In People’s Homes

Reclaim Your Garden

Here at Heal’s, we’re firm believers that your garden should be an extension of your home. A recent survey of 2,000 Brits has revealed that 69% believe that the state of their outdoor space is just as, if not more, important than that of their home’s interiors. Yet more than 2 in 3 people aren’t happy with their current outdoor spaces and want to make changes. Petra outdoor dining table and chairs So, today we’re sharing our tips to help you to reclaim your garden. The survey also revealed that, despite being expected to spend at least three hours outside every day this summer, 7 in 10 people aren’t happy with their outdoor spaces and wish they were bigger (28%), more private (20%) or better decorated (13%). However, the research – commissioned by Heal’s – found that when looking to make improvements to their home’s exterior, 37% of people wouldn’t know where to start, or feel they don’t have the required knowledge and / or help to do so, whilst half of respondents simply lack confidence in their ability. Meanwhile, 20% of Brits believe that the state of this space was actually more important than their interiors, and it was also revealed how time spent outside has a profound impact on people’s mental health, with 42% of people across the UK reporting that they use this part of the home to improve their mood. A fifth are going outside to spend less time on their screens, while 27% are looking to connect with nature. In response to the findings, Heal’s has partnered with TV presenter, interior expert and design specialist Michelle Ogundehin, to help people get creative and make the most of their outdoor spaces – no matter how big or small. Michelle, who is also former editor of Elle Decoration, advises: “Get set for some major Vitamin G! A few simple updates can transform an empty patio or small garden into an inviting outdoor sanctuary for you to enjoy this summer, and beyond. “While 4 in 5 of us are lucky enough to have access to a private garden, those in urban areas often have to make the most of compact balconies, small backyards or limited roof terraces. But diminutive needn’t mean dull. The trick is to approach any exterior space as if it were just another room in your home, regardless of size. Consider what works indoors, then take it outside! “Think portable table lamps or strings of festoon lighting to add layers of illumination. Add texture, depth and interest with an outdoor rug and plenty of planters. Keep it practical with a mix of comfortable seating, benches and a table. Don’t forget to layer in your comfort with cosy cushions and throws. And then add the plants!” Commenting on the findings, Heal’s buying director, Sabina Miller, added: “At Heal’s, we really believe that you should fill rooms with pieces that you love in order to get the most out of the space, and exteriors are no exception. “With many residents looking forward to getting green thumbed in the coming months, it’s worth considering how you can make the most of time outdoors. Treat furniture with the same consideration as you would an indoor piece, and look out for weatherproof materials, firm cushioning and durable fabrics that will maintain a high level of quality and style for years to come, whilst also withstanding the often unpredictable British weather.” Visit www.heals.com to find out more.

