Less perfection, more personality
As summer creeps closer and daylight stretches out, your terrace or garden starts calling for attention. Not in a dramatic, “rip it all up and start again” way, but in small ways that could make it a little bit more like you. The idea isn’t to create a magazine-perfect setup. It’s to carve out a place where you actually want to spend your evenings, mornings, and those warm, lazy weekends with nothing urgent to do.
You don’t need a pool or designer loungers. What you do need is intention, a bit of creativity, and a willingness to let things feel a bit wild — in the best sense.
Work with what you’ve got
Every outdoor space, no matter how small or awkwardly shaped, can be improved. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, look at what’s already there. Is there a wall that could support a climbing plant? A fence that could use a string of warm lights? A patch of shade that might be perfect for a hammock or a reading chair?
Often, the trick is in layering — not just plants, but textures, colours and shapes. Think of your outdoor space like you would a living room: it needs a focal point, cosy spots, and something that reflects your style, whether that’s rustic, minimalist, or bursting with colour.
Comfort matters more than you think
Outdoor spaces should be inviting, which means comfort can’t be an afterthought. That doesn’t mean dragging your indoor cushions outside and hoping it won’t rain. It means investing in proper pieces, and more importantly, paying attention to materials.
Choosing the right outdoor furniture fabric is key. It needs to handle sun, moisture, and time
— without fading, tearing, or feeling like plastic against your skin. There are plenty of
soft-yet-tough fabrics now designed specifically for garden furniture, including UV-resistant and quick-dry options. You’ll thank yourself when the cushions still look fresh in September.
Add a bit of magic
Yes, fairy lights are lovely. But summer magic comes in different forms — a wind chime that sings with the breeze, a potted herb garden near your table, an outdoor rug under your feet. These touches don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. They just have to feel yours. Even mismatched chairs can work, as long as there’s a vibe that pulls it all together.
A space to breathe, not impress
At the end of the day, your terrace or garden isn’t a showroom. It’s a space to enjoy, nap, read, laugh, maybe share a drink or two. So aim for cosy over curated, charm over perfection. Summer’s coming — let your space feel ready, in its own way.
© Copyright 2025 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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