What’s trending: go al fresco for the last stretch of summer

Looking to make the most of the summertime feeling by living al fresco? A seamless indoor-outdoor connection might just help you do that…

Someone once said ‘August is like the Sunday of summer’. Soon, school will start again and we’ll be switching to cosy, moody interiors adorned with chunky cushions and throws while decadent candles will be (safely) burning throughout the house. But until then, we’ve still got a couple more weeks of pure summertime bliss!

One way to truly maximise the time you spend outdoors on this last stretch of balmy weather is through creating an effortless connection from your kitchen or diner to the garden.

Close up of a galley layout with green and wood units, and a block island clad with veiny surfaces.
This home extension comes with a pitched roof for added volume. Project by Studio Webster Dale. Photography: Fred Howarth.
Interior design with banquette seating and and abundance of cushions, a dark wood table and green chairs, with wood beams above.
This kitchen extension by Studio McLeod was designed to adapt to the everyday and future needs of its owners. Interiors in collaboration with interior designer Beata Heauman. Photography: Emanuelis Stasaitis.

A kitchen extension, while a big investment, will elevate the functionality of your home. Apart from much-needed extra footprint, it will also offer a strong connection to the outdoors. From the materials and finishes you choose to the glazing, it’s crucial to take your time and carefully plan your project, as well as seek advice from professionals to ensure it ticks all of your boxes.

So, to show you just what’s possible, click here for a glimpse at different kitchen extensions which maximise space while providing a seamless indoor-outdoor link.

An L-shaped outdoor kitchen with a barbecue, egg grill, bar area and bar stools.
EO Chroma outdoor kitchen in Silk Grey with Keon Dekton worktops, and appliances including a Napoleon barbecue and Big Green Egg. 

If you’re debating sprucing up your garden for entertaining outdoors well into the autumn season, a weather-proof cooking and dining space is bound to take your hosting skills to the next level and wow your guests. Outdoor kitchens come in many sizes and layouts, from big to small, so why not check out this gallery to get inspired?

Of course, you will also need a lounge area for all your al fresco drinks and nibbles. There is a wide variety of options available nowadays, as well as a multitude of materials, colourways, and sizes to help accommodate any party. I’ve selected some of my favourite designs, so if you’re in the market for a new set-up, click here.

Sofa, armchairs and wood table set on a patio with rattan lighting and house plants.
Neston garden lounge set, £999, The Cotswold Company.

Also on my radar

With the rise of biophilic design, rattan is back on our radar! Organic, textured, and versatile, it suits a range of interior styles – from country chic and vintage, to more modern interiors. For example, you can use it to add warmth to your kitchen or bedroom, or texture to your bathroom design.

From seating, lighting, to furniture, there are so many stunning solutions crafted from this material. If you are keen to bring a touch of nature in and cement that indoor-outdoor connection, even if you don’t have a garden, you might want to consider rattan – click here for our complete lowdown.

A closeup of a rattan table lamp on a kitchen worktop.
Laura Ashley Natural Fernhill table lamp, £99, Next.
Neutral interior design with a lounge chair and footstool.
Ronan chair and footstool in Natural, £200, Habitat.
  • Enjoy the remainder of summer by living al fresco – icy drinks on sun loungers and pizza nights included. Complete your outdoor set-up with rattan seating and metal lanterns.
  • From porcelain flooring to statement furniture, stone-effect patterns are a great way of creating a visual connection to the outdoors.
  • Get a real dopamine kick with colourful homeware, whether it’s striped cushions, patterned ceramics, or statement pendants.
Al fresco living moodboard with garden furniture, stone-effect surfaces and colourful homeware.
1. Contardi Calypso outdoor pendant light, £935, Chaplins. 2. Striped 45x45cm indoor/outdoor cushion in Dusky Pink (back) and Seafoam Blue (front) £24.95 each, Rucomfy. 3. Tirana metal solar lantern 17cm, Dobbies. 4. Colette Garden dining chair in Natural/Red, £291.67, Oka. 5. Mango wood and rattan servers, £28, Natalia Willmott. 6. Ray large bowl in Green, £34, Abode Living. 7. Perla round dining table in Faux Travertine, £1687, Olivia’s. 8. Pizza Club chequerboard oven gloves, £22.50, Oliver Bonas. 9. Casa Mia Tempo wood-burning chiminea, £245, Atkin and Thyme. 10. Lowick beige stone-effect porcelain tiles, from £45 per sq m, Quorn Stone.

Spotted on social

Outdoor kitchen goals – from the pizza oven, tactile stone, to the pendant lights, Jen of @march_on_magnolia‘s design oozes a Mediterranean feel, perfect for living al fresco.

A window nook is high on my dream home wishlist. Apart having a cosy spot for reading a good book or relaxing, you can enjoy that indoor-outdoor feel and watch the seasons change.

Shower under the sun, anyone? This bathroom is flooded with light and the large-format tiles give the space a relaxing spa-like feel.

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