Ideal Home |
- Outdoor string light ideas - 12 easy ways to make your garden sparkle this summer
- Extending out and up created a stunning new kitchen for this family home
- Decking decoration ideas - 11 ways to revamp your outdoor space in style
- 21 firepit ideas to turn up the heat in your garden
| Outdoor string light ideas - 12 easy ways to make your garden sparkle this summer Posted: 29 Apr 2022 04:00 AM PDT If you're looking for easy ways to give your garden a glow-up this summer, then outdoor string light ideas are the answer. With so many styles and options available, it's never been easier to illuminate your garden, and best of all, outdoor string lights will add instant impact without costing a fortune. Focusing on outdoor dining spaces and seating areas is the simplest way to start when it comes to garden lighting ideas. Festoon and string lights suspended overhead will illuminate the area and create a magical mood that's lovely on summer evenings or when entertaining family and friends outdoors. In addition to key gathering spaces, adding illumination in other areas of the garden is a fabulous way of creating extra mood and ambience. Whether stringing lights from trees and fences or lighting up summer houses and pergolas with sparkly festoon strings. Outdoor string light ideasWhile hanging festoons and string lights is a super-simple way of adding atmosphere outdoors and giving the garden a festival vibe, easy installation is another plus point. All that's required is a couple of fixing points, which can be the side of a house or a tree, post or garden structure. While power can be supplied by an outside socket or via solar-powered string lights. Take inspiration from our round-up of the best outdoor string light ideas, from colourful festoons and fairy lights, to sparkly strings and clusters that will compliment outdoor wall lighting ideas and bathe your outdoor space in light. 1. Suspend string lights above a patio Image credit: Cox & Cox Pretty by day but magical at night, use string lights in your patio lighting ideas strung across a terrace to light up the space after dark. Festoon lights will give a subtle ambient glow that will provide just enough illumination for night-time dining or relaxed gatherings, without being too harsh or overly bright. 'Festoon lights provide an easy and inexpensive way of adding magic to any outdoor space,' says Dani Taylor, Creative and Product Director at Cox & Cox. ‘If you have a large outdoor area to illuminate, decorate with connectable string lights and daisy-chain multiple sets together from a singular power source,’ says Claire Bassett, Senior Product Manager at Lights4fun. ‘This simple but effective design will enable you to light up any area of your garden as you can connect up to 200 metres of lights.’ ‘Start by wrapping the string lights around your garden trees, moving from base of the tree trunk up towards the branches. There are many accessories such as 3-way connectors which enable you to create an even glow throughout your display with ease. Zig-zag the strings of lights overhead on your decking or pergola to create a twinkly canopy to compliment the night sky.’ Buy now: Fabulous extendable globe festoon lights, £60, Cox & Cox 2. Create extra sparkle for garden parties Image credit: Lights4fun Put the focus on your garden table ideas to create atmosphere and ambience for dinner parties and outdoor gatherings. Zig-zag strings of lights above the table, using a generous amount and varying the length and height of each string to create an informal display. As with indoor dining table lighting, make sure that string lights are high enough so that they don't block the view across the table and so that diners won't hit their heads on them. 'For the perfect finishing touch, adorn your outdoor space with warm white connectable festoon lights overhead,' adds Claire. 'Swag each string above your alfresco area and attach to surrounding trees and bushes. Add outdoor micro fairy lights, wrapping around nearby trees and surrounding foliage for an idyllic garden feature.' 3. Decorate a garden pergola Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson As well as providing extra illumination outdoors, overhead lighting is a good way of drawing attention to different areas of the garden and making gathering points or seating spots more obvious to guests. Decorate a garden pergola with strings of lights to provide subtle background lighting for any garden seating ideas. Twinkling lights will help pretty-up a plain garden structure, such as a pergola, arch or arbor, and if greenery is already established, lights can be nestled in amongst the foliage for added ambience. 4. Set the mood with low-key lighting Image credit: Lights4fun Well-lit paths, steps and boundaries are essential when it comes to safety outdoors. But for seating areas and gathering spaces where the mood is more convivial and relaxed, look to low-level lighting ideas to help create a more laidback mood. Integrated lights into your garden fence ideas by suspending string lights along fence panels, hedges and nestled in amongst greenery. This will help to create a subtle, softly-lit backdrop for a seating area. Supplement with table top candles, lanterns and night lights if extra illumination is required after dark. 5. Double-up with extra-sparkly strings Image credit: Sparkle Lights Go a little overboard if it's a special occasion and you're entertaining outdoors. Cluster-style string lights, doubled-up and suspended low above a dining table will twinkle extra brightly and create an enchanting atmosphere after dark. Add an extra string of lights on the dining table, weaved in amongst candles, serving platters and glassware to make the tabletop sparkle and add an extra sense of occasion. 