Outdoor Living

Apparently this weekend is the peak time for people to buy outdoor furniture - so what are you waiting for? OK the weather is still a bit iffy, but we live in hope! And no matter what the weather, we all want to be outside - after all, its a bank holiday... and with so many great products around, it's the ideal time create the perfect outdoor lounge to take you through the summer. Here's a few of my favourite looks for this season.

These fun 50's style seats have been around for a couple of years and add a real splash of colour to a sunny spot. Mix up the colours, add a table and an outdoor pouffe and you are all set. And see that living wall on the left hand side? it's fake! - a great way to green up your space without any maintenance. House Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa, £120, coffee table, £110 and chairs. Bohemian Summer Pouffe, £120, Cushions from £10 all John Lewis & Partners

If you are a dab hand at DIY, you could do this over the bank holiday weekend! Using slatted fence panels painted in Garden Shades from Cuprinol in Seagrass and Dusky Gem. Add plenty of cushions on top and you are ready to go. Deck treated with UV Guard Decking Oil from Cuprinol.

These slatted fence panels are so stylish and easy to find, try B&Q or any Forest stockist such as Fencestore. Paint it black, which looks great and is a good backdrop for colour. Then create an outdoor lounge with a corner sofa that wouldn't look out of place indoors, add an all-weather rug, a coffee table and floor and seat cushions. Dot a few plants around too. Perfect. Floor cushion, £35, outdoor rug, £15,Wooden stand planter, £22.50, cushions from £16 all Argos

Step down into this contemporary lounge area with elegant all-weather furniture, a classic table and an outdoor rug. Add light bulb string lights for when the sun goes down. Who's for a drink? Bali Garden Living and Dining set, £1699, Next

I love the Moroccan feel of this terrace. It's probably to do with the terracotta colour of the walls and awning - a colour that is back with a bang - the basketweave teak furniture and the hanging lanterns. An awning like this is so simple to do, you just need poles in the ground to tie the fabric to. Terrazzin teak furniture from £1750, OKA

How gorgeous is this? Really comfortable sofas in waterproof fabric with a corten metal wall as a backdrop. The perfect designer terrace. Ligne Roset Ottoman Outdoor settee, £2826, Chaplins

I have always wanted a hammock.....it makes me think of lush gardens, sandy beaches, a good book, dozing, a dream of relaxing, but sadly no trees and not really enough room for one of those huge stands in my garden.....but I can still fantasize