Don't Give Up On Summer!

I know the weather hasn't been that great recently, but its only August! And I hate to say the phrase that every British person says after weeks of bad weather - Indian Summer - but I live in hope. So to keep your spirits up, I've found some gorgeous pics of outdoor spaces to drool over......you're welcome

Oh those pink walls and tall slit windows - sigh....but you could create this at home with a simple pergola, a long table and benches and some Mediterranean plants. Add an outdoor rug and pouffe. And if you are feeling creative, hang ribbons from a hoop like this - its the perfect finishing touch. John Lewis

A simple little set up that is easy to put up when the sun comes out and just as easily put away again if it rains. Cafe tables and chairs are great for small spaces as they fold - and they never date. Again add an outdoor rug and a string of fairy lights for when the sun goes down. Amara

Ooooh moody..... I think that is a greenhouse with stunning black Crittall-style windows with a black painted fence to match. Don't you just love it? What a perfect backdrop to a comfy outdoor sofa, strings of bulb outdoor lights, great cushions and I just adore those little lamps! John Lewis

The colours in this shot are so vibrant, orange and cobalt blue under a black frame pergola. Terracotta works really well with it and gives a bit of a Mexican vibe and the paper ball lanterns are a nice touch.

Decking: Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain in Natural, from £33.99 for 5L;

Plant pots/Furniture: Sandtex Microseal Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint in Hot Brick, Light Grey & Terracotta, from £29 for 5L; Rapid Dry Gloss in Oxford Blue & Smokey Grey, both from £17.99 for 750ml

These 60's-style tub chairs make a change from the usual rattan and are in a soft grey rather than the bright colours that are around at the moment. The contrasting legs add a sophisticated touch too. Brighten them up with abstract fern design cushions. George Home at Asda

In an English country garden.....a more traditional metal set from Neptune this time. It looks like something from a Merchant & Ivory film, I half expect Anthony Hopkins to walk into shot in an Edwardian costume. A big 8 seater table with plenty of room to spread out and comfy cushions too. Designed for a long, lazy lunch

A striking backdrop of Corten steel panels is really dramatic, especially with those wide stone steps. And the ideal setting for the Arden table and benches made from Acacia wood and cement fibre. Isn't that cactus glass vase great? Perfect for outdoors Graham & Green