6. Frame a doorway with lights Image credit: Lights4fun Use light strings to frame an outdoor structure, such as a porch, verandah or summer house. Suspend lights from overhead beams or rafters, loosely draping the strings in arc shapes across the width of the area, rather than pulling them taut. When suspending lights from a wooden structure, it's easy to secure strings by wrapping them around beams or uprights. Alternatively, screw-in hooks can be used as fixing points, strategically positioned all along the display area. Buy now: Core Connect festoon light, £26.99, Lights4fun 7. Get the garden party started Image credit: Iconic Lights Create a holiday vibe outdoors by opting for fun multi-coloured festoon lights to jazz up your patio ideas or outside deck. Perfect for parties and summer get-togethers, coloured lights will emit a warm, cosy glow and these rainbow-coloured party lights have mini hooks on the end of each bulb fitting making them super-easy to hang. 8. Decorate trees and greenery Image credit: Festive Lights While areas close to the house are the main consideration, the best outdoor lighting schemes take a layered approach around the garden so that you aren't left staring out into darkness. Positioning lighting in trees and foliage is a great way of highlighting favourite features and creating effects and shadows. Try winding string lights around the trunks of trees to draw attention to their form or along a select few branches to create a focal point. Avoid too many competing lights – less lighting in well-chosen positions looks much more discreet and effective. 9. Make a glasshouse sparkle Image credit: Sparkle Lights Deck out a glasshouse, conservatory or summer house with twinkling strings of festoon lights adorning the rafters and sparkling through the panes. When lit up after dark it will make a fabulous focal point, either at the end of a garden or adjoining the house and will create a welcoming glow that can be enjoyed from inside or out. Drop festoon lights like these are a variation of standard strings, with separate drop-down bulbs suspended from a single cable giving the appearance of lots individual hanging bulbs dotted across the space, for a more luxe effect. 10. Create a courtyard canopy Image credit: Lights4fun Use strings of fairy lights to create a starry overhead canopy in a courtyard or walled garden area. Perfect for parties, the effect is easy to create using connectable strings of lights. Simply zig-zag the strings diagonally across the courtyard, evenly spaced apart, to fill the area and give the effect of a shimmering canopy of lights. Joining up individual strings of lights is easy, with simple connectors on the ends of each string that screw together, until you reach the length desired. To secure the lights, use screw-in wall hooks lined-up on either side of the courtyard holding the strings in place. 11. Pretty-up a parasol Image credit: Lights4fun Instead of taking a garden parasol down after sunset, keep it as the backdrop of your seating area by adding a sparkly set of lights. A large shade will provide shelter from the elements so that the spot feels cosier, with lights adding a welcoming glow. Achieve the effect using a standard set of fairy lights coiled around the struts, or try specially-designed parasol lights (as here) that have separate strings to run along each strut, plus an extra hanging bulb at each end. Buy now: Battery-operated parasol lights, £16.99, Lights4fun 12. Try an easy-up option Image credit: Cox & Cox Suspending festoons and string lights requires several fixing points, which can be on the side of a house or outside structure, from trees or posts, garden fences and even tall hedges. If none of these are practical or you want to put lights up further away from the house, consider standalone festoon holders. Simple, sturdy metal poles that are staked into the ground for stability in strategic spots. Unlike fixed posts, they are easily moveable if you want to take lights down, move them to a different location or use them to illuminate garden path ideas. ‘Alternatively, place festoon poles or shepherd's hooks along your pathway and use connectable festoon lights, swagging each string from one pole to the next for a stylish classic display that will lead the way in,’ says Claire Bassett, Senior Product Manager at Lights4fun. ‘You can also adorn string lights to the side of your house, drooping each string along to create a warm atmosphere and illuminate your outdoor space after dark.’ Buy now: Festoon holder, £35, Cox & Cox Can you leave outdoor string lights out in the rain?Festoon lights should be waterproof in terms of rain showers and should have an IP rating over IP44. Always check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating before buying any outdoor lights. The IP rating ranks the light source by how effectively it is protected from exterior elements such as liquids or solid objects and will dictate where your lights can be installed and how much moisture or external force they can safely come into contact with. This could include being accidentally touched or stepped on, tampered with, accidental force from tools and spades, wildlife activity, dust, dirt and wiring, in addition to rain, wind and water submersion. All of which can cause damage and malfunctioning to outside lights if they don’t have the correct level of protection. With standard garden lights such as path lights, uplights and string lights, you should aim for a minimum rating of IP44 or higher. The '4' ratings will ensure your lights are protected against splashing and forceful water contact, while also protecting them from all levels of physical contact from objects. You also need to ensure that any extension cords you use for outdoor lights are rated for exterior use. What do you use to hang string lights on a patio?It is possible to suspend string lights from the side of a house or other outdoor structure or there may be trees or other tall supports outside that could make suitable fixing points. Metal hooks, eyes or C-clips can be attached to act as fixing points, just make sure that any hooks or clips are sturdy enough to hold the weight of lights and any support wires. Fixing points should be less than 8m apart if you're not using support wires. If your patio area doesn't have any suitable fixing spots, it might be necessary to create your own. Freestanding metal support poles can be used, staked into the ground, or for a more permanent fixing, wooden posts can be cemented into the ground with hooks at the top added as anchor points. For smaller patio areas, it's easy to make your own support posts. Just use a couple of large garden pots and cement your wooden posts in, though this isn't suitable for larger areas where something sturdier should be used. What special effects do string lights have?