No matter how adept you may be at interior design, it’s common to falter when stepping into your garden. Learning how to choose outdoor furniture is a skill that, once mastered, will transform this space.

These days, gardens are becoming more and more an extension of our home. They’re extra living rooms, kitchens and even home offices. Instead of merely setting up ad hoc seating, it’s important to take the time to find the best furniture for your outdoor space so you can use it to its fullest potential.

The best place to start when working out how to choose outdoor furniture is by analysing your needs. Different homes and lifestyles have different requirements, and it’s key to identify these at the beginning of the process.

‘If you are looking to entertain family and friends, you are likely to opt for more casual dining options over a traditional dining set,’ notes Tim Penell, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bramblecrest. ‘These offer the versatility of dual height tables (simple to switch from coffee to dining height) or consider a set with a fire pit table and feel warm long after sunset. Whereas if you are looking for outdoor furniture for summer parties, you might be looking for bar sets or to keep drinks chilled with an ice bucket coffee table.’

How to choose outdoor furniture

Whatever size or style your garden is, discover how to choose outdoor furniture with our expert-led guide

1. Find the right style for your space

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

As with interiors, it’s important to take the environment into consideration when buying furniture. A useful place to start is by deciding whether you want your garden furniture to complement or contrast with your home. ‘If you live in a very modern house, you might go for furniture with lots of minimalist lines, or contrast with furniture that provides a cosy and comfy ambience,’ says Simon Hudson, Managing Director, Oxley’s.

For a more cohesive feel, stick with furniture that reflects your home and the garden. ‘A traditional property with a classically designed garden would suit 19th century or early 20th century garden antique furniture,’ notes Caryl Tincknell, founder of Violet Grey. ‘A contemporary property and garden would be better suited to mid-century items. You can get a real sense of the history of a garden and work in pieces from there.’

Style also dictates material choice to an extent. ‘It’s best to consider the overall look you want to achieve and how you’re planning to use your outdoor space,’ advises Jonny Brierley, CEO, Moda Furnishings. ‘Aluminium is best for those wanting to achieve a contemporary look, whereas rattan is perfect for achieving a more traditional style.’

2. Find the right material

Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

One of the most confusing aspects of discovering how to choose outdoor furniture is that wide range of materials on the market. It can be tricky to know which is best for your needs, but each has their pros and cons to keep in mind.

• Rattan

‘Rattan comes in a variety of styles, weaves and materials, that drastically vary in quality,’ says Jonny from Moda. ‘PE is a synthetic Polyethylene resin that opposes a natural wicker rattan. Unlike natural rattan, PE rattan is far more durable and as a result, requires less maintenance, it is also capable of handling much more unfriendly weather with minimal wear and tear. With natural wicker rattan, you will need to keep your furniture inside and likely treat it to maximise its longevity.’

‘There are also different types of weaves that you can choose from,’ continues Jonny. ‘Flat weave rattan is perhaps one of the most popular choices and one of the cheapest. Flat weaves are also the lightest making your furniture much easier to move around and easier to clean. Curved weave offers a more luxurious and traditional appearance. It needs more cleaning than a flat weave, but it’s also less brittle and can last longer.’

• Wood

Wood is one of the most classic choices in outdoor furniture, and will offer that traditional, elegant look. However, it can require a fair amount of maintenance. ‘As it’s natural, spores, lichens and stains grow on it so it needs annual sanding and oiling,’ notes Simon from Oxley’s.

Although garden furniture comes in a variety of woods, one of the most popular is teak. ‘A naturally good looking material, teak contains high levels of oil making it weather-resistant and able to withstand exposure to the variable British climate,’ points out Tim from Bramblecrest. ‘Left untreated, teak furniture will mellow to a silver grey colour over time.’

• Metal

Aluminium and steel are the two most widely used materials for metal outdoor furniture. The latter, although more traditional, has more potential issues. ‘Steel is extremely robust and can look stunning in a minimalist setting,’ says Simon from Oxley’s. ‘But it is very heavy and, as a ferrous metal, will eventually rust.’

For these reasons, aluminium is a more popular choice. ‘Aluminium furniture is likely to be favoured by those who prefer a more contemporary look to their outdoor space. There is a wide choice of styles available with frames and cushions in a variety of colours,’ says Tim from Blamblecrest. ‘Aluminium furniture is lightweight, rust-free and easy to maintain.’

