It’s official. We’re spending more time in our gardens and outdoor spaces than ever before.
According to the latest data, February saw 62% of the UK’s adult population visit a green space. And with the warmer weather on its way (fingers crossed!), surely our desire for getting out in the garden will only increase.
Making your outdoor space an extension of your home
For the best part of a year, our gardens and balconies – for those of us lucky enough to have them- have become a welcome extension of our homes. But has all the extra time at home come at a cost? Is your outside space looking a little unloved? Has it taken a battering from increased use?
With al fresco dining and garden gatherings looking like the way forward for the foreseeable – now’s the time to give your outdoor space a little refresh. And we’ve got a few tips on how to get a glow up without starting from scratch. Plus, how to keep it looking fabulous.
Clear the clutter
Did you invest in additional exercise equipment during lockdown one, two or three? Or perhaps new outdoor toys to help with the horror of home schooling? Are the decaying remains of last year’s plants still haunting your decking, and does the patio need a jet wash?
Space is often at a premium I know but start by casting an objective eye over your outside and get rid of anything that you don’t need or no longer use. And that doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the dump. Why not list items on a local site or Facebook group? Much better to pass things on where possible and you may even get a little bit of cash. Alternatively, if you have a front garden wall, some nice looking “things” like books and plant pots can go on that and in no time they will have gone!! As they say, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’
Out of sight, out of mind
Once you’ve decluttered it’s worth thinking about storage. I cannot speak strongly enough about the need to have a convenient dry place to store the cushions from your garden furniture. It will prolong their life, means they’re always ready to use (not soaking wet from our lovely British weather) and you avoid having to deal with any unpleasant animal ‘interventions!’ The smell of which can be extremely hard to eradicate from fabric!
Free up the floor
Bikes on balconies are another space eater so it might be worth considering some of the fabulous wall hanging options that are now available – just to free up that valuable floor space.
And when it comes to floor space – if it’s at a premium then do consider putting your plants in wall mounted holders and hanging baskets – there are some beautiful options available right now.
Give your furniture a facelift
Many of us will have invested in garden furniture over the years. And it’s not cheap. It often comes with neutral cushions which looks lovely when new but can fast take on a grubby hue! So why not consider recovering your cushions to give your furniture a fresh new look? We can also replace tired seat cushion pads if they are no longer comfortable.
At Furnishings Studio we stock a range of outdoor fabrics that are perfect for standing up to general wear and tear and all kinds of outdoor climates. They are also:
- Fade and UV resistant.
- Mold and mildew resistant.
- Stain resistant.
- Breathable.
In terms of what to choose, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Patterns are huge. We’ve got brilliant and bold patterned fabrics for those looking to make a statement. But there are also muted toned-fabrics available if neutral hues are more your thing.
Josie said: “Recovering the cushions can give your garden furniture a completely new lease of life – both in terms of getting many years more use from it but also giving it a really fresh look and feel.”
Finishing touches
When it comes to tying it all together, there are a few quick wins worth considering:
Rugs – there are some wonderful outdoor rugs which can pull your patio area together and give it a cosy feel.
Flower power – replenish your pots! It’s such an easy way to bring a pop of colour to proceedings!
Scatter cushions! Maybe you don’t want (or need) to go as far as recovering your seat cushions. Why not consider some scatter cushions – or something bigger for picnic lounging? We specialise in crafting cushions from scratch in a range of sizes, shapes and colours to not only complement your space but make it a joy to relax in. We can do these in outdoor fabrics too which makes them just them thing for an inexpensive make over.
If you’d like to discuss cushion recovering or new cushions – for inside or out – or any other soft furnishings project, then please do get in touch.
