KITRI has long been an Instagram fashion favourite for their striking prints and clothes. However, the fashion insider favourite has branched out into homeware, launching a collaboration with Amuse La Bouche today.

If you are looking for fun sofa cushion ideas or want to jazz up your dining room colour scheme, then this is the fashion-to-homeware collection you’ve been waiting for.

KITRI founder Haeni Kim says ‘It’s a dream to launch our first-ever capsule homeware collection in collaboration with our friend Amuse La Bouche. Bringing our signature bold prints and colours with feminine details to homeware felt like a natural progression and it’s been a lot of fun!’

Image credit: KITRI / Amuse La Bouche

Cult fashion brand style

The sensible ‘waiting-for pay day’ mid-budget and sustainable limited runs ensure KITRI steer clear of the mainstream and remain high on most-wanted lists.

And, they are not shy of collaborating with like minded-brands and innovative designers. In 2021 they enjoyed a successful three-part association with Content Creator Jessie Bush.

So, it was only a matter of time before the iconic rainbow colours and fun prints got snapped up by their friend and homeware brand, Amuse La Bouche to create a collection of home accessory eye candy to die for.

Image credit: KITRI / Amuse La Bouche

‘ALB is so excited to be launching this limited-edition homeware collaboration with KITRI. As female-led businesses from the very start, we really felt our ethos aligned. We wanted to create a fun collection that sparks joy and lifts the spirits using only 100% linen to create high-quality products that can be kept for many years to come!’  said a spokesperson from Amuse La Bouche.

KITRI and Amuse La Bouche Homeware capsule collection

A gorgeous array of clashing colours and striking prints takes inspiration from Slim Aarons photography from the 70s, a touchpoint throughout KITRI’s Summer 22 collection.

‘Having spent so much time indoors over the last few years, we love the idea of a colourful, joyful and retro-inspired moment in the sun, whether that is in the garden or by the pool. The collection will look just as stylish indoors, as long as you’re surrounded by your loved ones with a cocktail in hand,’ continues Haeni.

Image credit: KITRI / Amuse La Bouche

We think this fabulous and fresh illustrative tea towel is far too chic to actually be used. It will make a wonderful framed addition to a gallery wall art idea.

The homeware capsule stays true to the brand aesthetic, featuring signature bright colours and prints.

Image credit: KITRI / Amuse La Bouche

The soft furnishing feature fabulous retro bright stripes and swirls. Feminine details in the form of London homeware label, ALB’s signature ruffled edges come in reversible designs. The kitsch cool cushions will jump off your sofa.

Image credit: KITRI / Amuse La Bouche

Prices start from an accessible £20, and all accessories are made from 100% linen. Bright pastels teamed with vibrant green in swirl patterns are the perfect combination for a refreshing 70s spring revival.

The collection also features cute napkins and dazzling table runners to make your dining tablescape burst with style. Will you be investing in any high fashion pieces for your home?

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There’s nothing quite like kicking back with a cold drink and some yummy snacks to watch your fav flick with friends. And this summer, why not make in an alfresco affair and get clued up on how to create an outdoor cinema.

Going to an open-air movie night is a popular summer tradition, but have you ever thought about setting up your own at home?

Outdoor living is getting bigger every year, from outdoor kitchens, to outdoor bars ideas and of course, outdoor living rooms. We just can’t get enough of our outdoor spaces and are keen to utilise them as much as possible, all year round, so setting up an alfresco cinema experience is surely a no brainer.

It doesn’t take much technical know-how, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either, but follow our guide on how to create an outdoor cinema and your only worry will be choosing which film to watch.  Right, someone pass the popcorn!

How to make an outdoor cinema

1. Find the right location

Image credit: Garden Trading

Whether you’re setting up your outdoor cinema at the bottom of the garden or on a balcony or roof terrace, make sure you have a piece of ground that’s dry and sheltered from the wind.

You could use fairy light ideas to decorate the space, but make sure you turn any lighting off before you start the movie so they don’t affect the picture. Also, try to avoid pitching up in a spot where streetlights or bright indoor lights might reflect against the screen.

A flat surface such as a wall or fence is a great place to set up, just make sure there is enough space in front for sitting. You might also want to think about being close enough to a power outlet (and the loo too!)

2. Invest in a projector

Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes

It used to be the case that decent projectors were hugely expensive and could only be used in blackout situations – something hard to achieve in a living room, let alone in your garden. However, the latest models are bright enough to use with the lights on and have plummeted in price. They’re also quieter and more compact, so you needn’t worry that an annoying whirr will spoil any dramatic moments.

When you’re shopping for a projector for your outdoor cinema, you’ll see each one has a lumen measurement. More lumens make it easier to see the projected image in bright conditions. In a garden after dark, we recommend at least 3000 lumens for a movie-theatre experience.