In People’s Homes

Summer House Interior Lighting Ideas

There are plenty of reasons why you might be considering adding a summer house to your garden. Perhaps you’re after a quieter workspace, a spare bedroom or simply a place you can go to and relax. After all, summer houses are a great way to increase your living space. However, many people leave their summer house interior lighting to the last minute. That can lead to a lighting design that lacks the warmth and character your summer house needs. We suggest considering lighting throughout the process of designing, building or renovating your summer house. To get you started, we’ve compiled some of our favourite summer house interior lighting ideas. Pendants for summer house interior lighting For summer houses that are lucky enough to have mains electricity, then pendant lighting makes a great choice. In a space that’s typically dedicated to relaxing, spotlights can feel very harsh. Summer house interior lighting should bring a warming ambience to your space. That’s why pendant lighting is our go-to choice. Opt for a pendant light with an opaque diffuser. This will help it to cast a warm glow around the room. Bring the outdoors into your summer house interior lighting with a wooden lampshade. Or upgrade your existing pendant light by replacing the bulb with a warm halogen bulb. Floor lamps in a summer house interior A well-designed summer house interior lighting scheme offers a variety of lights at different levels. So, we recommend accenting your pendant lighting with the glow of a designer floor lamp. Floor lamps offer an alternative light source and can transform a room into a cosy retreat at the flick of a switch. Plus, they’re great for offering a little more light for board games, reading or unwinding with a glass of wine. If you’re currently planning your summer house’s electrics, we recommend factoring a handful of plug sockets into your design. Ensure you have enough for a floor lamp and a table lamp, as well as sockets for any chargers or appliances you may want to include. Fairy lights in summer houses No mains electricity? That shouldn’t mean your summer house becomes obsolete as soon as the sun goes down. Solar-powered fairy lights are perfect for making sure your summer house interior is illuminated well into the night. You can use them to customise the lighting in your summer house, changing the arrangement whenever suits. You could suspend them from the ceiling, or perhaps arrange them elegantly around the walls or on shelving. You could even move them outdoors if you want, as long as they're suitable for use outside. Battery-powered fairy lights are also a great alternative if your summer house doesn’t get enough sun. Portable lamps for summer house interior lighting If festoon lights or fairy lights aren’t your style, but your summer house doesn’t have mains electricity, there are other options. Portable lamps are a great alternative for summer house interior lighting. That’s because they offer a beautiful warmth to both inside and outside spaces. You can move them around your summer house to customise the lighting scheme and create a welcoming ambience that encourages your guests to make their way down the garden path. Then, after a warm summer’s evening spent socialising, you can use your portable lamps to guide you back to the house. Using candles for summer house lighting For a truly atmospheric ambience, why not use candles to light your summer house? Place a few strategically, and safely, around your summer house to create a romantic retreat, cosy spot for catching up or place to unwind. Not only will scented candles bring a natural glow to your summer house interior, but they will fill it with a beautiful aroma. That’s perfect for the first time you use it after winter, or if you simply enjoy a scented candle. Like what you see? Explore all Heal’s lighting for summer houses.

In People’s Homes

Luxury Garden Furniture Ideas

The British climate can be unpredictable. However, we still enjoy spending a surprising amount of time eating, socialising and relaxing in the garden. Dining alfresco is about gathering family, entertaining friends and escaping the typical daily routine. Luckily, moving the party outside doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice stylish ideas and comfort. Whether you have a patio, porch or pool, these luxury garden furniture ideas will seamlessly transfer you and your guests outside. Read on to discover inspirational garden furniture ideas and take full advantage of the warm weather on the horizon. For outdoor dining in all weather Whether you’re eating breakfast, lunch or dinner alfresco, outdoor entertaining naturally lends itself to a table and chairs. Consider the modern Eos garden furniture from Case. Crafted using weather-resistant powder-coated aluminium, Eos furniture can stay outside all year round without rusting. The luxury garden furniture will look elegant for years to come and is perfect for entertaining friends and family al fresco. Works well with: Eos Picnic House. Offering shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, the Eos Picnic House helps you enjoy your garden all year long. With the addition of some fairy lights, your outdoor dining area will be ready to host guests right away. For entertaining lots of guests Vincent Sheppard’s Kodo garden furniture collection is ideal for larger families and hosting extra guests for dinner parties and summer BBQs. Choose anything from outdoor day beds and sofas to spacious tables and comfy dining chairs. With this type of arrangement in your garden, neither you nor your guests will prefer dining indoors. Works well with: The Kodo Outdoor Dining Table and chairs. Create a picturesque summer seating arrangement with chair and dining table combo. The spacious dining table is perfect for all party sizes and is spacious enough to seat all the family. For small spaces Look to Vincent Sheppard’s Lento collection for a modern and sleek addition to your garden, patio or outdoor space. Compact whilst offering plenty of comfort, this collection of modern garden seating is perfect for smaller spaces. Each piece is crafted using natural teak wood and tactile polypropylene rope that lends the collection a modern aesthetic. Works well with: Gan outdoor rugs. Outdoor rugs are perfect for smaller spaces as they help to define different areas. Position one under your Lento outdoor sofa to make your compact seating area feel even more comfortable. If your space is particularly small and you don’t have space for seating, an outdoor rug and cushions could help create some cosy outdoor floor seating. For luxury garden furniture with a fire pit Nothing feels more relaxing and enjoyable than spending time with your loved ones seated comfortably around a fire at the end of a busy day. Invite a campfire ambience into your garden with a modern fire pit. These beautiful, minimal designs are perfect for setting the scene for a cosy evening in the garden. Works well with: Why not complement your fire pit with luxury outdoor furniture from our BK collection from Carl Hansen & Søn? The modern teak garden sofa, chair and table are so beautiful it’s easy to mistake them for indoor pieces. Designed with a simple wooden frame and contrasting soft cushions, the chairs offer comfortable seating even outdoors. Perfect for long conversations with family and friends, or to wind down and read your favourite book on a warm summer’s day. For accessorising your garden The best luxury garden furniture ideas incorporate a range of outdoor accessories. From colourful cushions to brighten up your outdoor sofa, to garden umbrellas for hot sunny days. Accent your garden with our contemporary like outdoor lighting and rugs to make your space comfortable and stylish. With such a great collection of luxury garden furniture and accessories, there’s no reason your garden can’t be as beautiful as your home. Explore our range of the best outdoor furniture here.