‘With aluminium’ adds Jonny from Moda, ‘it is vital that the frame should have fully welded joints and be finished with multiple coatings of high-quality paint to ensure longevity and durability.’

• Glass

Glass isn’t used overly widely in outdoor furniture, but if you do select a table with glass, keep in mind some safety aspects. ‘It’s important to look for toughened safety glass,’ says Moda’s Jonny. ‘Look for 8mm toughened safety glass to ensure product longevity.’

3. Keep the environment in mind

Image credit: Violet Grey/Tom Hargreaves

As with every other area of our lives, it’s our responsibility to consider the eco-impacts of our garden furniture.

There are a few ways to ensure you’re taking care of the planet while creating a stylish outdoor space. For instance, like we do with interiors and fashion, look to buying second hand or antiques. Even with restoration, antique pieces have a very low carbon footprint when compared to new,’ says Caryl from Violet Grey. ‘We are seeing more and more customers choose antique garden furniture for this very reason.’

Aluminium is another eco-friendly choice. ‘It is infinitely recyclable and can be reused to make new furniture sets, making it one of the most sustainable resources there is,’ notes Simon from Oxley’s.

Wood can be eco-friendly if from a managed plantation, so try and choose items which are FSC assured.

In terms of rattan and PE rattan products, speak to your supplier for information. Many are made from recyclable materials and can be recycled in specialist facilities.

4. Measure up

Image credit: Bramblecrest

‘The size of your garden will be the biggest limitation on what furniture set you choose,’ says Simon from Oxley’s. ‘You will need to marry the amount of space you have available and how you need it to work for you. As a rule, try not to fill more than two-thirds of your patio area with furniture, as this can look cluttered.’

Be careful not to over or underwhelm a patio area. ‘You may want to keep a clear area for other accessories such as planters and lanterns,’ advises Bramblecrest’s Tim. ‘You may also want to allow space for a storage box for cushions and covers when not in use.’

Remember that less is more. You need space for everyone to be able to be comfortable, but also leave space so that guests can walk around with ease. Corner and L-shaped sofas are a good way of making good use of available space, for example.

5. Think about weight

Image credit: Oxley’s

One thing people often forget when discovering how to buy outdoor furniture is the importance of weight. Just as with size, how heavy – or light – your pieces are is useful to keep in mind.

‘Iron and steel are very heavy materials,’ notes Simon from Oxley’s. ‘If you like to change up your space frequently by moving your garden furniture, you should bear this in mind.’

‘By contrast, light furniture, such as low-cost plastic options, can also present a problem, as it is likely to be blown around in harsh weather and may be damaged,’ continues Simon. ‘Ideally, opt for furniture that is robust enough to withstand the British weather, but not so heavy that it’s a challenge to move.’

6. Consider what maintenance is required

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

It’s an annoying fact of life that everything requires upkeep and maintenance to keep things in the best condition possible. Because of this, make sure you choose garden furniture which works with the level of maintenance that you’re realistically able – or willing – to provide.

‘If you are choosing a rattan set, it’s important to know whether the rattan contains PE (Polyethylene) and what the frame is made from, as this will affect the maintenance of your set,’ notes Jonny from Moda. ‘The best combination for weather resistance is PE rattan along with powder-coated aluminium frames. PE rattan has wonderful weather resistance and powder coated aluminium frames won’t rust.’

‘Thanks to this, minimal maintenance is required, although any set will still need a clean from time to time, removing dirt and mildew,’ continues Jonny. ‘To do this we recommend a brush or vacuum. For smaller awkward spaces where dirt is difficult to remove, we recommend something smaller like a toothbrush. Avoid harsh chemicals and stick to diluted washing up liquid.’

A lot of outdoor furniture is designed to be left outside year round, so check with your supplier whether your choice needs to be moved elsewhere for the winter months. ‘During periods of non-use, we suggest that furniture is covered to protect from garden debris and to keep the furniture clean,’ advises Tim from Bramblecrest. ‘We also recommend that cushions are removed to a dry garage, outbuilding or loft space. If that’s not possible, cover your furniture with the cushions on but check weekly to prevent a build-up of condensation.’

