Our five top tips for al fresco living in 2021
During lockdown in 2020, it became more important than ever to have a pleasant outdoor space to spend our time in. Being outdoors, enjoying nature and sharing your outdoor space with your family brought healing benefits to physical and mental wellbeing with many seeing their garden as a getaway from it all.
The outdoor entertaining and living trend looks set to continue into 2021 with many choosing to ‘staycation’ and create the luxury holiday at home. Many of us have a newfound appreciation for spending time with our families, friends or pets in our gardens and on our terraces and balconies.
Having space to entertain friends and family is deemed the second most appealing garden feature for consumers in the UK, gardens are no longer just places to work in and look at, they now form part of everyday living. The Horticultural Trades Association revealed in the summer that sales of garden furniture was up 101%, compared to June 2019, which saw people embrace their outdoor spaces, whether it be a balcony and or lawns providing spots for chilling out and household socialising.
Relaxation outdoors
Rattan and wooden furniture has soared in popularity as it follows 2020’s natural interiors trend, blurring the lines between home décor and outdoor style. Natural textures like rattan and FSC wood in neutral tones, have recreated a bright and beachy feel to mimic a luxury holiday haven for those that haven’t been able to travel over the summer.
Gone are white plastic garden chairs, in are neutral frame colours with cushions and blankets in neutral shades as consumers look at getting back to the basics and embracing the universal values that bond us together. According to Pantone, the on trend colours of spring / summer 2021 will reflect naturalness and ease. Colours such as muted lilac, green, orange, red, graphite, cream and mushroom will compliment natural furniture and create a tranquil and ambient atmosphere within their gardens.
Our range of super-stylish Paxton rattan furniture (RRP £449.99 - £799) turns the garden into an outdoor room and extension of the home, turning relaxation to al-fresco dining in seconds.
As the weather heats up, why not go ultimate relaxation outdoors with our Paxton Rattan Single or Double Hanging Egg Chair? (RRP £449.99 - £649)=- If you don’t have room for a hammock, the egg chairs are ideal and will give you that relaxing motion without taking up tons of space. With easy to reach drinks holders and luxurious cushions, our egg chairs can really make a world of difference to your comfort and pleasure whilst relaxing in the sun.
Our eucalyptus wood Repton range, (RRP £59.99 - £849.99) is a traditional, but stylish addition to an outdoor room. Environmentally friendly, and prized for its strength, durability, and weathering characteristics in all climates, the Repton range gives the ultimate comfort when entertaining, no matter your party size, available to seat a cosy twosome or sets to suit a family gathering.
The Repton rocking chair (RRP £189.99) has also proved to be popular as there are fewer things more relaxing than reading or snoozing while gently swaying in the breeze and enjoying the sun’s rays! For those that have a balcony or little outside space, small bistro sets such as our Repton premium bistro set (RRP £159.99) are on the rise.
Social hotspots
This year, fire pits have proven to be the must-have garden accessory and that is set to continue massively into next year as it allows people to enjoy their garden for longer. Summer days outdoors can be extended for longer periods of time and often well into the evening as a fire pit adds warmth and light, creating a cosy ambience as the sun goes down. Our Hoole firepits (RRP £69.99 - £259.99) –adds both rustic charm and character, making it perfect for both modern and traditional properties and their outside space.
New for 2021, is an extension of the Hoole range with two brand new caged designs for BBQ areas on patios and in back yards with entertaining in mind. The classic Lelant Fire Bowl, with its sleek diamond design which is enhanced further once backlit by fire, it will be a welcome addition when entertaining in your garden long into the evening.
If you plan to entertain large groups of people, then the new Seaton firepit, launching in summer 2021 will quickly become the focal point in your backyard, with its classical design aimed increasing the comfort whilst socialising at home. A welcome addition to the Gardenesque range which will sit proudly with our popular Wakehurst fireplace (RRP £399.99), a design aimed to recreate the fireside outdoors. Whether your idea of the perfect night is roasting marshmallows or snuggling fireside with a loved one, our fireplaces will bring your entire patio space together.
Wildlife
Another result of the lockdown culture at the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, was many households turning their attention to observing and caring for wildlife, in particular garden birds. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) found that the number of people using their online bird identification tool shot up by 95% compared to the same period last year.
Love your pots
As gardens are being used more frequently as an outdoor room, they have to be decorated also. Container gardening is on the rise amongst the younger generation, especially millennials and families who want a low maintenance instant look without any hassle, that can be moved or changed depending on the situation. This simple and effective style of gardening can add drama to any outdoor area and add personality to any space. You can grow vertical, it provides the benefits of gardening without the hours of hard labour, requires no heavy tools or equipment and gives the option to move plants around, so you can find the optimal spot for plant growth. We’ve seen demand increase in distressed, glazed and natural pots, taking the garden back in time with our Ancient Pot Collection (RRP £35.69 - £80.99), available in four sizes for different garden settings and the Ancient Pot Bowl Collection RRP £24.79 - £55.99) that brings character and elegance to your garden.
So, as you can see there is plenty of up and coming trends focusing on outdoor living, entertaining and really getting back to nature. The new 2021 season promises a lot more to enjoy, if outdoor trends of 2020 are anything to go by.
Browse our full outdoor living collection for more garden inspiration and ideas.