‘For a distinctive decoration choose connectable string lights with an assortment of lighting functions,’ says Claire Bassett, Senior Product Manager at Lights4fun. ‘Options include static, twinkle to perhaps compliment a twinkly night sky, chase and flashing so you can match your lights to any celebration! Elevate your garden lighting even more by using Twinkly lights (available at Lights4fun). ‘You'll be able to create a fantastic unique display as you can control the string lights through the use of the Twinkly smart app. Choose from a huge range of designs, colours, effects and even connect the lights to a music source and make them dance along with the beat for the ultimate garden feature.’ The post Outdoor string light ideas - 12 easy ways to make your garden sparkle this summer appeared first on Ideal Home. |
| Extending out and up created a stunning new kitchen for this family home Posted: 29 Apr 2022 02:00 AM PDT  When a family of four found they had outgrown their Edwardian home and needed an upgrade, they opted for a smart solution to make the most of there space by extending their home out and up. When your space is at a minimum, the obvious solution is to build an extension on a house. But by extending out and up, you get more for your money, as well as a larger living space. 'The family had outgrown the spaces and longed for an open-plan space for modern-day living, explains the lead architect Ester Corti, who is also co-founder and director of Mitchell + Corti Architects.  Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects 'We needed to maximise the property's internal headroom while incorporating the difference in level between gardens as the road is on an incline,’ continues Ester. ‘So we suggested adding a side and rear extension with an asymmetric pitch and skylights and rooflights to both sides. This would allow for both early morning and evening light to the new living/kitchen/dining space.’ ‘This new extension would add space both to the side and the rear of the property,’ explains Ester. ‘It would also create an open plan feel and connection to the more formal living rooms at the front of the house.’  Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects To add colour to an all-white kitchen, they painted the wall a sage green shade below dado level. The warming colour unifies the room and adds interest to the family space. Extending out and up to create a new kitchen Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects The kitchen, with its flat panel, modern style doors was sourced via DIY Kitchens. A central kitchen island brings everything together giving the family a meeting point to gather around. By extending out and up, this afforded the family more space to introduce clever built-in storage. This ensured their home didn't feel too cluttered with all the kids' toys, scooters, coats and shoes etc. The Surfaceco worktop material is composite quartz, it was chosen for its durability because it’s less prone to staining and scratching, unlike marble. A bank of full height cabinetry makes great use of the available space by occupying an entire wall.  Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects The shades that have been chosen for the space help make it feel bright yet practical. The off-white paint colour to ensure the ceilings and walls retain the ability to reflect light. Matching wall and pendant light fittings help bring the scheme together. Their simplicity complements the muted tones within the space. The clean lines of the modern cabinetry pairs well with the induction hob and concealed appliances, such as the cooker hood that blends into the wall. Open wall-mounted shelving offers space to display items, too.  Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects Opting for a combination of fixed and openable rooflights allows for passive ventilation and airflow without needing to open up the back doors. Extending out and up provided larger ceiling heights within which to install roof glazing. The smaller rooflights are by Velux and the larger ones are made-to-measure designs. The formal dining area Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects A more traditional wood dining table and chair set also brings in more warmth to the room. These provide another area to gather together, which is bathed in light that enters through the roof windows above. The informal dining area Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects In a perfect example of a modern kitchen flooring idea, the homeowners have used engineered timber floorboards. This was a cost-effective solution that has enabled the architects to incorporate the use of a natural material internally. The shade also works with the rest of the scheme to bounce natural light around the room, making the space feel bigger and brighter. The window seat Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects A must-have window seat idea is perfectly placed by the oversized window. Made-to-measure in pale oak, it was designed to be an informal seat/reading nook. It offers uninterrupted views out toward the garden, and a place for people to sit and relax when not seated at the dining table. Practical built-in storage allows the owners to maximise the available space and also to keep the open-plan room free of clutter. The extension exterior Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects ‘We chose to clad the extension in dark charred timber,’ explains Ester, ‘in order to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance, and to avoid any issues around discolouration that can occur when using a pale timber. We also wanted to acknowledge the contemporary nature of this addition to the house by using a material distinctly different from those of the host building.' As well as extending out and up, the exterior space now has a fresh appeal with the asymmetric roof design allowing for the strategic placement of rooflights internally. The homeowners opted for a stylish black-framed glazing that let in copious amounts of light. The property before Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects Focus on: Shou-Sugi-Ban claddingArchitect Ester Corti shares her top tips and ideas on this classic cladding:
 Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects Additional words by Ifeoluwa Adedeji The post Extending out and up created a stunning new kitchen for this family home appeared first on Ideal Home. |
| Decking decoration ideas - 11 ways to revamp your outdoor space in style Posted: 29 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT  A positive from the past two years is our newfound love for spending more time, socialising with friends and relaxing with our family, in our own gardens and outdoor spaces. Whether yours is large with a sprawling lawn or a neat, boxy terrace-house garden there are plenty of decking decoration ideas that can transform it into the perfect entertaining space. There's so much you can do if you have a decked area that doesn’t involve overhauling your garden decking ideas completely. A splash of paint or sprucing it up with accessories and decor can give you a new look within a weekend. Give the decking area some love and you can transform it into a stylish, welcoming retreat that you can enjoy all year round. If you don't yet have a decked area, then don't worry as plenty of our decking decoration ideas can be applied to a patio area or balcony. Decking decoration ideasIllumination is a great place to start with some clever garden lighting ideas that will create the perfect ambience. From hanging festoon lights and lanterns to professionally installing spotlights and uplighters, there are so many options you can choose for creating a perfectly lit garden and decked area. Select garden furniture that suits your outdoor decking area, too, avoiding pieces that have very spindly legs that may get caught between wooden planks. Oversized pieces or rattan sets will look fantastic on decking areas and are able to better withstand our British weather than some other designs. Think about accessories too, such as outdoor rugs, cushions and ornamental pieces that will give you the creative freedom to express yourself. But before you get started, it's a good idea to clean your decking area and get it looking fresh and new, ridding it of any mould and mildew that may have formed over the winter months. ‘It's important your deck is in good shape throughout the year,’ says Sophie Herrman, spokesperson for Jeyes Fluid. ‘While you can use soapy water, a specialist product such as Jeyes Patio and Decking Power (available on Amazon) is likely to be more effective to get rid of moss and algae. Mix it with water, pour it on and leave it to do its work. You can also use a pressure washer or garden sprayer.’ 1. Create a cosy outdoor lounge Image credit: Future When you think about it, decorating the outside of your home is much the same as decorating the inside of your home, and the same decorating rules can apply. If you think about the garden, or certain areas of the garden, as 'rooms' creating the desired look and feel for the space becomes easier and the task more manageable. A decked area next to the rear of the house quickly becomes an outdoor living space, when you furnish and decorate it with suitable items. A garden sofa with cosy (weather-proof) seating, an outdoor rug, and shower-resistant cushions, quickly forms a space for lounging in the garden. Tie it all together with accessories and plant pots in a cohesive colour scheme. Rustic oranges and rich browns like here look beautiful alongside terracotta items and olive plants. 2. Plant a succulent garden Image credit: Future Plc /Astrid Rossington Setting planters and flower beds into decking is actually really easy and effective. If you're building a decking from scratch then you have the advantage of planning where you want to incorporate some beds for planting. The raised height of decking allows ample depth for planting all sorts of plants – simply fill with compost and soil and plant your favourite varieties. If you already have a deck built, then you can simply cut away areas of decking to create openings – around the edge is best, but you could make a feature with a central bed. Just ensure any openings you create are away from footfall so that people don't step onto them. Planting with succulents, herbs and other alpine plants is an easy way to bring in low-maintenance greenery that will relatively take care of itself, whilst also looking modern and attractive. You could also make some raised beds from decking planks that you can put on top of the decked area itself, or elsewhere in the garden. ‘Raised beds add levels to your garden and the comfortable height means you can more easily tend to plants and shrubs,’ says Karl Harrison, pro landscaper and decking expert from Trex. ‘Plus, raised garden beds are easy to maintain as compost and other soil conditioners can go indirectly, eliminating the need for digging year to year.’ ‘In recent years, gardeners have become creative by upcycling containers for planters and building the raised bed from recycled or scrap materials, such as leftover decking, to blend seamlessly with a garden deck.’ 3. Build a kids' zone Image credit: Future Like with the inset flower beds that make use of the depth of raised decking in the previous idea, you can get creative here by making a purpose-built sandpit. It is a relatively easy garden idea to create. If you have a dedicated decked area within the garden that has a large opening it can be filled with sand to make your very own beach for the little ones! Adorned with their favourite accessories, beach toys, cosy cushions, towels and even a personal sign, it will be their most loved spot in the backyard. 4. Knock up a garden bar Image credit: Future PLC / Joanna Henderson You may not have a garden overlooking a river or lake, but it is still worth considering adding some garden bar ideas to your decking decoration. Entertaining at home is so popular now, with plenty of us opting to wine and dine in our own backyards. Ditch the plastic tubs filled with ice and replace them with your very own tiki bar, purpose-built onto your decking area. Use your imagination and you could make your own out of off-cuts of timber and old palettes, but if the DIY route is not your bag, then there are lots of ready-made versions available to buy. Robert Dyas garden bar is in the sale at the moment, alternatively, the B&M tiki bar is a great budget option. Dress is with solar-powered festoon lights, lanterns and some bunting for a playful feel. Then all you need to do is to pull up some bar stools and grab the cocktail shaker. 