Tips For Inside Out Garden Living

A big trend for 2022 is “bringing the inside out”, creating comfortable and luxurious spaces in our gardens for relaxing and entertaining. The trend started in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic people have spent more time in their gardens and want to enjoy the outdoors with creature comforts previously reserved for interior spaces. Here we discuss some key features of a great outdoor space. So, sit back, relax and get those creative juices flowing as we show you how to fully enjoy your outside space in style all year round!

Paving and Decking

A great outdoor entertaining space needs a stable base on which to sit, relax, cook and dine. Decorative gravel is a quick and cost-effective way to create attractive outdoor entertaining areas with a rustic look but paving or decking are more practical and will take your outdoor living spaces to the next level. At AWBS we have a wide range of natural stone and concrete paving, including our very own AWBS Exclusive range providing unrivalled value and quality, suitable for all styles patios.

If you desire a more contemporary look, our porcelain paving slabs will provide just that. Porcelain paving tiles are stain, frost and heat resistant and available in a wide variety of stone and wood effects. With porcelain paving project pack prices starting at only £158.99 including vat, this premium and extremely durable product is now cheaper than ever.

With over 55 different styles of natural stone, concrete and porcelain paving in our portfolio, you can be sure that we will have a style to suit your garden. All at great low prices and available with free local delivery.

If stone paving isn’t your bag, we offer a great alternative. Composite decking is the latest innovation in attractive but durable decking. This manmade decking looks and feels just like real wood but without the maintenance and is available in a vast range of modern and rustic styles. At AWBS we are proud to be approved retailers and stockists for leading brands, Millboard and Trex. We have composite decking samples available from each of our branches and we will be installing an extensive composite decking display at our Oxford branch in the spring of 2022.

Seating and soft furnishings

Say goodbye to the boring garden furniture that we’ve all come to know and say hello to edgy designs and beautiful colors that are sure to set the tone for your new outdoor living area. Versatility is at the core of these new designs, a wide variety of which is stocked by our sister company Oxford Garden Centre. The very latest garden dining and lounge sets provide the quality design and comfort of indoor furniture with all-weather durability capable of withstanding even the British climate.

If you want to create a relaxed social space then take a look at the Rimini Corner Lounge Set from Alexander Rose, a corner sofa provides the ultimate social and comfortable lounge seating. Combine with an outdoor rug and some stylish lighting and heating to create an alfresco entertaining space that can be used year-round. The latest outdoor dining sets provide seating for up to 8 people in supreme comfort with innovations such as height adjustable and firepit tables. The possibilities are endless, imagine your outdoor area with a firepit, side tables, loungers and luxurious swing seat for the perfect evening with a glass of wine.

For the very latest in luxury garden lounge and dining furniture, from simple café style tables and chairs for two to large luxury rattan dining and lounge sets, see the Oxford Garden Centre website or pop in to see their new 2022 garden furniture collection. All available at great prices with free local delivery to OX postcodes.

Shelter and heating

Now you have created the perfect entertaining area. It's important to keep your guests warm and cozy. Fencing, walls and even planting are effective ways to provide shelter from the wind. Large parasols, garden structures and pergolas are also great options for creating shelter and provide the added benefit of being able to support heaters, wireless speakers and LED lighting.

At AWBS we have a variety of garden structures for large and small gardens. The Grange Apollo pergola is not only eye-catching but large enough to sit under. For smaller gardens or patio’s, the Grange Valencia corner arbour provides covered seating for two with a small table. We also stock a wide choice of traditional and contemporary fence panels and trellis, perfect for creating shelter and supporting plants.

Garden heating has come a long way in the past couple of years. Efficient gas heaters now feature cool design but possibly the biggest innovation in this area is electric heaters. These high efficiency garden heaters are more compact than gas heaters and are available in pendant, floor standing or hanging pendant designs and are more akin to a piece of furniture than functional items these days. For the ultimate centre piece, why not consider a gas powered firepit table? Our sister company Oxford Garden Centre has a wide range of stylish patio and outdoor heating options to suit all spaces.

Outdoor kitchens

Is there anything better than cooking and eating outdoors with friends on a warm summer evening? The rapidly growing interest in outdoor kitchens suggests not and this is a big trend for 2022. Outdoor kitchens are so much more than just a BBQ and a cool box. Modern outdoor kitchens will include a big gas range for cooking but also features such as stainless work surfaces, fridges, ovens and running water like the amazing Kettler ‘Everdure Neo Outdoor Kitchen’ available from Oxford Garden Centre.

These amazing outdoor kitchens provide everything needed for outdoor living and cooking but they can be expensive and another option is to build your own outdoor kitchen like this stylish area created using Pavestone Moodul walling blocks featuring a BBQ, food preparation areas, storage and even an outdoor fireplace with log storage. This stylish entertaining area provides, shelter comfort and luxury in equal measure. These innovative modular building blocks are available in two colours but a similar area could be created with any of our walling stone. Alternatively, use concrete blocks and cover them with the latest porcelain outdoor wall cladding tiles for a modern and luxury look.

Planting

Plants are the perfect finishing touch for any outdoor space. Shrubs, herbs and even vegetables can be used to add colour and interest. And there’s no better feeling than putting something on the table that you have grown yourself. Railway sleepers are great for creating structural elements make perfect raised beds for herbs and veg or just decorative plants. Raised beds can also provide extra occasional seating for large gatherings.

At AWBS we have everything needed to create the perfect indoor outside entertaining and relaxing area in your garden. From paving and decking to fencing and garden structures, we have it all covered. And for garden furniture and soft furnishings, our sister company Oxford Garden Centre will get you sitting comfortably in no time. View our latest products online or at our branches in Oxford Yarnton and Swindon where you will also find our handy display gardens for inspiration and ideas.