7. Keep your heating in mind

Image credit: Moda Furnishings

The best fire pits are a must-have addition to gardens, so make sure to consider this when deciding how to choose outdoor furniture for your space.
‘We recommend thinking about the look of the fire pit to make sure it compliments the furniture,’ says Jonny from Moda. ‘For example, concrete fire pits go beautifully with grey aluminium contemporary collections.’

‘Spaces with fire pits create a really intimate feel, so think about your experience whilst you’re in that space . You want everything to hand so you don’t have to go back into the cold,’ continues Jonny. ‘Think drinks coolers, storage boxes for blankets and so on. Reclining sofas and chairs can be a great way to transition from day to night when you’ve lit your fire pit.’

The post How to choose outdoor furniture – everything you need to know appeared first on Ideal Home.

So many Victorian terraced houses tend to be dark and cramped in size. But with careful planning and expert advice, a dull and dingy Victorian terraced house can be transformed with flat roof glazing into a light, bright and spacious space.

This four-bedroomed Victorian house in southeast London is a perfect example of such a transformation. With a tired, ugly extension on the rear, untouched for four decades, the house was in dire need of a complete renovation. The homeowners enlisted the help of Gruff Architects to lead the top-to bottom interventions, including a new kitchen extension idea, that turned this dated terrace into a modern home.

Victorian terraced house transformed with flat roof glazing

Image credit: Chris Snook

Here, Emily Burnett at Gruff Architects explains her company’s involvement in how this Victorian terraced house has been transformed with flat roof glazing, helped in renovating this now bright and spacious home.

The team at Gruff Architects made it an essential to address how natural light would filter through the entire space. The team tackled this challenge by making the new back wall almost fully glazed so that light permeates from the back to the front of the property. As a result, the symmetry within the space helps create a good balance within the new zone and between the old and the new.

‘We began by taking the house back to brick and added a loft and side return extension idea,’ explains Emily. ‘Wherever possible, we designed the framework for the rooflights to be hidden. This gave it a simplified look which focused on the glazing detail and the view beyond.’

The property’s new extensions have been finished using Marley Eternit Equitone Linea fibre cement cladding. This smart cladding is made from sand, cement and cellulose fibres – it’s extremely weatherproof, low maintenance and easy to apply.

With an improved connection to the main house, the garden is a peaceful retreat. It also provides an attractive link between the new home outbuilding at the rear of the garden and the existing house. This results in a low maintenance space that offers the owners another area to enjoy during the warmer months.

A new kitchen extension transformed with flat roof glazing

Image credit: Chris Snook

Part of the transformation includes a new kitchen extension. This features kitchen units, flooring and joinery running on from each other all the way into the garden. This makes the plan look like it extends all the way into the outdoor space. A visual indoor-outdoor feeling has been created with the room appearing deeper as you enter it. This, in turn, invites you to walk through and explore further and solves the problem of how to make the small kitchen look bigger.

‘The key to the interiors,’ explains Emily, ‘was to keep the material palette to five elements: the glazing, timber, white and grey with a few pink accents. These key design elements run throughout the house to pull the spaces together as one.’

‘They will act as the backdrop, continues Emily, ‘with the owners artwork and added furnishings that go into the house over the years. Any additional space was designed using an element of glazing, so it could be read as a new addition to the original Victorian property.’

The kitchen details

Image credit: Chris Snook

The kitchen design takes advantage of the space available with the use of full height units that offer maximum storage. This new zone is animated by the ever-changing daylight that floods in, transforming the colour of the cabinets throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the integrated cut-out handles on the bespoke door fronts and drawers help maintain the clean aesthetic. New fixed glazing provides the space with much-needed natural task lighting. A trio of pendants above the central island provide task lighting for practical activities, including food prep.

A handy kitchen island

Image credit: Chris Snook

The new central island offers up the perfect place for friends and family to gather around and share meals. It also provides much needed bespoke storage space.

The neutral pastel tone pairs well with the oak floorboards that help reflect natural light around the room. This makes the kitchen a pleasant place to be in throughout the day. A worktop made from Dekton is both practical and low maintenance, which was especially important for the owners.

Smart new glazing lets the light in

Image credit: Chris Snook

The inclusion of thermally broken aluminium window profiles is one of the clever grey kitchen ideas that help reflect the extension’s overall neutral palette. Their design includes a low, multifunctional window ledge. This provides the homeowners with the ideal space for growing plants and herbs as it receives direct sunlight. It can also double up as a small window seat from which to enjoy the garden views.