3. Connect a video source

You’ll need something to play your film on, and this could be a DVD or Blu Ray player, a laptop or a streaming device such as an Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV box, which you’ll need to connect to your projector through its HDMI port.

If you want great sound, you can connect a speaker through your projector’s 3.5 mm jack, or look for a model with Bluetooth. Go for the latter and you’ll be able to connect wirelessly to a one of the best soundbars or speaker, and put more bang into your blockbuster. Or if it’s late and you’re watching alone, you can connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones so you won’t disturb the neighbours.

4. Create your cinema screen

Image credit: Lights4Fun

The easiest and cheapest way to do this, is to peg a white sheet to your washing line, or string it up between two trees. You may want to weigh it down at the bottom so that it doesn’t move around in the breeze.

You could also make your own screen by sewing together pieces of blackout lining, which you can buy by the metre. Tack lengths of timber to the top and bottom and attach screw hooks to the top, then hang it over a row of nails on a wall or garden fence.

If money is no object, you could buy or hire an inflatable screen from a company like Inflatable Products.

5. Make sure your guests are comfortable and cosy

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

If the best spot is on the lawn, lay a groundsheet on the grass to protect against any moisture or bottom-troubling rocks and stones, then layer blankets, cushions and beanbags to up the comfort factor. You could make your pop-up outdoor cinema more sophisticated by throwing down a few rugs, and setting out chairs, benches or even hammocks to relax on.

Just make sure everyone has a good view, and keep a few blankets aside or perhaps light a fire pit in case it gets colder later on. Obviously, it goes without saying to keep the firepit a safe distance away from your sheet ‘screen’, as you don’t want movie night to go up in flames!

6. Prepare a feast

Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes

This could be as easy as pouring popcorn into bowls, filling a bucket with ice and stocking it with bottled drinks, so all you have to do is reach down for a refill. For something more substantial, light up the barbecue or invest in an outdoor pizza oven and host a pizza party.

You could also have a go at making your own lemonade. Simply mix the zest and juice from 6 lemons and 2 limes with 200g of caster sugar, and 1.5ltrs of just-boiled water. Leave the mixture to cool and then chill it in the fridge. We love the trick of using fairy cake cases to identify everyone’s drinks while keeping insects at bay. Simply pop a straw in each drink, then thread on a cake case upside down with each person’s name on it.

Whatever you decide to serve, don’t forget to light some citronella candles to ward off annoying mossies.

How do I set up an outdoor cinema?

First, pick a spot that will lend itself to a comfortable evening viewing. You’ll need a flat surface to project your movie onto, whether this is a wall or fence, or simply a sheet strung up between two trees. Make sure you can sit far enough back from the screen for it to be comfortable. You don’t want to get a neck ache from staring upwards all evening.

Most projectors are wireless but if your model needs to be plugged in, work out how you’ll safely get power to your garden.

Do a test run of your equipment before any guests arrive and check the weather forecast ahead of time too.

What do you need for an outdoor movie night?

Aside from a screen, a projector and your chosen movie, you might want to think about creating a cosy seating area for yourself and your friends to chill out in. Cosy blankets and cushions will go down a treat, especially as the evening gets cooler. Snacks and refreshments are a must-have too, so grab a cooler box or set up a barbecue nearby for interval snacks a-plenty.

You might also want to consider letting neighbours know your movie plans in advance too. A late-night box-set marathon could disturb the peace, but if they’ve had a fair warning (or even an invite) you shouldn’t rock the boat too much.

Does it need to be dark for an outdoor cinema?

This depends on the quality of your projector. The very best models don’t need a pitch-black night to work successfully, but no matter what model you choose, you’re always going to struggle if it’s a very bright, sunny day. It needs to be at least getting dark before you try to air your chosen film, but check with your projector manual for the best advice.

Additional words: Holly Walsh

The post How to create an outdoor cinema in your garden – a step-by-step guide appeared first on Ideal Home.

Over the warmer months, we’re planning on spending as much time outdoor as possible. Add a new dimension to your garden by really considering what lawn ideas could bring to your space.

The majority of garden ideas include some form of grassy area. This could be anything from a large swathe of lawns to petite pockets of grassy greenery. Either way, this element can play a pretty important role in the design of your outdoor space.

There’s a way to accommodate a lawn for every garden set-up. Practicality is key, however. You’ll no doubt want a smaller lawn if you don’t want to worry about up-keep. Or even give zero-maintenance faux grass a go if you have children or pets. That said, it’s also an opportunity to get creative and create something you love.

Designing a lawn is also an opportunity to get playful with your garden. Whether that’s by giving it an interesting shape, ensuring it highlights certain features or using it to section off different areas.

