From barbecues with friends to family dinners in the sun, there’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors, together. Our design team has put together our top suggestions on making your garden a social space for hosting this summer.
Create an outdoor space
Reimagine your garden just as you would one of the open-plan spaces in our Heritage Collection homes. Divide your garden up into a series of zones for seating, planting, growing vegetables, playing games etc. This can also work in smaller spaces – and even make your space feel bigger than it is.
Alysha Alli, our head interior designer, says:
“You don’t have to do a complete redesign to make the best use of your space. Adding pots in different heights and widths to divide zones or creating a living wall using larger plants can make parts of your garden feel like a cosy living area."
“Screens and panels can also create more intimate sections for relaxing – and there are some beautiful designs available to buy such as those from Screen with Envy. Given our socialising opportunities are at the mercy of the great British weather, creating a covered area is crucial. Think about gazebos or canopies for a shelter from the rain.”
Even for sunnier weather, having some overhead cover can be a blessing. Use parasols or umbrellas to create a shelter from the summer sun - particularly if you’ve got a south-facing garden.
The best garden seating
Comfort is now as important outdoors as it is indoors. Alysha says:
“Lounge seating creates a relaxed and luxurious environment whilst being practical when socialising with your friends and family."
“We’ve been working with our designers to create a new range of outdoor seating for our show homes. Incorporating the trend of bold lines and woven fabrics, we love using natural textures of wood, wicker and rattan. Beliani has a gorgeous range of outdoor sofa sets using on-trend slatted wood forms, while The Range has an affordable choice of wicker options in a variety of colours."
“Add weatherproof outdoor scatter cushions in one of the new season’s hottest hues to bring a pop of colour."
How to cook outdoors
Every sociable garden should have somewhere to cook so you can cater for your guests’ every need.
As you would expect, there are a huge range of products on the market from barbeques and smokers to ovens and steamers. You could opt for a charcoal smoker and grill, or even a pizza oven.
Garden heating options
From freestanding patio heaters to chimineas and fire pits, the options to keep you and your guests warm outside are endless. Alternatively, invest in a few cosy blankets or wool throws to ensure everyone stays cosy. Alysha says:
“You can find an outdoor heater that complements your design style and your practical needs."
“For a really sociable vibe, a fire pit can recreate the feeling of being gathered around a campfire sharing stories with your loved ones. Look for a design that adds interest to your garden, for example with a raw iron finish or intricate cut out details."
“Modern home design trends are all about reassuring our senses, so add accessories that envelop you with warmth and comfort. Chunky knit blankets can both add a pop colour and provide plenty of warmth for chillier evenings.”
Garden lighting ideas
Outdoor lighting is key if you want your garden gatherings to continue after dark. Alysha says:
“Festoon lighting can create a magical party atmosphere and is easy to hang along fencing, walls or above your seating area. Choose from white or colourful options to suit your mood - or mix!"
“Simple forms, influenced by natural shapes, are on trend when it comes to lighting. Pebble lights can be dotted around your seating area, creating a completely customised setup."
You can also add outdoor lights to your new build garden via My Redrow, along with a host of other outdoor tech options.
Family garden design
For families with children, or those who are big kids at heart, your garden’s socials can be a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor fun. Giant games like tower blocks or hoop games can keep children and grownups entertained for hours. Or why not go retro with a round of swing ball or a classic lawn game like croquet?
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create outdoor fun. Why not set up an obstacle course with wooden hoops, pallets or boards?
Learn more about The Redrow Difference and what sets our new homes apart.
