Solo seat
A corner is all you need for a reading nook. A hanging bamboo chair keeps the floor and sightlines clear for a feeling of space. Highlight the area with clusters of pots that contain foliage at varying heights and scales.
Outdoor kitchen
Extend your kitchen capacity into the garden. Potting tables provide a slim, compact surface along one side of a patio for outside food prep.
Private bar
Create your own little entertaining zone with a clever pull down bar made from a couple of pallets and lengths of chain.
Double your space
An outdoor mirror will make your garden look bigger than it really is. Create your own using an old gate or some painted trellis mounted onto a piece of mirrored board.
Kids’ corner
Sacrifice a raised bed to create a section of deck with a giant blackboard and a covered sandpit for sunny-day play.
Gallery wall
In the same way that you would hang pictures indoors, create a display of frames and wall-hung planters on an outside wall, fence or shed.
Where to buy
Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have
If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.
hometruths
KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME
Fresh & delicious
Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes
NATURAL habitat
KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT
"WE AREN'T traditional"
RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES
GROWING up
ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY
The shortlist PARASOLS
Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades
Weekend decorator
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
The shortlist PICNICWARE
Everything you need for the perfect spread
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS