When a family of four found they had outgrown their Edwardian home and needed an upgrade, they opted for a smart solution to make the most of there space by extending their home out and up.

When your space is at a minimum, the obvious solution is to build an extension on a house. But by extending out and up, you get more for your money, as well as a larger living space.

‘The family had outgrown the spaces and longed for an open-plan space for modern-day living, explains the lead architect Ester Corti, who is also co-founder and director of Mitchell + Corti Architects.

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

‘We needed to maximise the property’s internal headroom while incorporating the difference in level between gardens as the road is on an incline,’ continues Ester.

‘So we suggested adding a side and rear extension with an asymmetric pitch and skylights and rooflights to both sides. This would allow for both early morning and evening light to the new living/kitchen/dining space.’

‘This new extension would add space both to the side and the rear of the property,’ explains Ester. ‘It would also create an open plan feel and connection to the more formal living rooms at the front of the house.’

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

To add colour to an all-white kitchen, they painted the wall a sage green shade below dado level. The warming colour unifies the room and adds interest to the family space.

Extending out and up to create a new kitchen

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

The kitchen, with its flat panel, modern style doors was sourced via DIY Kitchens. A central kitchen island brings everything together giving the family a meeting point to gather around.

By extending out and up, this afforded the family more space to introduce clever built-in storage. This ensured their home didn’t feel too cluttered with all the kids’ toys, scooters, coats and shoes etc.

The Surfaceco worktop material is composite quartz, it was chosen for its durability because it’s less prone to staining and scratching, unlike marble. A bank of full height cabinetry makes great use of the available space by occupying an entire wall.

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

The shades that have been chosen for the space help make it feel bright yet practical. The off-white paint colour to ensure the ceilings and walls retain the ability to reflect light.

Matching wall and pendant light fittings help bring the scheme together. Their simplicity complements the muted tones within the space.

The clean lines of the modern cabinetry pairs well with the induction hob and concealed appliances, such as the cooker hood that blends into the wall. Open wall-mounted shelving offers space to display items, too.

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

Opting for a combination of fixed and openable rooflights allows for passive ventilation and airflow without needing to open up the back doors.

Extending out and up provided larger ceiling heights within which to install roof glazing. The smaller rooflights are by Velux and the larger ones are made-to-measure designs.

The formal dining area

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

A more traditional wood dining table and chair set also brings in more warmth to the room. These provide another area to gather together, which is bathed in light that enters through the roof windows above.

The informal dining area

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

In a perfect example of a modern kitchen flooring idea, the homeowners have used engineered timber floorboards. This was a cost-effective solution that has enabled the architects to incorporate the use of a natural material internally.

The shade also works with the rest of the scheme to bounce natural light around the room, making the space feel bigger and brighter.

The window seat

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

A must-have window seat idea is perfectly placed by the oversized window. Made-to-measure in pale oak, it was designed to be an informal seat/reading nook.

It offers uninterrupted views out toward the garden, and a place for people to sit and relax when not seated at the dining table. Practical built-in storage allows the owners to maximise the available space and also to keep the open-plan room free of clutter.

The extension exterior

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

‘We chose to clad the extension in dark charred timber,’ explains Ester, ‘in order to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance, and to avoid any issues around discolouration that can occur when using a pale timber. We also wanted to acknowledge the contemporary nature of this addition to the house by using a material distinctly different from those of the host building.’

As well as extending out and up, the exterior space now has a fresh appeal with the asymmetric roof design allowing for the strategic placement of rooflights internally. The homeowners opted for a stylish black-framed glazing that let in copious amounts of light.

The property before

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

Focus on: Shou-Sugi-Ban cladding

Architect Ester Corti shares her top tips and ideas on this classic cladding:

• Shou-sugi-ban is an ancient Japanese technique of traditional wood preserving art/technique of charring timber.
• It enhances the beauty of wood by making the timber grain more prominent.
• It requires very little maintenance and doesn’t need to be sealed. The carbon layer protects the wood in the same way that a stain or sealant would.
• The entire process is chemical free. There are no chemicals used in the charring process. This makes this material suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• It’s naturally weather resistant. The charring process prevents rot, decay, infestations, and also improves levels of fire retardancy.

