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MEET THE EXPERTS
HELEN ELKS-SMITH, GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
'What we expect from our garden has changed - it now needs to work really hard, and we often have to make compromises.'
MAIRI DEVLIN, HEAD OF HORTICULTURE, B&Q
'My perfect outdoor living room is a space to have fun, to entertain and to sit and relax, to enjoy the summer days and evenings.'
LISA COPPIN, CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, THE COTSWOLD COMPANY
'Explore different themes if you like, but it's crucial to consider the surrounding area and your property.'
TWO'S COMPANY
For an intimate space, go for a pair of armchairs. Stretton garden lounge set with footstools and coffee table, £899, The Cotswold Company
Our gardens have become so much more than a patch of lawn, a place to grow plants or to sit in the sun. Many of us are now turning our plots into extensions of our homes, creating outdoor kitchens, dining areas and living spaces. But getting an outdoor living room right can be tricky; there are many more things to factor in and more decisions to make than when planning our rooms indoors. We asked a trio of garden experts to share their top tips on creating an outdoor living room that's right for you.
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
"The perfect outdoor living room for me has to be in the right place, the right size, surrounded by greenery, with space for friends and family,' says Helen, while Mairi adds, "It's an area where I can enjoy my garden throughout the day and for as much of the year as possible.' And Lisa continues, "The perfect outdoor living room should be an extension of the home, reflecting the homeowner's personality.
ECHO THE LOOK
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Ideal Home UK.
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This story is from the August 2024 edition of Ideal Home UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5143/1751377/NMvEIjIDz1720444420910/crp_outdoor-space-diningspace-outside-eating-area-small-space-decorationoutdoor-furniture-home-decoration-fashion.jpg)
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.
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hometruths
KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME
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Fresh & delicious
Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes
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NATURAL habitat
KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT
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"WE AREN'T traditional"
RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES
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GROWING up
ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY
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The shortlist PARASOLS
Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades
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Weekend decorator
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
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The shortlist PICNICWARE
Everything you need for the perfect spread
![PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5143/1751377/qlteubmCj1720441064913/PLAN-THE-PERFECT-OUTDOOR-LIVING-ROOM.jpg)
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS