You probably can’t wait to fire up the barbecue and enjoy long, leisurely dinners al fresco, which means that your outdoor living space could do with some sprucing up, post hibernating in winter. Whether you are starting from scratch or just adding a few decorative touches, whether it’s a 4x4-foot space or a giant patio, here are some ways to dress up your outdoors before sending out those invitations.

Seat in style

The right seating can make all the difference. Large spaces can accommodate large, heavy furniture … but in a small space try individual wicker or cane seating. It is not heavy – neither on the pocket nor literally. The different pieces can be moved around with ease.

Tip: Use cushions made of polyurethane foam, which allows water to flow through (in case of rain). Also make sure that the fabrics used for upholstery and cushion covers are solution-dyed acrylic fabrics which are moisture- and mildew-proof and UV-protected to avoid fading.
Tip: An easy DIY for a quick makeover is to paint your existing furniture in a nice, summery colour, as in this image. For cane or wicker use spray paint, as it reaches into the nooks

Light up the night

Good lighting is just as important outdoors as it is indoors. Lights are the easiest way to dress up a space and still make an impact. Not only does effective lighting allow your guests to move around safely, but it helps set the mood for cosy entertaining. For a festive ambience, fairy lights are a go-to in terms of ease and economy. They are also a convenient way to light up nooks and crannies where you can’t have permanent light fixtures.

Tip: Solar-powered stakes, super energy savers that they are, can be used to light up pathways or set boundariesCandlelight is a go-to for an intimate, mood-filled ambience, whether it’s party night or a rainy day. Take it a notch up by placing fat candles in metal lanterns and scattering them across your yard.

Tip: Use citronella candles, a perfect combination of scented light and insect repellent

Use sheer curtains

Fluttering light curtains are evocative of summer just round the corner. Drapes turn your patio into a bonus room, an extension of your home; plus they give the space an intimate feel. Go with any colour of the rainbow or opt for pure white – a classic.

Tip: Look for drapes made from wrinkle-free materials, such as acrylic, nylon or polyester. They last long and are easy to maintain. Or, my personal favourite – use old cotton or silk saris or dupattas.

Make your own pergola
 
Umbrellas are handy, but even the larger ones have their limits when it comes to shading a large deck or terrace. That’s where shade sails and shade-cloth structures come in. Stringing up look-alike, purpose-made shade sails has become a popular and relatively inexpensive way of sheltering outdoor areas from the sun. Here, the homeowners have used both an umbrella and a voile-like shade sail for larger coverage. An extension table and folding director’s chairs can handle a crowd, and can just as easily be scaled back when it’s just family.
Tip: If you can’t get your hands on a shade sail, use canvas or green garden shade net, both of which are common enough to source easily.

Splash out with spring colours

Spring is all about colour, the more vibrant it is, the better. Here, many-hued cushions resemble a bed of riotous blooms fit for springtime. The blue-and-white marble inlay coffee table provides relief from the burst of colours. And while you are at it, why not stencil a procession of pretty ladies on the walls.

Rejuvenate with pots and plants

Spring is best experienced when surrounded by greenery. If your patio is bereft of plants, the onset of spring is a great time to bring some in. A couple of large outdoor planters with tall plants add great style to a patio. Planters serve to define a space and act as boundaries. The ones featured here are in white to match the furniture but it might be wiser to opt for neutral, black or dark-grey shades, as they show the least amount of dirt, wear and tear.

Tip: Planters can be costly, so why not make them yourself out of wooden pallets. Look this up for ideas on multiple uses of a wooden pallet.

Add a rug

A nice-looking rug can give your outdoor space the feeling of a living room. They are an easy way to add colour and pattern to your terrace. Use rugs to define boundaries by placing them at specific sites, say under a coffee table or to ground a dining table and chairs. In this picture, the break between the rug and the floor is subtle, yet it connects the various furniture pieces together.