How to create a toasty outdoor space for winter

Don't give up on your outdoor spaces for entertaining just because it's getting cooler. Here, we share six easy ways to create a warm and toasty space, with a few styling tips to make it extra inviting and comfortable. 


 

1. Make it happy and fun

Just because it's not summer doesn't mean you can't liven up the party with patterns (think ikat, floral and stripes) in bright hues. Add pops of colour to your outdoor benches and rattan furniture with coloured throw rugs and outdoor cushions, and vary the scale of the patterns for balance. 



"Decorating with warm colours that have a hint of red, orange or yellow in them (like mustard, walnut, ochre and creamy white) are an easy way to cosy up a space. We subconsciously relate warm colours to the sun, which is why we lean on them for a cosy interior. They also tend to envelop us, like a hug!"
 

2. Add furniture to sink into

Forget hard wooden chairs and think plush outdoor sofa and lounge sets and day beds to recline and nestle into. 


 

3. Soften hard surfaces

Work with different plush textures to soften timber surfaces or concrete and stone pavers. Layer the ground with soft shag rugs, high-pile outdoor rugs and woven jute rugs; drape faux fur throws over outdoor chairs; and keep storage baskets on standby to store extra cushions. 



"Avoid draughty decking with an outdoor rug and dress up outdoor furniture with plush cushions and throws - just keep within the same colour scheme for cohesion."
 

4. Create heat and atmosphere with lighting

Nothing is more enticing in winter than a roaring fire. Check out our fire pits and outdoor heaters to create your own romantic al fresco evening, plus add additional softer layers of light with festoon lights and lanterns.


 

5. Layer in plants

If you don't have a green thumb, don't fear. Simply add faux potted trees and artificial plants, and layer them around your outdoor lounge area to create extra intimacy. 


 

6. Don't forget entertaining essentials

It won't be warm and toasty without the right food and drink. Add plenty of side tables to park your serving boards and consider a bar cart to have drinks and glasses accessible. 

"Bar carts are the perfect solution to storing and showing off beautiful glassware and beverages. Easily moveable, these trusty sidekicks bring the bar to you and can be parked anywhere. Opt for a bar cart with brakes to avoid unnecessary spills."