy because they can be easily picked up and moved from one place to another. Ideal if like me you’re constantly moving furniture around to chase the sunshine. Designed by Strand+Hvass and made of aluminium, the tray-like top can also be removed by simply lifting it off the frame.

The Divine footstool, handmade in a crochet fabric, can be used inside or out. It’s super multifunctional – we’ve used it as a table, an extra surface to sit on, even Francis likes to perch on top of it for maximum sunbathing comfort and to survey the garden for pesky cats!

I’ve clustered the designs together to create a relaxed, informal seating area in the sunniest spot of the garden. An olive tree, French lavender and pots of mint for picking and putting into thirst quenching summer drinks all help to make you feel like you’re not in London at all, let alone a busy, bustling city. The timeless light grey contrasts beautifully with the black fencing and complements the off-white gravel and greenery. You can’t really go wrong with grey minimalist outdoor furniture – it’s understated and timeless.

I find even just 10 minutes spent in the garden at lunchtime or with my morning coffee is restorative and helps ease my wellbeing. There’s something so peaceful about hearing the birds, seeing the grasses rustle in the wind and smelling the fragrant whiff of the herbs I’ve planted. I often come out here to read a book and escape from the stresses of the day.

When the light dips and it’s time for a glass of something chilled in the garden, we can light candles in these Lighthouse lanterns. The smart black aluminium frame fits well with the clean lines of the black fencing and trough planters. Add a throw and a fire pit and it takes the space from day to evening. I’m hoping the sun sticks around and I can spend everyday here in my tranquil urban oasis. Now where’s the rosé?

What do you think? How will you be creating your own urban oasis this summer? 

Cane-line are kindly offering my readers 10% discount off their beautiful minimalist outdoor furniture online! Use code CATE10 here (the discount is applied at checkout)