The elegant dining area

Image credit: Chris Snook

The dining area, complete with banquette seating, provides an opportunity for the couple to have guests and family over without feeling cramped. Plus it opens up to offer additional storage, too.

The oak table and chairs mirror the use of materials introduced for the joinery within the new space. Overhead, a smart row of smoked glass pendent lights have been installed to help create a relaxing atmosphere for evening meals.

The bespoke desk/study area

Image credit: Chris Snook

One of two home office storage ideas have been incorporated into the renovated property. A practical desk area has been carved out of the walkway between the two spaces using bespoke joinery and the same timber as the rooflight. Designed with integrated shelving, this has provided much needed practical storage. By lining up the desk to project out as far as the kitchen cabinets, this results in creating a completely linear finish to the transitional space, while still remaining entirely separate zones.

Old and new meet at this junction – the new timber adds warmth to the space and will age over time to add to the character of the extension. The slot rooflight delineates the new infill from the original property. In what used to be the back of the house, natural light now diffuses through new fixed roof glazing overhead.

The garden studio

Image credit: Chris Snook

At the end of the garden, the garden room offers additional space for the owners to work from. The aim of this new office space is to keep work and home completely separate. To echo the main building, it too has been finished in Marley Eternit Equitone Linea fibre cement cladding.

Before: the ugly extension

Image credit: Gruff Architects

Architect Emily Burnett shares her top tips and ideas on flat roof glazing

• Pitch is important with glazed flat roofs. A minimum pitch of 5° is essential.
• They let more light in. If you install a rooflight over a window opening, a room will benefit from at least 30% more daylight.
• There are a variety of options to choose from. You can choose to install a fixed or openable roof window, many openable rooflights are available as electric with remote control and sensors to automatically close if it starts to rain.
• Bear in mind they can get hot in the summertime. Be sure to plan in integrated shading to prevent overheating in south-facing rooms.
• Think about how you will clean them. Professional window cleaners have equipment up to about 8-9m high, beyond that you will need to think about maintenance access adjacent to the glazing.

Original feature by Ifeoluwa Adedeji 

The post See how this Victorian terraced house has been transformed with a modern kitchen extension appeared first on Ideal Home.

If you don’t know how to apply for a mortgage, it can seem like a daunting task. It is after all one of the biggest investments you’re ever likely to make, without any experience – if it’s your first time! But we’re here to reassure you it needn’t be stressful. If you know what to expect and prepare ahead of time you’ll sail through the process with ease.

We outline the key steps in the process of how to apply for a mortgage, so you know what to expect.

How to apply for a mortgage – the step by step guide

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

1. Get mortgage ready

To improve your chances of getting the lowest mortgage rate and the highest loan amount, tidy up your bank statements and credit file ahead of your application.

‘A tip for new buyers is to make sure you’re registered on the electoral roll,’ says Rachel Dixon, mortgage adviser, RH Dixon. ‘Lenders want to see where you’ve lived and what credit you’ve had in the past before they make a decision’ You can register for the electoral roll online.

‘Late or missed payments will damage your credit score and affect the mortgage rate you’re offered,’ explains Rachel. ‘Pay your bills on time by setting up direct debits for your commitments.’

Manage a small amount of credit to show lenders you’re good with money.

To improve your credit score for a mortgage Try not to use your overdraft or exceed your pre-agreed limit leading up to your mortgage application. It looks like you’re living beyond your means.

2. Work out your buying power

To find out how much you can borrow, fill out an online budget planner or ask a mortgage broker to do it for you.

You’ll be asked for your:

• Annual salary or average profit
• Monthly debts
• Cost of utilities, transport, food and socialising
• Other regular commitments

A budget planner gives you an estimate of your maximum loan. You can ask a lender for a more accurate mortgage offer by applying for an Agreement in Principle (AIP). You’ll be credit checked before you get an answer.

David Hollingworth of L&C Mortgages says: ‘An AIP demonstrates to the seller and estate agent that you’re a serious buyer and it can provide surety for those who have had credit issues in the past and are worried they may fail a lender’s credit score.’

The loan amount on the AIP is not guaranteed. Try our mortgage calculator to see how much you could borrow.

3. Gather your supporting documents

Now you know how much you can spend, it’s time to get house hunting. You can gather the documents you’ll need for your application at the same time.