5. Zone a breakfast spot Image credit: Future When you think about dining al fresco in the garden, the immediate thought that springs to mind tends to be barbecues in the evening. But think outside the norm and use your decking area at other times of the day. Warm croissants, fresh juice and aromatic hot coffee enjoyed from the comfort of your garden's sunny decking is a fabulous way to relax in the morning. When deciding where to position furniture, think about where the sun shines at different times. An east-facing spot will be flooded with glorious sunshine before lunch, perfect for that sunny brekkie, whereas a west-facing spot is better for dining in the evening. Don't overlook a spot because it doesn't have the "desirable" sun direction, as you'll find every spot is perfect for different times of the day. 6. Decorate with bright colour Image credit: Furniture Village Decking, most of the time, is one of several natural shades of brown, grey, green or occasionally black. Whilst bringing some warmth and correlation with nature it can zap the cheeriness of a space by being devoid of cheerful colour. Remedy this by decorating the decking area space with bold, vibrant shades. How to paint decking might be a little different to decorating inside the home. However, when deciding on your finished scheme it should be similar to how you would plan an internal room in your home. Think about ways to bring in colour through painting the walls, fences, other wooden items (such as the decking itself, furniture or a pergola), and also by adding accessories and furnishings in a complementing shade. The cobalt blue wall combined with the blue outdoor rug and little blue touches, such as the candle holder on the table, bring in a stylish look whilst staying true to a garden look. 7. Go al fresco on the balcony Image credit: Dobbies A balcony may be a small area but don't overlook it. Add decking planks to yours if it isn't already there and it'll give it an immediate warmth and a back-to-nature feeling. Think creatively about the items you place on a balcony decking so that it remains functional and practical, whilst not being overly cluttered. A multi-purpose table such as this works brilliantly as it can serve as a place to eat, a place to sit and work, and a place to potter with plants. A small, micro grill or barbecue is a nice addition, too. And there are also so many deck railing ideas that you can do around a decking area, especially on a balcony – from a traditional wooden balustrade to metal railings or super modern glass panels to simple slats. 8. Make your own outdoor cinema Image credit: Lights4fun Creating an outdoor cinema is a wonderful decking decoration idea for your garden, and a brilliant way to spend a balmy summer's evening. Cosy up a corner of your decking with a soft outdoor rug and lots of cushions and blankets on fold-up garden chairs, to make a comfy seating area for you and your friends. String up a white sheet and pull it taught to create a make-shift screen that you can project a film onto from one of many home projectors. Cuckooland sells a particularly stylish metallic finish version from Phillips for £119.95. Finish the space by illuminating with candles, lanterns, festoon lights and soft-glowing hanging paper lanterns that together will cast the perfect ambient glow for movie night. 9. Find a spot to just chill Image credit: Future Everyone is obsessed with hanging egg chairs for the garden – it's a craze that doesn't seem to be going anywhere fast, but we're starting to feel like it needs taking up a notch. Intro the hanging rope chair. If you have a fixed pergola over your decking area then it's the perfect place to position a swinging chair or small hammock (now that is taking it to the next level!). It's like a cosy macrame cocoon that you can curl up inside with a good book and a glass of your favourite tipple. Simply bliss, and so easy to achieve – just ensure your chair is professionally and securely installed before you climb in. Wayfair sells a few versions, at a range of price points, that ooze boho style for your decking. 10. Position a bench Image credit: Future This is a simple decking decoration idea that you can do to totally transform an area of your decking, or any part of your garden for that matter. The humble garden bench is the perfect addition and can be dressed up or down, depending on the season. Drape with cosy throws, and scatter some plump cushions to create the ideal spot to sit and watch the world go by. Any quiet area of your decking can fast become a tranquil place to be. Add some hurricane lanterns and overhead lighting to make it suitable for evening time, too. If you go for a wooden bench, rather than a plastic one, give it a coat of protective paint to ensure it lasts through the wetter and colder winter months. 11. Hang pots for plenty of colour Image credit: Pelargoniums for Europe What a beautifully simple idea this is for your decking – hang pots planted with blossoming summer flowers for an instant pop of colour. Choose simple baskets in neutral shades so that the blooms are the focus and take centre stage. Combine them with coloured paper lanterns for gentle illumination in the evening. It's an effective idea if space is limited as you can hang them from hooks fixed along a fence line, from a pergola or simply from a bough of a nearby tree. How can I make my deck look better?The first thing you can do to make your deck look better is to give it a good clean. Remove furniture and any other items from the decking, then thoroughly sweep it over with a garden broom to get rid of debris and leaves. When it's clear, use a solution of washing up liquid and water and a hand brush or broom to scrub the decking over and rinse with the garden hose. Once the