Image credit: Luke Weller/Mitchell + Corti Architects

Additional words by Ifeoluwa Adedeji

The post Extending out and up created a stunning new kitchen for this family home appeared first on Ideal Home.

A positive from the past two years is our newfound love for spending more time, socialising with friends and relaxing with our family, in our own gardens and outdoor spaces. Whether yours is large with a sprawling lawn or a neat, boxy terrace-house garden there are plenty of decking decoration ideas that can transform it into the perfect entertaining space.

There’s so much you can do if you have a decked area that doesn’t involve overhauling your garden decking ideas completely. A splash of paint or sprucing it up with accessories and decor can give you a new look within a weekend. Give the decking area some love and you can transform it into a stylish, welcoming retreat that you can enjoy all year round. If you don’t yet have a decked area, then don’t worry as plenty of our decking decoration ideas can be applied to a patio area or balcony.

Decking decoration ideas

Illumination is a great place to start with some clever garden lighting ideas that will create the perfect ambience. From hanging festoon lights and lanterns to professionally installing spotlights and uplighters, there are so many options you can choose for creating a perfectly lit garden and decked area.

Select garden furniture that suits your outdoor decking area, too, avoiding pieces that have very spindly legs that may get caught between wooden planks. Oversized pieces or rattan sets will look fantastic on decking areas and are able to better withstand our British weather than some other designs. Think about accessories too, such as outdoor rugs, cushions and ornamental pieces that will give you the creative freedom to express yourself.

But before you get started, it’s a good idea to clean your decking area and get it looking fresh and new, ridding it of any mould and mildew that may have formed over the winter months. ‘It’s important your deck is in good shape throughout the year,’ says Sophie Herrman, spokesperson for Jeyes Fluid.

‘While you can use soapy water, a specialist product such as Jeyes Patio and Decking Power (available on Amazon) is likely to be more effective to get rid of moss and algae. Mix it with water, pour it on and leave it to do its work. You can also use a pressure washer or garden sprayer.’

1. Create a cosy outdoor lounge

Image credit: Future

When you think about it, decorating the outside of your home is much the same as decorating the inside of your home, and the same decorating rules can apply. If you think about the garden, or certain areas of the garden, as ‘rooms’ creating the desired look and feel for the space becomes easier and the task more manageable.

A decked area next to the rear of the house quickly becomes an outdoor living space, when you furnish and decorate it with suitable items. A garden sofa with cosy (weather-proof) seating, an outdoor rug, and shower-resistant cushions, quickly forms a space for lounging in the garden. Tie it all together with accessories and plant pots in a cohesive colour scheme. Rustic oranges and rich browns like here look beautiful alongside terracotta items and olive plants.

2. Plant a succulent garden

Image credit: Future Plc /Astrid Rossington

Setting planters and flower beds into decking is actually really easy and effective. If you’re building a decking from scratch then you have the advantage of planning where you want to incorporate some beds for planting. The raised height of decking allows ample depth for planting all sorts of plants – simply fill with compost and soil and plant your favourite varieties.

If you already have a deck built, then you can simply cut away areas of decking to create openings – around the edge is best, but you could make a feature with a central bed. Just ensure any openings you create are away from footfall so that people don’t step onto them. Planting with succulents, herbs and other alpine plants is an easy way to bring in low-maintenance greenery that will relatively take care of itself, whilst also looking modern and attractive.

You could also make some raised beds from decking planks that you can put on top of the decked area itself, or elsewhere in the garden. ‘Raised beds add levels to your garden and the comfortable height means you can more easily tend to plants and shrubs,’ says Karl Harrison, pro landscaper and decking expert from Trex. ‘Plus, raised garden beds are easy to maintain as compost and other soil conditioners can go indirectly, eliminating the need for digging year to year.’

‘In recent years, gardeners have become creative by upcycling containers for planters and building the raised bed from recycled or scrap materials, such as leftover decking, to blend seamlessly with a garden deck.’

3. Build a kids’ zone

Image credit: Future

Like with the inset flower beds that make use of the depth of raised decking in the previous idea, you can get creative here by making a purpose-built sandpit. It is a relatively easy garden idea to create. If you have a dedicated decked area within the garden that has a large opening it can be filled with sand to make your very own beach for the little ones!

Adorned with their favourite accessories, beach toys, cosy cushions, towels and even a personal sign, it will be their most loved spot in the backyard.

4. Knock up a garden bar

Image credit: Future PLC / Joanna Henderson

You may not have a garden overlooking a river or lake, but it is still worth considering adding some garden bar ideas to your decking decoration. Entertaining at home is so popular now, with plenty of us opting to wine and dine in our own backyards. Ditch the plastic tubs filled with ice and replace them with your very own tiki bar, purpose-built onto your decking area.

Use your imagination and you could make your own out of off-cuts of timber and old palettes, but if the DIY route is not your bag, then there are lots of ready-made versions available to buy. Robert Dyas garden bar is in the sale at the moment, alternatively, the B&M tiki bar is a great budget option. Dress is with solar-powered festoon lights, lanterns and some bunting for a playful feel. Then all you need to do is to pull up some bar stools and grab the cocktail shaker.

5. Zone a breakfast spot

Image credit: Future

When you think about dining al fresco in the garden, the immediate thought that springs to mind tends to be barbecues in the evening. But think outside the norm and use your decking area at other times of the day. Warm croissants, fresh juice and aromatic hot coffee enjoyed from the comfort of your garden’s sunny decking is a fabulous way to relax in the morning.

When deciding where to position furniture, think about where the sun shines at different times. An east-facing spot will be flooded with glorious sunshine before lunch, perfect for that sunny brekkie, whereas a west-facing spot is better for dining in the evening. Don’t overlook a spot because it doesn’t have the “desirable” sun direction, as you’ll find every spot is perfect for different times of the day.

6. Decorate with bright colour

Image credit: Furniture Village

Decking, most of the time, is one of several natural shades of brown, grey, green or occasionally black. Whilst bringing some warmth and correlation with nature it can zap the cheeriness of a space by being devoid of cheerful colour. Remedy this by decorating the decking area space with bold, vibrant shades.

How to paint decking might be a little different to decorating inside the home. However, when deciding on your finished scheme it should be similar to how you would plan an internal room in your home. Think about ways to bring in colour through painting the walls, fences, other wooden items (such as the decking itself, furniture or a pergola), and also by adding accessories and furnishings in a complementing shade. The cobalt blue wall combined with the blue outdoor rug and little blue touches, such as the candle holder on the table, bring in a stylish look whilst staying true to a garden look.

7. Go al fresco on the balcony

Image credit: Dobbies

A balcony may be a small area but don’t overlook it. Add decking planks to yours if it isn’t already there and it’ll give it an immediate warmth and a back-to-nature feeling. Think creatively about the items you place on a balcony decking so that it remains functional and practical, whilst not being overly cluttered.

A multi-purpose table such as this works brilliantly as it can serve as a place to eat, a place to sit and work, and a place to potter with plants. A small, micro grill or barbecue is a nice addition, too. And there are also so many deck railing ideas that you can do around a decking area, especially on a balcony – from a traditional wooden balustrade to metal railings or super modern glass panels to simple slats.

8. Make your own outdoor cinema

Image credit: Lights4fun

Creating an outdoor cinema is a wonderful decking decoration idea for your garden, and a brilliant way to spend a balmy summer’s evening. Cosy up a corner of your decking with a soft outdoor rug and lots of cushions and blankets on fold-up garden chairs, to make a comfy seating area for you and your friends.

String up a white sheet and pull it taught to create a make-shift screen that you can project a film onto from one of many home projectors. Cuckooland sells a particularly stylish metallic finish version from Phillips for £119.95. Finish the space by illuminating with candles, lanterns, festoon lights and soft-glowing hanging paper lanterns that together will cast the perfect ambient glow for movie night.

9. Find a spot to just chill

Image credit: Future

Everyone is obsessed with hanging egg chairs for the garden – it’s a craze that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere fast, but we’re starting to feel like it needs taking up a notch. Intro the hanging rope chair.

If you have a fixed pergola over your decking area then it’s the perfect place to position a swinging chair or small hammock (now that is taking it to the next level!). It’s like a cosy macrame cocoon that you can curl up inside with a good book and a glass of your favourite tipple.

Simply bliss, and so easy to achieve – just ensure your chair is professionally and securely installed before you climb in. Wayfair sells a few versions, at a range of price points, that ooze boho style for your decking.

10. Position a bench

Image credit: Future

This is a simple decking decoration idea that you can do to totally transform an area of your decking, or any part of your garden for that matter. The humble garden bench is the perfect addition and can be dressed up or down, depending on the season.

Drape with cosy throws, and scatter some plump cushions to create the ideal spot to sit and watch the world go by. Any quiet area of your decking can fast become a tranquil place to be. Add some hurricane lanterns and overhead lighting to make it suitable for evening time, too. If you go for a wooden bench, rather than a plastic one, give it a coat of protective paint to ensure it lasts through the wetter and colder winter months.

11. Hang pots for plenty of colour

Image credit: Pelargoniums for Europe

What a beautifully simple idea this is for your decking – hang pots planted with blossoming summer flowers for an instant pop of colour. Choose simple baskets in neutral shades so that the blooms are the focus and take centre stage.

Combine them with coloured paper lanterns for gentle illumination in the evening. It’s an effective idea if space is limited as you can hang them from hooks fixed along a fence line, from a pergola or simply from a bough of a nearby tree.

How can I make my deck look better?

The first thing you can do to make your deck look better is to give it a good clean. Remove furniture and any other items from the decking, then thoroughly sweep it over with a garden broom to get rid of debris and leaves. When it’s clear, use a solution of washing up liquid and water and a hand brush or broom to scrub the decking over and rinse with the garden hose. Once the decking is clean and dry, you can bring back the furniture and other elements. 

The second is to rethink the items on the decking itself. You can do anything from small decking decoration ideas such as adding more potted plants, solar-powered lanterns, festoon lights and garden accessories that are all quick and easy wins for an instant uplift. Or you could have a go at a much larger makeover. Why not get a hot tub and create the ultimate party space for summer entertaining? There are plenty of hot tub decking ideas that will elevate your garden deck.

Though, you don’t really need to spend a fortune to transform the decking. Perhaps you have wooden furniture that you could paint in a cheerful colour, or even have a go at refreshing the decking itself with a coat of paint. Cuprinol has a range of paints for wooden garden items that are easy to apply and quick to dry. And treat the decking area as you would do your lounge or dining room by bringing in homely accessories, such as cushions, throws, vases, bowls and lighting for a stylish and cosy spruce up.

What furniture is best for decking?

Many varieties of chairs, tables and sofas will work for your decking but some are better than others. A patio would comfortably be able to accommodate a spindly metal set without any problems, but it won’t work as well as on a decked area for practical reasons. Thin, narrow legs on chairs and tables could easily slip down the gaps between decking boards, so do consider this when buying your garden furniture for decking.

Chunkier items like this rattan sofa set from Homebase is much more suitable for a raised deck, and also great for keeping out all year as it’s made from tougher material that will withstand our British winters. Rattan is also very lightweight so you can move it about more comfortably and change the position of items without any worries. 

The post Decking decoration ideas – 11 ways to revamp your outdoor space in style appeared first on Ideal Home.

Firepits have increased in popularity when it comes to our garden wish-lists in recent years. We’re all on the hunt for ways to stay out in our gardens later, finding firepit ideas to make the most of our outdoor spaces, whether big or small.

If you are looking for a firepit to complement your outdoor kitchen ideas, then there are so many different designs and solutions available. Think beyond the traditional round cast iron bowls or braziers!

‘A fire pit is something that can bring the family together,’ says Pip Probert, garden designer and RHS multi-award winner at Outer Spaces.  ‘Having a source of heat to gather round encourages us to stay out and enjoy the space till after dark. Many clients have told me how their children LOVE the fire pit, as they can bring their friends and truly enjoy the social side of living outdoors. It doesn’t have to be a feature that is only used at night either. I love to double up, creating a lid or “tabletop” idea for my fire pits. This way, the feature can be used as a coffee table or even an extra seat when not lit.’

‘I am a big fan of a firepit,’ agrees multi RHS gold medal winning landscape architect and designer Victoria Wade. ‘There’s nothing lovelier than sitting around a real fire with good friends and a cheeky G&T (or two!) on a summer’s evening. If you want to take things one step further, then look for one with a clever swing arm BBQ for the best of both.’

Firepit ideas for your garden

‘The popularity of fire pits has increased tenfold over the last few years,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morsø UK. ‘We are seeing both freestanding and permanent structures and in a variety of different materials, such as concrete, metal and cast-iron.’

