Using Our Outdoor Space In The Autumn
I’ve probably mentioned this a zillion times before, but I’m a HUGE fan of outdoor space. My indoor and outdoor space are loved in equal measures but how do we keep enjoying our gardens as the days and nights get cooler and darker?
It is my mission this year to try and make this happen and I’m currently changing the switch into cosy mode.
I love the fact that our gardens and outdoor space in general just mean so much more and I guess the big nasty virus had a big part to play in this. I have never seen such imagination & inspiration with outdoor space; really thinking about it’s purpose, how we use it and what we can do differently.
Transform an old shed
Is that big garden shed just full of stuff we haven’t used for years and if we have a big ole sort out (and make some pennies along the way) can we use it for something else – a little garden bar, a snug or a garden office – Hmmmmm?
I was very lucky to have a pergola built this year having had the plans in my head for over two years and although it’s open, it does have a roof. Very kind people have helped me build it to the spec that I want and I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled with the result – it’s everything I had in my head and more.
I have taken a bit of a different approach with this space and have decided to dress it differently to the rest of my home. Why? I’m not sure, maybe just to give it its own identity.
Pops of colour
My furniture is very neutral in colour and I have injected a few bits of rattan which I think is such a beautiful material. I have then led with blush pink taking this through my textiles & accessories and then used sage green as an accent colour; these colours just give the space a subtle pop of colour whilst adding a subtle pop of warmth. It feels like it represents a different me which is nice.
Its purpose was a snug; somewhere to eat, somewhere to sit and play a game of monopoly. somewhere to enjoy an evening drink and watch the stars; just somewhere which added a different perspective to my garden.
Wow! What a summer it has been …
It has been my absolute go to over summer but I want to make it a go to as much as I can over the cooler months.
I do get that the appeal to sit outside when it’s cold is very different but we did when we had to and with the cost of living being as it is and using energy much more of a consideration, maybe it will be more front of our minds.
So ….. this is my plan
Clothing
Obvious but think like a skier! Layers, layers and more layers.
Accessories
If I have a warm head then I feel warm all over and I love any excuse to wear a hat. Also, aren’t fingerless gloves fab – warm but very practical – winning!
Hot water bottles
I was brought up using hot water bottles so taught how to use them properly. I have always used them since. WFH last winter they were a saviour and there has been the occasional BBQ where a hot water snuggle late at night has worked a treat. I will be offering friends a glass of vino and a hottie!
Blankets
I already have a big basket of blankets ready to go. Blankets to sit and blankets to throw on – the more the snugglier.
Cosy drinks
A hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows for a school night and maybe with an added splash of Baileys (other spirits are available!) for those weekend evenings.
Firepit
I can just watch the glow of my firepit and feel instantly warmer! I haven’t used my firepit in these drier months so looking forward to enjoying it again at the right time.
Lights
Again add that feeling of warmth through their ambient glow.
Candles
The ultimate easy win for a cosy glow.
Magic
Lets just add a sprinkling of magic – well why not!
In summary, it’s the season to get your hygee on!