decking is clean and dry, you can bring back the furniture and other elements. The second is to rethink the items on the decking itself. You can do anything from small decking decoration ideas such as adding more potted plants, solar-powered lanterns, festoon lights and garden accessories that are all quick and easy wins for an instant uplift. Or you could have a go at a much larger makeover. Why not get a hot tub and create the ultimate party space for summer entertaining? There are plenty of hot tub decking ideas that will elevate your garden deck. Though, you don't really need to spend a fortune to transform the decking. Perhaps you have wooden furniture that you could paint in a cheerful colour, or even have a go at refreshing the decking itself with a coat of paint. Cuprinol has a range of paints for wooden garden items that are easy to apply and quick to dry. And treat the decking area as you would do your lounge or dining room by bringing in homely accessories, such as cushions, throws, vases, bowls and lighting for a stylish and cosy spruce up. What furniture is best for decking?Many varieties of chairs, tables and sofas will work for your decking but some are better than others. A patio would comfortably be able to accommodate a spindly metal set without any problems, but it won't work as well as on a decked area for practical reasons. Thin, narrow legs on chairs and tables could easily slip down the gaps between decking boards, so do consider this when buying your garden furniture for decking. Chunkier items like this rattan sofa set from Homebase is much more suitable for a raised deck, and also great for keeping out all year as it's made from tougher material that will withstand our British winters. Rattan is also very lightweight so you can move it about more comfortably and change the position of items without any worries. The post Decking decoration ideas - 11 ways to revamp your outdoor space in style appeared first on Ideal Home. |
| 21 firepit ideas to turn up the heat in your garden Posted: 28 Apr 2022 11:00 PM PDT Firepits have increased in popularity when it comes to our garden wish-lists in recent years. We’re all on the hunt for ways to stay out in our gardens later, finding firepit ideas to make the most of our outdoor spaces, whether big or small. If you are looking for a firepit to complement your outdoor kitchen ideas, then there are so many different designs and solutions available. Think beyond the traditional round cast iron bowls or braziers! 'A fire pit is something that can bring the family together,' says Pip Probert, garden designer and RHS multi-award winner at Outer Spaces. 'Having a source of heat to gather round encourages us to stay out and enjoy the space till after dark. Many clients have told me how their children LOVE the fire pit, as they can bring their friends and truly enjoy the social side of living outdoors. It doesn't have to be a feature that is only used at night either. I love to double up, creating a lid or "tabletop" idea for my fire pits. This way, the feature can be used as a coffee table or even an extra seat when not lit.' 'I am a big fan of a firepit,' agrees multi RHS gold medal winning landscape architect and designer Victoria Wade. 'There’s nothing lovelier than sitting around a real fire with good friends and a cheeky G&T (or two!) on a summer's evening. If you want to take things one step further, then look for one with a clever swing arm BBQ for the best of both.' Firepit ideas for your garden'The popularity of fire pits has increased tenfold over the last few years,' says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morsø UK. 'We are seeing both freestanding and permanent structures and in a variety of different materials, such as concrete, metal and cast-iron.' But we are also wanting firepits to work hard too, forming part of our outdoor kitchen set-ups or best BBQ areas. 'We’ve seen an upturn in the number of people looking for multifunctional outside cooking ideas that work in any weather. This has resulted in the rise of the sheltered outdoor dining space, these wooden structures much like cabins can house a firepit, tables, chairs and even workspace to prepare food,' says Declan. Make your garden work harder for longer with these clever firepit ideas. 1. Build a pit into your scheme Image credit: Alamy/Andrea Rugg Create an outdoor living room with a built-in firepit at the heart of your scheme. Slate gives a contemporary feel, which will be hardwearing, both underfoot and around your firepit. Plan the pit in place of a central coffee table, allowing space around for drinks and nibbles – the best of both when you’ve topped yourself up at your garden bar idea. Vary the size of slab and stone used – the flooring echoes the stonework pattern, although playing with scale. Wooden furniture adds warmth to the coolness of the slate, arranged in a formal configuration around the firepit. 2. Think low level Image credit: Alamy/Ellen Rooney Be inspired by The Viking Friluftsliv Garden from RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2021, where a large, low-level marble firepit stole the show. Echoing the wooden gazebo, outdoor kitchen (the perfect inspiration when looking for ideas on how to build an outdoor kitchen) and sofa, the texture from the roughly cut wood makes a statement even before lit. Metal pins hammered into the slab keep the logs from rolling off its flat surface, which has a burning area approximately a third of its width – if emulating something similar, make sure you have plenty of space around the slab edge. 3. Try a traditional layout Image credit: Alamy/Andreas von Einsiedel Position your garden furniture at right angles to your garden's heat source – like this chimenea – for a social space that still allows guests to benefit from the heat from the fire while chatting. Raise it up on a wall, to make it a real feature. A chiminea is a great choice for a more rustic garden. It will provide a lovely visual hit of warmth while containing the ash. If you have a sunken or overlooked garden, then there are things you can do to avoid smoking out neighbours' properties. Look out for a taller flue or chimney part to your chimenea. 