But we are also wanting firepits to work hard too, forming part of our outdoor kitchen set-ups or best BBQ areas. ‘We’ve seen an upturn in the number of people looking for multifunctional outside cooking ideas that work in any weather. This has resulted in the rise of the sheltered outdoor dining space, these wooden structures much like cabins can house a firepit, tables, chairs and even workspace to prepare food,’ says Declan.

Make your garden work harder for longer with these clever firepit ideas.

1. Build a pit into your scheme

Image credit: Alamy/Andrea Rugg

Create an outdoor living room with a built-in firepit at the heart of your scheme. Slate gives a contemporary feel, which will be hardwearing, both underfoot and around your firepit. Plan the pit in place of a central coffee table, allowing space around for drinks and nibbles – the best of both when you’ve topped yourself up at your garden bar idea.

Vary the size of slab and stone used – the flooring echoes the stonework pattern, although playing with scale. Wooden furniture adds warmth to the coolness of the slate, arranged in a formal configuration around the firepit.

2. Think low level

Image credit: Alamy/Ellen Rooney

Be inspired by The Viking Friluftsliv Garden from RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2021, where a large, low-level marble firepit stole the show. Echoing the wooden gazebo, outdoor kitchen (the perfect inspiration when looking for ideas on how to build an outdoor kitchen) and sofa, the texture from the roughly cut wood makes a statement even before lit.

Metal pins hammered into the slab keep the logs from rolling off its flat surface, which has a burning area approximately a third of its width – if emulating something similar, make sure you have plenty of space around the slab edge.

3. Try a traditional layout

Image credit: Alamy/Andreas von Einsiedel

Position your garden furniture at right angles to your garden’s heat source – like this chimenea – for a social space that still allows guests to benefit from the heat from the fire while chatting. Raise it up on a wall, to make it a real feature.

A chiminea is a great choice for a more rustic garden. It will provide a lovely visual hit of warmth while containing the ash. If you have a sunken or overlooked garden, then there are things you can do to avoid smoking out neighbours’ properties. Look out for a taller flue or chimney part to your chimenea.

4. Offset your heat source

Image credit: Future PLC/Jamie Mason

Place a chiminea off-centre, to bring a warm glow to your summer garden party idea. If placing on wooden or composite decking, then position on terracotta or porcelain tiles. This creates the effect of a mini boho rug, creating a great space for a summer soiree.

Chimineas are safer than firepits. Their unique shape and design makes it easier to control the fire and heat created. They are also easier to move around once cool. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that only those sitting close to a chiminea’s opening will feel the benefit of the heat. So you might need to factor in other outdoor heating ideas to keep everyone toasty.

5. Build your own surround

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Love an outdoor living room idea? A firepit can really help create that comfortable vibe. Here, a brick surround creates more of a fireplace feel, adding an extra level of protection. The brick surround gives an inexpensive firepit bowl a more substantial feel.

Continue the curves of the firepit with any pathway, creating a garden that flows (even if it’s a small one). Why not repeat the brickwork around trees and large shrubs for a cohesive, well-designed look.

6. Create a cosy corner

Image credit: Future PLC/Alasdair McIntosh

Even the smallest garden seating idea can become a cosy place come sunset. Go mini with an open firepit that can burn just three or four logs. Keep the design simple, especially in a contemporary garden. A simple bowl on cast iron legs is ideal.

Make a feature of your spare logs, stacking up in a pile, where they can add natural texture until needed.

7. Find the perfect spot

Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd-Davies

Transform an often-under-used area of your garden into an extra seating zone. Here, reclaimed timber has been used to create a bench seating area – a brilliant DIY outdoor furniture idea.  The warm timber contrasts with the concrete-effect firepit. The blocky design echoes the shape of this little garden retreat perfectly. As the sun sets, the firepit will create gentle heat and light, allowing you to stay out that little longer. And of course you can always add a blanket or two for cosy nights out!

Planting behind the seating area helps often the expanse of fence, adding to the intimate feel.

8. Work an industrial look

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

A cast iron firepit will take on a lovely, weathered patina after a few summers-worth of use – perfect for an industrial-vibe garden. Team with loungers and a steel-framed bench that’s topped with wood.

This isn’t a look that needs protecting from the elements. That means your garden’s good to go as soon as the sun shines. Just bring the chairs out from the garden shed. Protect patio paving ideas from any scorch marks by placing your firepit on a paving slab, almost plinth-like.

9. Build an outdoor fireplace

Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson

Use reclaimed brick to construct a fireplace wall, with an open basket-style firepit for your very own outdoor living room. Create a log stack in an alcove, just as you would inside, while a floating concrete shelf provides space for display.

Encourage foliage to grow up above the fireplace wall. You could even add a few trough-style planters high up, acting as a living wallpaper or living wall idea that changes through the seasons.

10. Find the perfect corner

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Unwind after a busy day in a cosy chair next to a roaring firepit. Add lanterns, festoon lights and other garden lighting ideas for the perfect evening al fresco. Choose a sturdy firepit that has a Scandi vibe. You’ll be able to create a dreamy hygge moment this summer.

Patterned floor tiles give the appearance of an outdoor rug.  They’re ideal for use under a firepit, adding interest to the floor.

11. Go tabletop

Image credit: Danetti

Incorporate a firepit into your garden table. Choose a firepit design that easily hides away when not in use, meaning you aren’t compromising on table surface area when entertaining a crowd.

Fuelled by a gas canister, which can be stowed away underneath, this three-point adjustable flame firepit gives out 8.8kw – perfect for staying warm after sunset.

Buy now: Romero grey fire pit garden table, £1.349, Danetti

12. Pick multi-purpose

Image credit: Legs Eleven

For gardens where space is tight, lookout for a design that can be both a firepit and a BBQ. With a swing-rack design, you can adjust the height of the grill, giving you maximum control. Opt for a version where the swing arm can be removed after the last steak has sizzled, leaving you with a firepit to enjoy as the flames die down.

Optional extras include a hanging arm and cooking bowl. Great for big cookouts in your own back yard.

Buy now: Legs Eleven firepit with swing arm bbq rack, from £299, firepitsuk.co.uk

13. Opt for a minimal design

Image credit: Charlton Island

Think all firepits are rustic? Think again! This firebowl has clean lines perfect for a more contemporary garden design. Made from fibre-clay with a choice of grey ‘cement’ or ‘black granite’ finish, there’s even space to stash a few logs underneath.

Choose a curved design to balance out those straight lines of a contemporary garden design – like steps and walls.

Buy now: Firebowl and round console with wood storage, £279.99, Charlton Island

14. Gather round a brazier

Image credit: Lights4Fun

As the sun sets, light up a brazier or fire bucket – you could even have a few dotted around your garden, creating pockets of warm where guests can congregate. Choose a cut-out design and you’ll get some interesting shadows cast onto your paving too.

Make an evening of it and plan how to make a an outdoor cinema to entertain family or guests.

Buy now: Black metal firepit bucket, £34.99, Lights4Fun

15. Cover up

Image credit: Gardenesque

Worried about pets and children? Choose a design with a spark guard lid, and then it will contain the worst of any sparks. This model also comes with a removable grate, allowing you to sizzle those sausages too. The mesh sides also feature a flower trim, which will echo your garden’s blooms too. A perfect look for a more cottage garden feel.

Over time, steel firepits will rust, which is completely normal and adds to the firepit charm. You can use hot soppy water to clean the inside. Have a cleaning session and plan how to clean a BBQ at the same time. Make sure to allow a steel firepit to dry completely to prevent the inside from rusting. A thin layer of vegetable oil applied after each burn will also help preserve your firepit.

Buy now: Hoole Kynance steel firepit with lid and metal poker, £229.99, Gardenesque

16. Keep things simple

Image credit: Beaumonde

Sometimes less is more, and we’re big fans of this stunning simple fire pot. The fire itself is the true star here. Made from sheet iron, with its own practical windscreen shape, this Danish-designed fire pot can even be combined with a grill for good old-fashioned cook-out fun.

Buy now: Firepot, £249, Beaumonde

17. Make your firepit work harder

Image credit: Solus Decor

During the day, put your firebowl or pit to use as an extra table. All you have to do is top it with a wooden cover. It makes the ideal perch for garden party snacks or drinks (served from your very own DIY pallet bar of course!). Then come dusk, remove the lid and light up the firepit.

