11 easy garden upgrades that will make your outdoor space feel brand new this summer

Find a dedicated place to sit and your garden instantly becomes more inviting. A cushioned bench, layered with scatter cushions and bathed in dappled sunshine, creates a cosy outdoor retreat you'll return to all summer long. Or give off a lovely weather vibe with a sunny terracotta colour on the walls.

Pictured: Heat paint, Little Greene

Squashy seating and a tiled island in a vibrant green hue set the scene for leisurely lunches and evenings spent dining alfresco. And you don't need a big space to make it work – a tiled side table with a shelf above is enough to create a stylish spot to serve drinks and nibbles.

Pictured: Bora chair (part of a bistro set), Cosma cushion, Cox & Cox

A dedicated potting station makes gardening feel less like a chore. Create yours with a reclaimed Belfast sink, open shelving and a statement splashback. Proof that practical spaces can be beautiful too.

Pictured: Marigold and Bay square cement tiles, both Bert & May

This dreamy dining spot makes the most of the garden view. A green bistro set and plenty of leafy plants create a seamless link to the outdoors, while its portable design means it can be moved around the house or positioned by the back door whenever the sun is shining.

We're always looking for ways to bring the indoors out, but this time we're taking inspiration from outdoor living. Recreate that laid-back, holiday-at-home feeling with a cushioned window seat layered in tactile fabrics and earthy prints – the perfect spot for reading, relaxing or simply enjoying the view.

Pictured: Kerensa ottoman, cushion covers, Oka

A jute rug and deep-seated sofa create an outdoor living room that insists you stretch out and linger for a while. A wash of colour on the walls and decorative accessories help to elevate this setup.

Pictured: Jewel Beetle masonry paint, Little Greene

Add a wooden worktop and a zellige-tiled wall to turn an outdoor BBQ into a style moment. Cupboards, whether built-in or freestanding, are perfect for concealing grilling essentials such as coal, fire lighters and utensils.

Pictured: Global outdoor chair and footstool, bamboo print cushion, Habitat

Capture the relaxed feel of a beach hut with bamboo furniture, striped cushions and coastal prints. Wooden tongue-and-groove walls complete the look, but you can achieve the same laid-back aesthetic by styling a sheltered spot against a shed.

Pictured: fabrics from Prestigious Textiles

Give your shed a purpose beyond storage by transforming it into a charming utility space. Open shelving, baskets and built-in storage help to keep everything organised, while painted timber walls make the space feel like a natural extension of your home.

Pictured: jug, picnic basket, plates and bowls, M&S

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