Perfect patios

LOUNGING and dining outdoors is one of the pleasures of summer but it must be done in style, because a poor setting will dampen spirits faster than a sudden downpour.

A patio should be furnished as carefully as any indoor space and, ideally, mirror your interiors taste so that there’s a harmonious “flow” from house to garden.

Fortunately, it’s now easy to create an area which impresses, as there is a huge variety of affordable good-looking quality furniture in high street stores and DIY supermarkets that competes well with the high-end designer ranges.

“Gardens are fast becoming an extension of the home with more and more people embracing a Europeam lifestyle – eating and entertaining outside, even though the weather sometimes doesn’t co-operate with our al fresco aspirations,” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design for conservatory blinds and awnings specialists, Hillarys.

“We’d all like a sophisticated, beautifully furnished area which seamlessly blends with our interior, and where we can enjoy an informal, laidback lifestyle with al fresco meals and spontaneous, impromptu gatherings on balmy evenings,” she adds.

“Advances in design and technology mean there are plenty of ranges in weather-proof materials, such as synthetic rattan, so that pieces can be left out all year round and require minimal maintenance.

“Awnings, lighting and sound systems, and state-of-the-art barbecues and stunning furniture are transforming our perception of garden spaces. These truly are now outdoor rooms that speak volumes about our taste.’’ Patio perfection is easy to achieve; follow the experts’ advice and choose from a selection of patio kit to suit your budget.

COLOUR STORY

Janeiro armchair £25; table £90, B&Q

COLOUR is a given in interiors and is featuring strongly in patio collections. Those zingy shades can instantly brighten a small space and could be the answer if you lack bright, blooming borders or yearn for an exotic lift on dull days.

“People are putting personality into their patios by using colour and texture to express their own individual style,” says Karen Wichard, designer at Alexander Francis.

Patio power: Go Modern’s contemporary collections feature designer ranges from Europe.

Its Spanish Icpalli synthetic range is a winner, with a green and blue or red and brown colourway. garden armchair, £860, Side Table, £210.

Patio penny savers: Mix and match coloured chairs from the Janeiro white powder-coated metal garden range from B&Q. Armchair, £25, available in blue, green or purple, and grey Table, £99.

ALL WHITE

All White Roses garden chair, £1,140; Go Modern gomodern.co.uk

PURE white is the perfect choice if you want a sleek, uncluttered feel to your patio, and also evokes the bright exteriors of sun-bleached Mediterranean homes.

“Increasingly, we’re favouring a pared-back look which matches our indoor style,” says Sarah Quilliam. “White or cream provides a brilliant contrast with the green of an outside space and helps to conjure a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Our cream or ivory fabric awning is becoming as popular as the more traditional striped fabrics.”

Patio power: John Lewis, never slow to follow a trend, has the Qui Est Paul? Ublo lounging set, £1,399, with tub-shaped chairs, sofa and coffee table, all made from UV-resistant polyethylene.

Alternatively, if money’s no object, Go Modern has a blooming lovely Roses Garden Armchair, £1,140.

Patio penny savers: Nereto Dining Chairs, £299 for two, complete with white seat covers and seat pads, Marks & Spencer.

DOWN TO THE WOOD

Bristol Premier six-seater set, includes cushions and parasol, £2,995, Neptune

NATURAL materials such as wood and stone complement the colour palette of the great outdoors, rather than compete with it.

“Beautifully crafted wooden patio sets are a classic choice and will never date,” says Kate Watson, interior designer for furniture store, Fishpools.

“Of course, these will always suit a countrystyle garden, but there are many sleek, contemporary designs which will appeal to those who like a Scandi-look. Wood’s appeal is timeless and it will never fall out of favour.”

Patio power: Neptune’s impressive collection of garden furniture includes the teak Bristol premier six-seater Set which, at £2,995, includes cushions and a parasol.

There’s a reassuringly solid, chunky look to B&Q’s Roscana furniture range in a brown hardwood, which includes a generously deepseated armchair, £250, and a textoline sunlounger, £129.

Patio penny savers: For a smart, contemporary set, look no further than a Marks and Spencer’s Nordina eucalyptus wood collection; an extending dining table, two stacking and four folding chairs, £649.

REVEL IN RATTAN

Retro rattan effect four-seater dining set, £799, B&Q

WOVEN rattan furniture is enjoying huge popularity.

Real rattan is the fastest growing hardwood on earth, reaching maturity in a couple of months, which makes it sustainable, superstrong and eco-friendly. If you prefer minimal maintenance, synthetic rattan is a good option.

“Classic rattan-style pieces bring a traditional, elegant feel to the garden,” says Kate Mooney, founder of online interior design store, Occa-Home.

“Woven furniture continues to appeal because it offers texture and comfort, while conjuring a laid-back feel that really furnishes a space. Choose from a rich, dark finish or the paler browns, which will look less dominating.”

Patio power: Marks and Spencer’s handwoven synthetic rattan Aruba collection is handsome and comfortable. For al-fresco dining there’s the table and two benches set, £799, or just two dining chairs, £249. There’s also a more informal Retro Rattan Effect twoseater coffee set, £399 (currently reduced to £342), from B&Q.

Patio penny savers: A compact Black Rattan Bistro Set, £345, Alexander Francis, is ideal for informal entertaining where space is limited.