Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

In my role as an interior designer, I rarely have the opportunity to style outdoor spaces. But I do think it’s important to give as much thought to the design of the garden as you would the design of the home.

With summer on its way, now’s the time to get your garden ready for all the al fresco dining and socialising you’ll be doing once the mercury rises. So I’ve curated a selection of the most stylish – and practical – garden furniture. This is just part 1, come back next week for part 2!

IKEA

A huge selection of furniture at wallet-friendly prices, IKEA is always a solid bet. Their range of garden furniture includes dining tables and chairs, sofas, parasols, gazebos and even storage options.

The Falster Series is my personal favourite. It’s made of durable plastic but looks like wood (so it’s easy to maintain). The collection has a distinct Scandinavian vibe, and is available in the colour of the moment: grey. There are some really practical pieces, and most of it is stackable for easy storage.

John Lewis

Like IKEA, John Lewis has a huge selection of garden furniture. Their prices are generally a little higher, but the quality is great.

I really like the rustic, paired back look of the Islay collection. It’s named after a Scottish island, and it does have that relaxed, nature infused island feel.

John Lewis also offer a fun range of brightly coloured deck chairs. Quirky and cool, the graphic prints of the changeable slings are bang on trend at the moment.

Twentytwentyone

2021 are passionate about well conceived, well made and enduring design. They’ve curated a wonderful selection of garden furniture from a host of elite designers. This is a high-end brand, and the prices reflect that, but the benefit is unique, design-led furniture that you won’t see anywhere else.

I really like the industrial look of the Ludwig outdoor dining table and its matching bench. It’s a timeless and versatile piece (it would work equally well indoors, too).

The VP outdoor lounge chair by Verner Panton is equally stylish. It’s available in 15 colours, including some gorgeous pastels. It’s somehow both modern and retro, being inspired by a chair Panton made in the 50s.

That’s all for today! In part 2 I’ll be featuring some smart outdoor lighting, patterned rugs, giant pots and more. Stay tuned!