Latest Interiors gets ready to enjoy summer outside with new garden furniture

Summer Daze

As spring finally, er, springs, the warmer weather makes us want to get outside and into the sunshine. If al fresco breakfasts and early barbecues are also beckoning you, you’ll need the right garden kit to really enjoy them. This week, Latest Interiors gets ready for summer, by checking out the best garden furniture.

Sitting down
Whether it’s a balcony, roof terrace, garden or yard, in Brighton and Hove we are well practised at making the most of whatever outside space and sunshine we can get. Deckchairs are the entry-level staple: they can be folded, stored or carried about until needed. And when the sun starts shining, simply unfold, sit down, place hanky on head and fall asleep. Opt for a cheery chair in this season’s bright pinks, blues and greens and add a little seaside cheer.

For those with more space and cash, cast iron and wood seating (with lots of cushions), outdoor love-seats and sofas (in rattan or basket-ware), and bespoke, fitted benches (around the base of a tree makes a nice, shady spot) are perfect for a long sit-down.

Eating out
If you’ve enough space outside to sit down, you’ll probably want to eat al fresco when the weather warms up. Investing in high quality, hardwood statement furniture that can be left outside all year is a good idea, and built-in bespoke furniture – low, fixed benches and a table, for example – works very well in tricky spaces. Ensure seats are comfy, and that you have enough shade for the summer months. Canopies and parasols can also provide shelter from the great British summer showers.
Lounging aboutSun loungers, over-sized cushions, soft blankets and hammocks – if you like to lie about in the sun, make sure you have at least two of the above (and lots of sun cream). More of us are treating our outside space as an extension of our living areas, and the trend this year is for sofas and soft furnishings out of doors.

Everything else
To make best use of your space, add some light for evening entertaining: Think low-level, soft and welcoming. Lanterns, candles and hurricane lights also give a twinkly glow. Forget patio heaters (too environmentally unfriendly) – use a chimenea, firepit, or jumpers to keep warm, and make the most of those warm evenings. We can’t wait!