In People’s Homes

12 Garden Corner Furniture Ideas

Every outdoor space is filled with potential, from balconies and terraces to sprawling gardens with plenty of private nooks. No matter the size, you’d be forgiven for wanting to make the most out of every corner of your garden. Garden corners offer the perfect opportunity to create a cosy and welcoming seating area, whether it’s for dining, lounging or reading. Here are 12 of our favourite garden corner ideas to help inspire your outdoor space. We’ve carefully hand-picked each photo to make sure you’re completely inspired. Pick and choose elements of each picture to create the ultimate garden corners. Create a corner dining area Garden corners offer a little more protection from wind and scorching sun, making them perfect for dining spaces. We love the way they’ve made use of the walls in this garden inspiration. By encouraging climbing plants to scale one of the walls, the space automatically feels more natural. This design idea can also make a smaller garden feel bigger. Calming garden lounge corner Sheltered garden corners are also great for sofa areas. If there’s a section that’s flooded with dapped sunlight all day long, then even better. This outdoor sofa inspiration is modern and perfect for an indoor-outdoor space. Add a coffee table and scatter cushions for a sofa setup that looks just as good inside as it does in a garden corner. Relaxing reading garden corner Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the house for a relaxing reading corner in the garden? Make use of smaller, awkward spaces to create a calming haven away from other distractions. We love how this Vincent Sheppard outdoor chair blends perfectly with the rest of the garden and rocks for even more relaxation. A comfortable cushion or two and this will be your new favourite spot in the garden. Create an intimate outdoor dining space Festoon lights, a modern outdoor dining table set and comfortable seating makes use of an otherwise empty corner of the garden. Intimate and inviting, we’d want to eat our dinner here any night of the week. Cosy seating in a small garden corner Swaying in a hammock underneath dapped sunlight, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the South of France. When the sun goes down, illuminate the garden corner with portable outdoor lights for an atmospheric ambience. Your hammock corner will be the place to be for friends and family all summer long. Balcony corner dining space Small and compact, balconies are perfectly sized for cosy, intimate dining spaces. We love how this balcony corner inspiration has kept things simple whilst adding a pop of colour with red garden furniture. It takes up the perfect amount of space without overwhelming the balcony. Again, the warm glow of a portable lamp completes the space. Shaded garden corner sofa area A shaded garden corner is perfect for a sofa area, whether it’s under a pergola, large tree or awning. It’ll provide a welcome escape on sunny days and stay nice and sheltered when it’s showering. This garden corner idea is just as modern as the house surrounding it, but wooden furniture and decking keeps it feeling outdoorsy. Private poolside seating area If you’re lucky enough to have a pool or water feature, then it’s a great opportunity to create an atmospheric seating area. Say goodbye to plastic sun loungers and wave hello to elegant garden sofas and armchairs. With the gentle sound of trickling water and the soft rustling of plants, you’ll have the ultimate garden retreat. Rustic BBQ or grill space in the garden Found down the garden path and in a private corner of the garden, this BBQ area is perfect for hosting. Offering a more unique way to cook, the best bit about BBQs like this one from Morsø is that it’s portable. Meaning you can move it to any corner of your garden depending on where you need it. Illuminate with outdoor fairy lights and it’ll transform into a mystical woodland space come night-time. Modern outdoor dining space in a corner Make use of sheltered corners to host delicious meals with friends or family. Minimalist modern outdoor dining furniture is timeless, comfortable and will set the scene for long al fresco meals. Add an outdoor rug to create a little more comfort underfoot and pull the space together. Plus, a string of festoon lights will help create a warm ambience come nightfall. Natural garden corner space This bright white outdoor dining table set contrasts beautifully with its natural surroundings. The minimalist streamlined silhouette stands out from the wooden cladding, long grass and dappled shade. Accessorise with throws, cushions and outdoor dinnerware to complete the look. A romantic outdoor nook Even if you don’t have much space to play with, a simple bench can transform any garden corner into a romantic retreat. Opt for a modern design like this bench and accessorise with portable lighting for a versatile, stylish space. A glass of wine and a bowl of nibbles later, you’ll be in paradise. Looking to revitalise a corner of your garden in time for summer? Check out our collection of garden furniture.

In People’s Homes

Top 5 Unique Garden Lighting Ideas

Some cleverly positioned unique garden lighting can transform your outdoor space into a thing of beauty. There are plenty of ways to use outdoor lighting to make the space feel cosier, more curated and calmer. From positioning portable outdoor lights on steps, to using up-lights to showcase ancient trees or lanterns to illuminate dining spaces. Take your time to choose the right outdoor lighting and it’s sure to make your garden feel more finessed and welcoming. For years, garden lighting lacked imagination. The outdoor lights on offer were generic and uninspired. Luckily, outdoor lighting design has moved on leaps and bounds in the past few years. That means budding horticulturalists and landscape designers have plenty of choice when it comes to illuminating their gardens. To help make your choice even easier, we’ve compiled a collection of unique garden lighting ideas that will blow your guests’ socks off. These unique garden lighting ideas make the transition from house to garden even more seamless. Casting an elegant, refined glow on outdoor areas. Read on to discover some of our favourite garden lighting inspiration. Illuminate architectural features Whether your home’s an ancestral seat, country cottage or modern new build, you’d be forgiven for wanting to show it off. Lighting can be a great way to illuminate your home’s architectural features in a subtle, yet bold way. Up-lights have traditionally been used to highlight architecture, but wall and floor lights can do an equally impressive job. In fact, they can even be used in their own right to create a striking display, without overshadowing the building. By opting for a characterful, designer garden light, you’ll be creating a statement whilst showcasing your home. Use unique garden lighting to draw attention to a pergola that's all set up for alfresco dining. Position wall lights to highlight the path or poolside. Or perhaps you could position a wall light to casts a warm glow over the doorway. The world’s your oyster. Shop the Virginia Outdoor Pendant Light Create an other-worldly display Festoon or fairy lights are a brilliant way to create a chilled-out, relaxed atmosphere, whilst still casting lots of light. This relatively affordable option is also incredibly versatile. You could string them up between trees or across a pergola, or you could use them to illuminate a covered patio area. When surrounded by plenty of comfy seating and good company, fairy lights can create an incredibly welcoming space. We love how this lighting idea cleverly makes the parasol’s frame a centrepiece. The same look can be easily achieved using individual strings of fairy lights. Alternatively, you can invest in some parasol-specific lighting for a more clean-lined finish. Make sure to choose string lights that are suitable for outdoors though. Shop the Sirius Parasol Fairy Lights Get creative with outdoor pendants Pendants aren’t often what jumps to mind when you’re considering garden lighting. However, in recent years pendant lighting has made the transition from indoors to outside. Made using innovative, modern materials, outdoor pendant lighting is a novel way to illuminate dining areas or seating areas. We love how this unique garden lighting idea showcases the pendant lights and gives the garden a fairy-like vibe. Shop the Tempo Vivace Light Portable lighting reigns supreme Gardens are versatile spaces; they change and adapt with the seasons, as do the ways they’re used. So, it goes to say that your lighting should be adaptable. After all, in the UK’s colder climate you may not use your garden all year round. We reckon portable outdoor lighting offers the perfect solution. Not only can these unique lights be used to cast a warm glow around outdoor tables, but they can also be used to illuminate steps, BBQs or reading nooks. The best part is that you can use them inside as equally practical portable lighting come winter. Make sure you choose portable lighting that’s suitable for outdoors. That should keep it protected in the highly probable case of rain. Shop the Tempo Andante Light Practical lighting shouldn’t mean boring Whilst outdoor lighting is often used to showcase a garden’s different features or zones, it’s also used in a more practical sense. From lighting ancient pathways to illuminating the doorbell, there are plenty of practical uses for outdoor lighting. However, that isn’t to say you can’t use the most unique outdoor lighting possible. With plenty of elevated wall and floor lights available, you can be sure to find outdoor lighting that makes your garden, footpath or front step look magical. Shop the Camouflage Wall Light Looking to revitalise your outdoor lighting? Check out our collection of modern garden lights.

