The room outside

The outdoor room is as much a state of mind as it is a space. It might be defined by the curve of a garden bed or a straight-as-a-die clipped hedge, or it might be a paved patio, a covered deck or a poolside conversation area. It’s how you furnish and decorate your alfresco entertaining or living space, and the ambience you create, that elevates the area to outdoor room status.

Seating arrangements for conversation, a sun lounger for an afternoon snooze by the pool, a dining table for family meals or entertaining … these can all be combined with rugs and cushions, artwork and decorative pots, wall art and mirrors, lighting and table decor. The aim is to skilfully combine furniture, soft furnishings and decor to create a place of beauty, comfort and pleasure.

While you’ll want furnishings that meet your family’s needs, a good outdoor entertaining area or room-style space should also be filled with individuality. Personalising the space with decorator accessories will draw you outside much more than a bare table and chairs, no matter how comfortable