4. Offset your heat source Image credit: Future PLC/Jamie Mason Place a chiminea off-centre, to bring a warm glow to your summer garden party idea. If placing on wooden or composite decking, then position on terracotta or porcelain tiles. This creates the effect of a mini boho rug, creating a great space for a summer soiree. Chimineas are safer than firepits. Their unique shape and design makes it easier to control the fire and heat created. They are also easier to move around once cool. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that only those sitting close to a chiminea's opening will feel the benefit of the heat. So you might need to factor in other outdoor heating ideas to keep everyone toasty. 5. Build your own surround Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole Love an outdoor living room idea? A firepit can really help create that comfortable vibe. Here, a brick surround creates more of a fireplace feel, adding an extra level of protection. The brick surround gives an inexpensive firepit bowl a more substantial feel. Continue the curves of the firepit with any pathway, creating a garden that flows (even if it's a small one). Why not repeat the brickwork around trees and large shrubs for a cohesive, well-designed look. 6. Create a cosy corner Image credit: Future PLC/Alasdair McIntosh Even the smallest garden seating idea can become a cosy place come sunset. Go mini with an open firepit that can burn just three or four logs. Keep the design simple, especially in a contemporary garden. A simple bowl on cast iron legs is ideal. Make a feature of your spare logs, stacking up in a pile, where they can add natural texture until needed. 7. Find the perfect spot Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd-Davies Transform an often-under-used area of your garden into an extra seating zone. Here, reclaimed timber has been used to create a bench seating area – a brilliant DIY outdoor furniture idea. The warm timber contrasts with the concrete-effect firepit. The blocky design echoes the shape of this little garden retreat perfectly. As the sun sets, the firepit will create gentle heat and light, allowing you to stay out that little longer. And of course you can always add a blanket or two for cosy nights out! Planting behind the seating area helps often the expanse of fence, adding to the intimate feel. 8. Work an industrial look Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole A cast iron firepit will take on a lovely, weathered patina after a few summers-worth of use – perfect for an industrial-vibe garden. Team with loungers and a steel-framed bench that's topped with wood. This isn't a look that needs protecting from the elements. That means your garden’s good to go as soon as the sun shines. Just bring the chairs out from the garden shed. Protect patio paving ideas from any scorch marks by placing your firepit on a paving slab, almost plinth-like. 9. Build an outdoor fireplace Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson Use reclaimed brick to construct a fireplace wall, with an open basket-style firepit for your very own outdoor living room. Create a log stack in an alcove, just as you would inside, while a floating concrete shelf provides space for display. Encourage foliage to grow up above the fireplace wall. You could even add a few trough-style planters high up, acting as a living wallpaper or living wall idea that changes through the seasons. 10. Find the perfect corner Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore Unwind after a busy day in a cosy chair next to a roaring firepit. Add lanterns, festoon lights and other garden lighting ideas for the perfect evening al fresco. Choose a sturdy firepit that has a Scandi vibe. You’ll be able to create a dreamy hygge moment this summer. Patterned floor tiles give the appearance of an outdoor rug. They’re ideal for use under a firepit, adding interest to the floor. 11. Go tabletop Image credit: Danetti Incorporate a firepit into your garden table. Choose a firepit design that easily hides away when not in use, meaning you aren't compromising on table surface area when entertaining a crowd. Fuelled by a gas canister, which can be stowed away underneath, this three-point adjustable flame firepit gives out 8.8kw – perfect for staying warm after sunset. Buy now: Romero grey fire pit garden table, £1.349, Danetti 12. Pick multi-purpose Image credit: Legs Eleven For gardens where space is tight, lookout for a design that can be both a firepit and a BBQ. With a swing-rack design, you can adjust the height of the grill, giving you maximum control. Opt for a version where the swing arm can be removed after the last steak has sizzled, leaving you with a firepit to enjoy as the flames die down. Optional extras include a hanging arm and cooking bowl. Great for big cookouts in your own back yard. Buy now: Legs Eleven firepit with swing arm bbq rack, from £299, firepitsuk.co.uk 13. Opt for a minimal design Image credit: Charlton Island Think all firepits are rustic? Think again! This firebowl has clean lines perfect for a more contemporary garden design. Made from fibre-clay with a choice of grey 'cement' or 'black granite' finish, there's even space to stash a few logs underneath. Choose a curved design to balance out those straight lines of a contemporary garden design – like steps and walls. Buy now: Firebowl and round console with wood storage, £279.99, Charlton Island 14. Gather round a brazier Image credit: Lights4Fun As the sun sets, light up a brazier or fire bucket – you could even have a few dotted around your garden, creating pockets of warm where guests can congregate. Choose a cut-out design and you'll get some interesting shadows cast onto your paving too. Make an evening of it and plan how to make a an outdoor cinema to entertain family or guests. Buy now: Black metal firepit bucket, £34.99, Lights4Fun 15. Cover up Image credit: Gardenesque Worried about pets and children? Choose a design with a spark guard lid, and then it will contain the worst of any sparks. This model also comes with a removable grate, allowing you to sizzle those sausages too. The mesh sides also feature a flower trim, which will echo your garden's blooms too. A perfect