Having your own outdoor space is a huge privilege. Over the last decade, the garden has evolved to become the second living area of the home and this is largely thanks to the huge range of outdoor furniture on offer in the market today.

There are plenty of different options for dining tables, chairs, benches and garden sofas – and not just in terms of sizes, shapes and designs but materials too. Popular options include solid oak, cast iron, wicker, bamboo, aluminium, rattan and synthetic rattan (polyethylene), but sometimes having so many options makes it difficult to pinpoint the kind of furniture that is best for your garden.

No matter what garden design you have in mind for now or the near future, the quality of the furniture on offer across the market has drastically improved over the last decade and we’re now seeing more ergonomic designs in synthetic materials that offer maximum comfort – as well as furniture that doesn’t ‘conform to the norm’! You can now design a garden with a patio or balcony area that is edgy, minimalistic or inspired by nature and it’s the furniture you choose that will help bring your ideas to life.

One of the biggest trends right now in terms of outdoor furniture is the rising popularity of rattan style garden furniture. It’s not just perfect for those who want to achieve the look and feel of natural rattan at a fraction of the cost. It’s also ideal because it withstands the outdoor elements particularly well and is not as vulnerable to the effects of moisture as natural rattan, which can be susceptible to mould. We supply a diverse range of tables and chairs in polyethylene wrapped around a strong aluminium frame and our designs maintain the high level of durability that you’ve come to associate with natural rattan – yet our products are much easier to clean and better protected against harmful UV rays.

Shall we start with a coffee?

Designers are frequently asked to be creative and the job often involves coming up with new or better ideas throughout the course of the day, so what better way to get your creative energy flowing than having a coffee or three? During the morning, creative ideas general start to evolve when we’re on our final few sips.

We develop ideas in dull meetings

When we’re asked to attend a meeting where we need to listen to boring facts, laws or codes, don’t be surprised if we zone out. We’re constantly thinking about design, so if for example, you’ve listed 30 bullet points on a presentation about rules and regulations in the office, we’re either going to be judging the fonts you’ve chosen or thinking about ideas we’re keen to bring to life.

We do not work to earn praises; we’re in constant competition with ourselves

Designers are not like most employees who work to earn praises, we’re too busy working on being a better version of ourselves. A fantastic interior designer will always focus on execution, it’s up to us to solve the problem and expose ourselves to new ways of thinking, rather than seeking social acceptance.

We know our clients a bit too well

For designers, it’s very typical for 90% of calls and messages to be with your clients, rather than friends of family members – yes even on weekends! Sometimes just being out of the office environment and somewhere else entirely helps open doors to new ideas and opportunities, so work never really stops!

No matter how big or small your garden, balcony or surrounding land is, spending time outdoors becomes a lot easier when it has been designed with your personality interests and needs in mind. Whether you currently live in the city, the remote countryside or a beautifully diverse suburb, having an area to relax, dine and unwind outdoors with friends and family is one of life’s simple pleasures. Here are 10 ways in which you can transform your existing space into the heart of your home:

1. Focus on the friendship between furniture and colour

One of the best ways to add the colours you love to your new outdoor space is by choosing the right shade of furniture. Whether you’re simply adding a table and chairs in a natural wood tone or a set of vibrant blue garden sofas, you should be as particular as you like, especially when choosing colours of cushions and frames. Here at SJY, we take customisation in our stride and our masterpieces have graced the homes of customers in over 100 countries, so whether you’d like just one piece of furniture or a complete set, we have no minimum order quantity. Simply take your time and find the right furniture in the right shade for your outdoor space.

2. Be ready regardless of the weather

Cushions can certainly look great, but if you feel the need to bring them in at the first sign of rain, why not opt for synthetic rattan furniture that is wonderfully comfy wit or without cushions.

3. Consider the surrounding architecture

Your home is likely to have its own unique character, and this is largely down to the existing architecture of your building. If your home is of a particular era or style, it can make sense to make sure your outdoor space matches up.

4. Style your outside space in the same way you would indoors

With so many different furniture and design options for gardens and outdoor areas, be sure to expand your creative mindset and take the time to consider all of the elements, like you would for the inside of your home.

5. Set your mood

Lighting will always play an important role in creating the atmosphere you’d like, so whether you aim to add light through fire pits, lamps or outdoor fairy lights, you do have a great deal of control.

6. Be practical and realistic

If you have a small garden, it’s important to utilise the space, but remember that little can often mean more and make a bigger impact. This is why many exterior designers pride themselves on creating minimalistic designs.

7. Consider a cover

For those days when it’s rainy or too sunny, having some sort of cover is a great idea as you can be protected against harsh wet weather, as well as strong UV rays.

8. Separate living and cooking areas

If you decide to have a barbecue area in your garden, it can make sense to separate this section from your entertaining or living area so that you’re away from the smoke and can relax in a more pleasant area of your garden.

9. Gardens and greenery go hand in hand

Though we say to put the same level of enthusiasm into your outdoor space, know that this is the perfect opportunity to add lots of beautiful plants, flowers and other greenery.

10. Don’t forget the little details

The small details can go a long way and adding personal touches such as ornaments, water features and sculptures can offer a great deal of character.