Lawn ideas

From shapely styles, to highlighting features or creating zones, these lawn ideas can help you give your garden a lush green makeover.

1. Use as the basis for a green scheme

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

When painting the walls of a room in the house, you’re setting the colour, tone and mood of the space. Essentially, creating the backdrop on which all furniture and accessories will be working with. It’s the same with your lawn ideas.

The grass is setting the stage for all your planting and garden furniture. Create a tonal, multi-dimensional look by planting in other shades of green, darker and lighter than the grass.

Outdoor wall decor ideas can help you here, too. Paint a back wall in yet another shade of green and enjoy the layered shades, all beginning with the lawn underfoot.

2. Combine with other surface materials

Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Warner

Add interest to your garden by not relying solely on grass as your surface material. Use different choices throughout, such as decking, slabs and gravel. This will also visually zone your garden into spaces. Plus, by limiting your lawn space you’re ensured to create a manageable size for your time.

3. Border for privacy

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Enclose your lawn for privacy, and a lovely sense of being enveloped in nature. Hedges are a natural choice to start with, but try and use a variety of methods to keep things interesting year round.

Train climbing plants up fences and garden trellis ideas. Combine raised beds with regular flower beds to make sure any levels and visual angles are considered. On the latter, plant the flowers which tend to grow taller, to enforce this enclosed feeling.

4. Take inspiration from wild meadows

Image credit: Future PLC/Robert Sanderson

Lawn ideas aren’t all manicured to perfection. If you love cottage garden ideas, then consider choosing a wilder approach. Think about pretty, fragrant meadows and allow your grass to grow seemingly out of control.

Choose a meadowgrass seed mix so you have a naturalistic combination of grass, wildflowers and meadow grasses.

5. Blur the boundaries with cascading foliage

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Trick the eye about how far your lawn ideas extend with clever planting. Draping trees and plants, like ethereal willows will trail all the way onto the grass, making it unclear just how much grass you have. This will make your garden seem larger than it is, so good to remember when considering how to make a small garden look bigger.

6. Take your lawn to different levels

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Why not take things up a notch by laying grass on any raised levels in your garden? This lawn idea can work particularly well if you have any platforms in your outdoor area, as they can form sun-trap spaces for lounging during the summer months.

The vertical effect also adds interest to a garden — giving it another dimension.

7. Think of your lawn as a carpet

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Can you really beat a glorious summer day spent reading in the garden? If you love to kick back in the garden with a great book, then creating a little reading nook on your lawn could be a brilliant solution. Think of the lawn almost as a carpet underneath your feet, making the space feel cosy and comfortable.

8. Keep your lawn small

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

There’s no need for a lawn to take up the entire garden – particularly if you’re considering our decking or patio ideas for entertaining. A smaller lawn could be an option for those who want to prioritise other features like a shed, summerhouse or dining area, when space is limited.

9. Make an enchanted entrance

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby

Make stepping onto your lawn a real experience with the help of a metal garden arch or an arbor, as seen in the above garden. Many of these can be decorated with easy climbing plants and flowers for a truly enchanting entrance.

10. Fake it for an eternally lush lawn

Image credit: LazyLawn

Fake grass requires significantly less fuss than its real counterpart — so is a popular lawn idea for families with children and pets.

‘An artificial lawn has become an affordable achievable way of enjoying your outdoor space at all times, looking great and effectively adding an extra “garden room” to your outdoor space,’ says Andy Driver, sales director at LazyLawn.

‘A synthetic lawn means a non-toxic, hygienic lush-green lawn — always.  It is low maintenance too — no mowing, just a hose down and the occasional brush-off of leaves.’

Thinking of going for this faux effect? Check out our guide to artificial grass, including everything you need to know about buying and laying a low-maintenance lawn.

11. Plan a lawn centrepiece

Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

Lawns don’t have to be rectangular, in fact, a circular lawn — or ones with cut-out pieces — work incredibly well if you want to showcase something off in the middle of the garden.

This might be an impressive tree, garden furniture or something decorative like a fountain.

12. Give your lawn a little more edge

Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies

In terms of keeping lawns neat and tidy, our garden edging ideas are key. If you’re looking for something a little different why not try a railway track-style path, which is somewhere between a regular garden path and stepping stones.

This feature is a little more unique and is ideal if you want to create a separate walking section to get across the lawn, rather than wear the grass down with constant use.

13. Frame your lawn with a border

Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies

A border around the lawn helps to frame a garden — making it look more symmetrical and visually pleasing. This border can be achieved in a number of different ways, either with a small hedge, larger plants or flower beds.