A bonus of a natural gas/LP or bio-fuel burner is that it doesn’t take as long to heat up as solid fuel.

Buy now: Hemi 36 bowl with custom hardwood tabletop, Solus Decor

18. Don’t compromise with a clever design

Image credit: Furniture Village

If you’re short of garden space, why choose between a firepit and a lovely dining set when there are designs available that tick both boxes? We recommend a design where the canister fits neatly underneath the table to power a gas-filled firepit. The result? Heat and light for your evening soiree. This design even allows you to cover the firepit when not needed, converting it to a normal garden table idea.

Buy now: Dorset round dining set with firepit and six chairs, £4,399, Furniture Village

19. Go for hotel chic with a dining sofa set

Image credit: Cox and Cox

Dining sofa sets are just the ticket when you’re looking to combine a comfy sofa with a table space that’s the right height for eating too. Don’t stop there – pick a model that has a built-in firepot too. That way you’ll feel like you are in a swanky boutique hotel garden. All that’s left to do is rustle up your favourite summer cocktail.

Buy now: Stockholm corner lounge set with firepit, £3,295, Cox and Cox

20. Keep it petite with a fire lantern

Image credit: Cuckooland

Combine heat and light with this Scandi-style lantern. Powered by gas, it’s easy to move to wherever you’re gathered in the garden. And a 190gr gas cartridge should give around six hours of burn time – plenty to last you throughout the evening.

Buy now: Cosi Fires Cosiscoop fire lantern, £99.95, cuckooland.com

21. Gather around the firepit

Image credit: Morsø

Arrange garden furniture, outdoor rugs and cushions around your firepit, ready for an evening of sharing old memories and making new. Perhaps you could even tell a spooky story or two! Gravel or shingle is a great base for a firepit. Check it’s stable before you light, and keep any textiles out of the way of sparks.

Buy now: Morsø Ignis firepit, £249, Morso

What can I put my firepit on?

‘If you are using a portable firepit, in that it’s not a permanent feature in your garden, then you should really find a hard surface,’ says Pip Probert, garden designer and RHS multi-award winner at Outer Spaces. ‘It’s important to remember that they get extremely hot, and it could burn, mark or create problems to the surface below. If you have an old paving stone or even a fireproof board that the fire pit can stand on, it reduces the heat touching your paving. Gravel is sometimes a better option and then any soot or ash that is dropped can be washed away via the loose stones.’

Pip also says to avoid placing one directly on a lawn idea; ‘Think back to the last time you used a disposable BBQ, or you had Guy Fawkes burning away on a bonfire. You’ll probably remember the burn mark on the lawn below,’ says Pip.  If you have decked areas, then Pip suggests avoiding using the fire pit there, unless again you have a paving stone or hard surface in between. ‘It’s also worth remembering that if you have a pergola above your seating area, you may want to ensure it does not cover the fire pit. I can’t emphasise enough how hot these get,’ she says.

Should I choose a firepit or chiminea?

Firepits have become more popular over the years as they tend to be more affordable. Smaller in size, freestanding fire pits also take up less space and so are ideal for compact outdoor areas and small garden ideas,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, MD at Morsø UK. ‘They can also be portable meaning that you can create the same cosy ambience that you would at home at the beach, the park or on a camping trip.

Chimeneas on the other hand tend to start at a higher price point because they are larger, more sophisticated products. They are ideal for those who love to be outdoors all year around as they aren’t easily moveable. The firepit is a more practical option for those who spend less time in their outside area as they can be quickly transportable and moved around.’

Can I make one myself?

Making your own firepit is a great low-cost alternative for budget garden ideas, although there are a few practicalities as Pip explains; ‘If you are handy with the tools, then there’s no reason why you can’t build one yourself. We tend to build them in block, with a small footing and a solid base (but make sure you have a drainage hole, otherwise it will fill up with water when it rains).’

Internally, Pip lines a firepit with fireproof bricks, using fireproof cement and a layer of fireproof render. ‘This is the most expensive part of the feature, but you need it to ensure it can withstand the direct heat,’ she says. ‘On the outside you can match up with your surrounding materials, maybe a tile to clad or a decorative brick, with matching coping Firepits can be contemporary or rustic, fitting in with any scheme.’

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