In People’s Homes

How To Create A Sociable Living Room

Whether you’re an avid entertainer or an occasional host, there are bound to be times your living room is used for socialising. It could be anything from movie nights or parties to catch ups over coffee. A truly sociable living room will help your guests feel relaxed, welcome and comfortable. By following our carefully compiled tips, all the social gatherings in the heart of your home will be even more enjoyable. Create Intimate Seating A brilliant way to make your living room feel more sociable is to create an intimate seating arrangement. After all, it doesn’t make for good conversation when there are wide spaces between your armchairs and the seating is all spread out. Talking across the room isn’t the way most people like to open up to their friends, get to know new people or tell a joke. Antisocial seating arrangements often come into play when the television is the focus of the room. That’s because your sofas and armchairs are all positioned for the best view, instead of facing each other. Bring your seating closer together so your guests can enjoy conversation without straining their neck or vocal cords. If you mainly use your living room to watch tv, you could consider rejigging it whenever you have guests. Relaxed Warm Lighting Warm lighting is one of the best ways to help guests feel calm, relaxed and sociable in your living room. You can completely overhaul your living room by simply switching off ceiling lights and using candles, wall lights and table lamps to illuminate it. Instead of the harsh, unflattering glow overhead lighting can create, you’ll be left with an atmospheric, intimate ambience. If you’re investing in new living room lighting, then there are some key styles to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for table lamps with opal shades, these help to diffuse the light and give it a soft glow. Shades made using natural linen, ceramic or marble will also help achieve the same look. For a low-cost transformation, replace any bright white bulbs with warmer options. Use Rugs to Create Zones If your living room is part of a large, open plan space, it can be hard to make it feel like a separate area. Luckily, one of the benefits of open-plan living is that it’s particularly sociable. You could be enjoying a catch up in the living area whilst others are playing games at the table and still feel completely involved. However, if you’d like to create some clearer zones in the room, then that can be done by simply using rugs. From your living space to your dining table and office nook, use rugs to mark out each zone. This will help make your living room feel cosier and more defined. Adding rugs to your space will also help inject a little more personality, perfect for sociable living rooms. Comfort Is Key You and your guests will feel more at ease if you’re comfortable, so make that a priority. A snuggly sofa will make all the difference, encouraging your guests to feel more relaxed and sociable. If you’re hosting a larger group, then use bean bags and large cushions to create extra seating on the floor. If you’re lumped with an uncomfy sofa and now isn’t the right time to buy a new one, accessories will help. Filling your living room with plenty of cushions, throws and blankets will help to create a more cosy, sociable space. Drape a throw over the side of the sofa so your guests know they’re welcome to use them. Or you could stash some spare blankets in a storage basket for them to pick from. Add a Bit of Personality A pristine lounge that doesn’t have a hair out of place can leave your guests nervous to accidentally make a mess. Inject a touch of your personality into your living room to make them feel more relaxed and at home. This could be anything from your favourite design classic to your old guitar or holiday pictures. Even if your style is more minimalist, you can still use ornaments and wall art to show your personality. This is also a great way to break the ice when you’re meeting new people. Want to create a more sociable home? Discover our living room furniture collection.