Owning a well-designed garden is wonderful, but there’s no point in putting in the effort to make it immaculate if you can’t sit back and enjoy it. As well as having a lawn and plenty of greenery, a modern garden isn’t complete without an outdoor living space.

Firstly, look at the space you have and plan an area that will incorporate all the elements you need. Depending on the style and function of your room, you might want to include cooking facilities and a fireplace, but make sure you have the room and also budget to do this. When designing your patio space, make sure you consider the following:

Cooking – the cooking facilities need to be considered first, as you may need power supplies for your outdoor cooker. Firstly, is your space primarily an outdoor kitchen or more of a living room? Installing a whole outdoor kitchen is costly and probably not worth it in the British climate. However, if you already have a veranda or porch then this will save money on building a shelter.

Furniture –you should choose your furniture based on three criteria: the style of your outdoor room, the purpose and also the amount of space you have. If your space is mainly for cooking and eating, then choose a range like Alexis which is sleek and practical. If you are looking create an outdoor lounge, then the Jabron range is a comfortable and contemporary option. If you have a large space and want a bit of everything, then choose pieces from the Soleils range as it includes a dining set, lounge set and even a sun lounger. All our luxury patio furniture is fully weatherproof, so it doesn’t matter if you’re planning on placing it in a covered area or an open decking space.

Lighting – lighting is important to create atmosphere, and it means you can continue your al-fresco living even when the sun has set. If you’re going for a vintage look, then placing fairy lights in the trees or entwined in a trellis will look enchanting. Alternatively, a variety of solar or halogen powered outdoor lighting is available in hardware shops, and you can attach these to walls or have them free standing.

Heating –add both heat and light to your exterior room by purchasing a fire. If you have the budget you could build a brick fireplace and chimney, or keep it simple with a freestanding Chimenea. No matter which you opt for, having a fire gives a cosy atmosphere and means you don’t have to retire inside when the temperature drops.

Shelter- British summertime doesn’t necessarily equal temperatures in the mid-twenties and wall-to-wall sunshine. Be prepared for all climatic eventualities by installing some form of shelter. This will protect any soft furnishings and stop your barbeque from being a wash-out. You could grab a gazebo, add an awning or construct a canopy to make your outside room British weather-friendly.

Make the most of your garden for as much of the year as possible by building a versatile outdoor space. Relaxing in the fresh air and being among nature can be a fulfilling experience, and it means you build a stronger bond with your back yard.