You’ll need:

• Latest three months’ payslips
• P60
• Latest three months’ bank statements
• Identification, usually a passport or driving licence
• Evidence of savings for your deposit
• Latest two years’ accounts / SA302 forms and tax overviews if self-employed

Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Paul Raeside

4. Choose the right mortgage deal

Aaron Strutt of mortgage broker Trinity Financial says a key decision for borrowers is whether to choose a deal that offers security or flexibility.

‘If borrowers choose a fixed rate they know how much their mortgage payment will be for a set term,’ he explains. ‘But many do not consider the high penalties they face if they sell or remortgage before the fixed term ends.

‘Or you can choose a tracker mortgage that rises and falls in line with the Bank of England base rate. Although the interest rate fluctuates, there’s no penalty to exit early.’

5. Making a full application

Once the seller has accepted your offer it’s time to apply for your mortgage.

You’ll need to supply some extra details to your lender at this stage such as the purchase price and the address of the property. Specify how much you want to borrow, the value of your deposit and where it comes from, such as your own savings or a gift from parents.

You’ll also need to give your solicitor’s contact details, so if you haven’t already got one – it’s time to instruct a firm to act for you.

The lender will ask a surveyor to value the property to make sure it is worth what you are prepared to pay for it.

6. Accept your mortgage offer

Once the lender is satisfied with all information supplied, you’ll be issued a formal mortgage offer. This is valid for three to six months.

When the legal work is complete, your solicitor will ask the lender to send over your mortgage funds. Your mortgage along with your deposit is transferred to the seller’s solicitor before the property becomes legally yours.

Ways to apply for a mortgage

If you like managing your finances online, you can apply for your mortgage on the internet. Habito, Trussle, and Mojo Mortgages are the most well-known online brokers.

The face-to-face appointment is replaced with an online application form and you’ll be offered mortgage deals from all mortgage lenders based on a computer algorithm.

Or you can arrange a mortgage appointment with a traditional mortgage broker over the phone or in person. They can search the whole market for the best deal.

If you prefer to deal with your own bank, speak to the mortgage adviser in your local branch. They will only be able to recommend the bank’s own mortgage deals.

The post How to apply for a mortgage – the step by step guide appeared first on Ideal Home.

A couple has given their beige kitchen a dramatic makeover with a lick of green paint, new flooring, and sleek hardware. What was once a functional but weary space is now inviting, cosy and uplifting.

Nadia saw its potential and with her husband Matt, gave it a whole new lease of life with contemporary green kitchen ideas.

Farrow & Ball green kitchen makeover – Before

Image credit: @the_pengite

‘The overall feel I was after was something brighter and more modern,’ Nadia (@the_pengite) tells us. But she also wanted something that had some character, warmth and soul.

She and Matt gave the walls and ceiling a fresh lick of white paint to brighten things up. They also painted the lower cabinets in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke and off-white for the wall cabinets, which keeps things bright but warm.

The pair also replaced the brown lino with a lovely black and white checkerboard vinyl flooring from Tapi, and added some open shelving to display their favourite cookbooks. The prints, reclaimed wooden shelves, and vintage pieces really help bring it all together with a blend of old and new.

After

Image credit: @the_pengite

We’re loving the on-trend green cabinets, retro clock (a vintage find from a flea market in France) and yellow Habitat pendant light. Houseplants and fresh blooms bring a lovely bit of texture and life.

The natural materials of the stool, shelving and storage baskets combined with the classic flooring makes it feel cosy and traditional. But this is balanced out nicely by the modern kitchen ideas – note the black cupboard handles and polished stainless steel Dualit appliances.

The particular cupboard handles used here are the matt black finish Como cabinet knobs and matt black cabinet T bar handles from The Handle Studio. Just visible in the shot below are IKEA RANARP clamp spotlights. A great option for task lighting when you need to keep costs down.

Image credit: @the_pengite

All in all, they managed to decorate on a budget of £1,000 (excluding the cost of a new oven). The flooring and fitting took most of the budget, at £703. The paint, including all primers, paint and lacquer came to £205.

This gorgeous green kitchen is unrecognisable from its former self. Keeping things real, Nadia says that two years on, they have had a few chips and scratches to the paintwork.

So using paint to update a kitchen is a great, cheap option, but she says it’s important to be aware of the limitations.

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