14. Zone with your lawn

Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

So many different activities can take place in a garden, whether it’s dining, BBQ-ing, reading or sunbathing and a lawn can be used to help break up a garden into different zones for these various pastimes.

15. Be playful with stepping stones

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Stepping stones are a lovely, aesthetically-pleasing alternative to a garden path. These stones also help prevent patches on the grass from regular footsteps, keeping your garden in tact and giving it longevity.

16. Opt for a relaxed border

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

For a softer, less manicured look, avoid borders with hard edges and plant low shrubs that will ooze out over your lawn.

17. Make it classy with stripes

Image credit: Future PLC

For a lawn idea that can turn the most humble of homes into something out of Bridgerton, try adding stripes. It may seem laborious but it’s actually easier than you might think. Start with our guide – How do you get stripes in your lawn? – from renowned head gardener Andy Wain.

18. Ditch the paving

Image credit: Future PLC

If you are struggling to commit to hard landscaping, rest assured that a garden that’s wall-to-wall – or rather border-to-border – lawn can work.

Treat your space much like she would a sitting room, using indoor furniture that can easily be stowed in the summerhouse nearby should it rain. The luscious lawn serves as a carpet, but it needs to be hardwearing if this is your plan, so choose a sports or conventional lawn, rather than one designed for landscaping or ornamental use.

19. Use turf as a path

Image credit: Future PLC

Choose the right, hardwearing turf and grass can be laid as a perfect pathway for keen gardeners. Why perfect? Because it’s a softer alternative to brick or gravel garden path ideas, so when you are kneeling down to tend to your beds, you won’t have to reach for a pad.

20. Think about transitions

Image credit: Future PLC

It’s worth considering how you are going to switch from hard landscaping to lawn. Sharp, straight edges are fine for contemporary gardens, but if you are planning a cottage garden or something more classic, you may need a different approach.

In this garden, a gentle curve is easy on the eye, and a step down to grass level softens the whole look.

What is the best type of lawn?

Choosing the right type of turf for your new lawn can feel a little overwhelming — especially with so many different varieties on the market. That’s because a lawn is is made up of a blend of grass types, and the blend you choose will depend on what kind of lawn you need.

So, essentially, it comes down to what your own lawn will be used for. Is it going to be used as the family football pitch? Will pets be running up and down it? Are you able to mow it very regularly, or are you looking for something low-maintenance? If it’s going to have to withstand a lot of activity, it’s better to opt for a more hard-waring turf, rather than more ornamental grass

According to Turfonline.com, traditional lawn turf (which features a mixture of lawn grasses) is great for back gardens, front gardens and play areas.

It says, ‘Traditional turf is quite flexible in its maintenance needs. If you are aiming for a classic english lawn, then a regular mowing routine is a must. Keep the sward at around 5cm long for best results and mow once or twice a week in the growing season.’

Alternatively, Turfonline.com explains that fine turf (which boasts needle-thin leaves and a delicate green colour) is better for more ornamental greens.

This fine turf isn’t very wear tolerant and it can be prone to disease – not to mention it’s high maintenance when it comes to upkeep, as it needs to be mowed around 4 times a week for best results.

According to the experts at Stihl, these are your main options:

Ornamental lawn

‘Ornamental lawn is especially decorative because of its fine dense growth and rich green colour,’ they say. ‘However, it’s not very robust, and not suitable for walking on regularly or as a play surface. It should be mown twice a week, fertilised intensively, and watered with a fine spray.’

Conventional lawn

‘This moderately robust lawn is suitable for use in almost any outdoor area. It grows slowly, so doesn’t require a lot of mowing. and will grow anywhere except heavy shade. It loves sunshine, so can withstand vey dry periods of weather.’

Sports lawn

Football fans, this one’s for you! ‘Heavy-duty or sports lawn is highly robust and resistant to stress and weather. the grasses are resistant to treading and will regenerate, making it perfect for playing, sport and sunbathing.’ Stihl does warn, however, that ‘the effort it requires to maintain it is medium to very high.’

Landscaping lawn

‘Landscaping lawn is recognisable by its non-uniform green colouring,’ says Stihl. ‘Its robustness is low to moderate, and it’s suitable for public and private gardens. Its nutritional needs are low to medium and it’s drought-resistant. Special varieties thrive in shady areas and more extreme locations.’

How much does it cost to landscape a garden?

Garden landscaping costs normally come in around £90-£100 per square metre — but that’s excluding designer or architect fees. This price can be lower if you only require planting services, rather than hard landscaping.

Acorn Gardening also offers a handy Landscaping Cost Calculator tool which breaks down each section of the garden that needs doing — for example, fencing, borders and turf — and estimates the overall price of the project. You can also enter the type of materials you plan to use, to give a more accurate result.

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