look for a more cottage garden feel. Over time, steel firepits will rust, which is completely normal and adds to the firepit charm. You can use hot soppy water to clean the inside. Have a cleaning session and plan how to clean a BBQ at the same time. Make sure to allow a steel firepit to dry completely to prevent the inside from rusting. A thin layer of vegetable oil applied after each burn will also help preserve your firepit. Buy now: Hoole Kynance steel firepit with lid and metal poker, £229.99, Gardenesque 16. Keep things simple Image credit: Beaumonde Sometimes less is more, and we’re big fans of this stunning simple fire pot. The fire itself is the true star here. Made from sheet iron, with its own practical windscreen shape, this Danish-designed fire pot can even be combined with a grill for good old-fashioned cook-out fun. Buy now: Firepot, £249, Beaumonde 17. Make your firepit work harder Image credit: Solus Decor During the day, put your firebowl or pit to use as an extra table. All you have to do is top it with a wooden cover. It makes the ideal perch for garden party snacks or drinks (served from your very own DIY pallet bar of course!). Then come dusk, remove the lid and light up the firepit. A bonus of a natural gas/LP or bio-fuel burner is that it doesn’t take as long to heat up as solid fuel. Buy now: Hemi 36 bowl with custom hardwood tabletop, Solus Decor 18. Don't compromise with a clever design Image credit: Furniture Village If you’re short of garden space, why choose between a firepit and a lovely dining set when there are designs available that tick both boxes? We recommend a design where the canister fits neatly underneath the table to power a gas-filled firepit. The result? Heat and light for your evening soiree. This design even allows you to cover the firepit when not needed, converting it to a normal garden table idea. Buy now: Dorset round dining set with firepit and six chairs, £4,399, Furniture Village 19. Go for hotel chic with a dining sofa set Image credit: Cox and Cox Dining sofa sets are just the ticket when you’re looking to combine a comfy sofa with a table space that's the right height for eating too. Don’t stop there – pick a model that has a built-in firepot too. That way you'll feel like you are in a swanky boutique hotel garden. All that’s left to do is rustle up your favourite summer cocktail. Buy now: Stockholm corner lounge set with firepit, £3,295, Cox and Cox 20. Keep it petite with a fire lantern Image credit: Cuckooland Combine heat and light with this Scandi-style lantern. Powered by gas, it's easy to move to wherever you’re gathered in the garden. And a 190gr gas cartridge should give around six hours of burn time – plenty to last you throughout the evening. Buy now: Cosi Fires Cosiscoop fire lantern, £99.95, cuckooland.com 21. Gather around the firepit Image credit: Morsø Arrange garden furniture, outdoor rugs and cushions around your firepit, ready for an evening of sharing old memories and making new. Perhaps you could even tell a spooky story or two! Gravel or shingle is a great base for a firepit. Check it's stable before you light, and keep any textiles out of the way of sparks. Buy now: Morsø Ignis firepit, £249, Morso What can I put my firepit on?‘If you are using a portable firepit, in that it’s not a permanent feature in your garden, then you should really find a hard surface,' says Pip Probert, garden designer and RHS multi-award winner at Outer Spaces. 'It’s important to remember that they get extremely hot, and it could burn, mark or create problems to the surface below. If you have an old paving stone or even a fireproof board that the fire pit can stand on, it reduces the heat touching your paving. Gravel is sometimes a better option and then any soot or ash that is dropped can be washed away via the loose stones.' Pip also says to avoid placing one directly on a lawn idea; 'Think back to the last time you used a disposable BBQ, or you had Guy Fawkes burning away on a bonfire. You’ll probably remember the burn mark on the lawn below,' says Pip. If you have decked areas, then Pip suggests avoiding using the fire pit there, unless again you have a paving stone or hard surface in between. 'It’s also worth remembering that if you have a pergola above your seating area, you may want to ensure it does not cover the fire pit. I can't emphasise enough how hot these get,' she says. Should I choose a firepit or chiminea?Firepits have become more popular over the years as they tend to be more affordable. Smaller in size, freestanding fire pits also take up less space and so are ideal for compact outdoor areas and small garden ideas,' says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, MD at Morsø UK. 'They can also be portable meaning that you can create the same cosy ambience that you would at home at the beach, the park or on a camping trip. Chimeneas on the other hand tend to start at a higher price point because they are larger, more sophisticated products. They are ideal for those who love to be outdoors all year around as they aren't easily moveable. The firepit is a more practical option for those who spend less time in their outside area as they can be quickly transportable and moved around.' Can I make one myself?Making your own firepit is a great low-cost alternative for budget garden ideas, although there are a few practicalities as Pip explains; 'If you are handy with the tools, then there’s no reason why you can't build one yourself. We tend to build them in block, with a small footing and a solid base (but make sure you have a drainage hole, otherwise it will fill up with water when it rains).' Internally, Pip lines a firepit with fireproof bricks, using fireproof cement and a layer of fireproof render. 'This is the most expensive part of the feature, but you need it to ensure it can withstand the direct heat,' she says. 'On the outside you can match up with your surrounding materials, maybe a tile to clad or a decorative brick, with matching coping Firepits can be contemporary or rustic, fitting in with any scheme.' The post 21 firepit ideas to turn up the heat in your garden appeared first on Ideal Home. |
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