Yahoo Finance 
12 ways to create an Instagrammable garden this summer
- 1/13
12 ways to create an Instagrammable garden this summer
The joys of long, balmy evenings lie just around the corner. From twinkling festoon lights to hanging egg chairs, now is the time to create an Insta-ready garden space for summer — and prolong our outdoor happy hour.
With restrictions gradually easing, garden gatherings are back on the cards. Whether you have an urban terrace or a cottage garden, say cheers to the summer months with cosy outdoor sofas, stylish table arrangements, backyard cinema set-ups and clever uses of lighting. Take a look at these garden decor tips to try yourself...
Next/Simon Archer - 2/13
1) Create a welcoming retreat
Turn your attention to creating a serene space ready for summer. Combining indoor comforts outside is the way forward, so think about layering up with cushions, blankets and fabrics that add warmth.
'Styling your outdoor space should require much the same level of consideration as indoor styling,' reveals Jonny Brierley, CEO of Moda Furnishings. 'Think about layering pattern, colours and materials to create a setting that is personal to you and your style.'
John Lewis & Partners - 3/13
2) Set the mood
Create an ambient glow in your garden this summer by hanging a string of festoon lights. Perfect for letting your outdoor space take shape, they can either be strung along a fence, secured with a festoon light pole or hung from one end of the garden to the other. Warm, summer days we're ready for you!
Pictured: Warm festoon lights, £29.99, Lights4Fun
Oliver Perrott/Lights4Fun - 4/13
3) Keep the drinks flowing
Drinks, anyone? A seriously smart addition to any outdoor space, garden bars are the ultimate way to turn heads this summer. If you don't have the space for a built-in bar, this pop-up alternative is the way to go.
Habitat - 5/13
4) Invest in a stylish rattan set
Rattan furniture sets are trending and they're perfect for outdoor spaces. From bistro sets to cosy corner sofas, stylish rattan is what every garden needs this year.
'Last year saw a huge spike in demand for rattan garden furniture, so it's no surprise that the trend has returned this year,' says Ryan Schwarze, Head of Luxury Rattan.
'Modern rattan sets come in a variety of sizes and colours, they're also durable against the unpredictable British weather, making them a great high-quality, on-trend furniture option that will help you prepare your garden for summer in an instant.'
Dobbies - 6/13
5) Create an outdoor cinema
Bring the cinema (and the smell of popcorn) to your backyard with a few accessories. To make your ultimate alfresco movie night you'll need a backdrop (such as a large sheet), projector, comfy outdoor cushions, your favourite snacks, and a handful of glowing solar lights.
Shop the full look at Garden Trading
Garden Trading - 7/13
6) Style your table
Hosting a group of six? To create a truly Insta-ready space, consider sprucing up your humble outdoor table with matching napkins, bouquets of fresh blooms, candles, gorgeous dinnerware sets, and plenty of festoon lights, too.
Oliver Perrott Photography Ltd/Lights4Fun - 8/13
7) Lounge in style
Cocooning pod-style egg chairs are the ultimate place to relax. A favourite for many on Instagram (including Mrs Hinch and Stacey Solomon), they are ideal for drifting off in the sunshine. Pricey, yes, but they are a cosy addition to every outdoor sanctuary. Have you got yours yet?
Pictured: Maze Rattan Riviera Garden Chair, £599, Cuckooland
cuckooland.com - 9/13
8) Gorgeous garden lanterns
Have you considered showering your space with lanterns? As well as making your garden glow, they add atmosphere and extend the garden into the sunset. Some are solar powered, while other LED options will need to be situated near a socket. You'll have an Insta-worthy space in no time...
Pictured: 3 Lucena Cream Tassel Solar Lanterns, £39.99, Lights4Fun
Oliver Perrott/Lights4Fun - 10/13
9) Layer up with a rug
A sure-fire way to brighten up your outdoor area, garden rugs provide a cosy feel underfoot, especially on hard floors and patios. We love this jute rug from John Lewis, which adds a real rustic touch. But don't be afraid to invest in a bold, patterned or colourful rug either; it will bring some personality to your outdoor space.
'Outdoor rugs are being used to extend the living space beyond the house,' says Daniel Prendergast, Design Director at therugseller.co.uk. 'Outdoor rugs are also quite practical – bringing less dirt indoors from underfoot and covering "imperfect" grass and patios.'
Pictured: Jute rug, £100, John Lewis
John Lewis & Partners - 11/13
10) Don't forget the fire
Stay warm as the sun goes down with a fire pit, fire bowl, chiminea or an outdoor heater. Brilliant for summer entertaining, they are a stylish way to cosy up after hours. If you only buy one item this summer, why not make it this fire bowl...
cuckooland.com - 12/13
11) Outdoor cushions
Complete your outdoor space with weatherproof garden cushions. 'As well as bringing much needed comfort to your garden seating, the addition of outdoor cushions allows you to blur the lines between interior and exterior, helping to create a space that is often left unused through half the year, feel like a carefully considered living area,' says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin.
Shop the full look at John Lewis
John Lewis & Partners - 13/13
12) Relaxing retreat
Complement your outdoor aesthetic with a relaxing garden sofa. Ideal for a patio, balcony or sprawling lawn, they offer a more relaxed approach to outdoor seating — and are just what every Instagram feed needs.
Pictured: Hosta Corner Living/Dining Set, Next, £699
Next/Simon Archer
