Vogue Williams’ guide to summery garden furniture

Vogue Williams, who writes the interiors column for IMAGE.ie, has presented a list of essential items that can add a touch of brightness to your garden during summer. Her recommendations include, but are not limited to, attractive furniture, stylish planters, and elegant tableware.

I've stored my coats away in vacuum bags, which indicates that spring has arrived for me. Although I'm feeling extremely cold, I'm determined not to bring out my coats again. Instead, I'm placing my attention on the garden. Recently, I've been scouting out some fantastic items that can transform or improve both my garden and yours.

I have been considering replacing our garden furniture for the past two years, but it's a significant investment, and our current furniture is still in good working condition. Our neighbors have a much nicer set of chairs than we do, and I can't help but feel envious whenever I see them. The set they have is from Oka, and I recently found the exact same set in sofa form. Oka has a fantastic online store, and they also have a beautiful shop near my home that I often visit just to browse. The cream color of the furniture with light wood has a French chic feel to it, which I absolutely adore. While I would prefer to purchase a sofa set from Suns Lifestyle, they are quite expensive and out of my budget. However, I have seen how well-made and excellent the quality of their products is, so it's worth the price for those who are willing and able to invest. If you're looking for more affordable furniture options, then Easy Living or JYSK have some seriously stylish pieces available at the moment.

Last year, I discussed gardens and shared a tip on how to update your garden without breaking the bank by using outdoor cushions or a beautiful outdoor rug. Although I usually don't end up buying the items I write about in my column, I couldn't resist and purchased one of the wonderful Dunelm rugs for my kids' play area. I recall my first outdoor rug lasting me for a remarkable four years, and I have a helpful tip for maintaining them - use a power hose to clean them before storing them for winter, and they'll stay in great condition. I highly recommend the Kärcher power washer if you're looking for the best on the market. Soon, I'll be dragging my husband onto the balcony in his Wellington boots to tackle the power hose. Finally, in my opinion, balcony storage boxes are essential. They can store all of your cushions during the winter months if you don't have a shed, making them a fantastic investment.

I'm excited to have some quality time with my children this summer, and I'm looking forward to hosting BBQs and relaxing with my friends, if the weather permits. The LNH edit offers some beautiful and elegant table settings that I adore, and as someone who appreciates quality, I'm always looking for something new from them. The linens they use are both durable and luxurious, and I'm particularly eager to purchase their pink striped napkins. The soft color scheme of their products makes them versatile for any occasion, eliminating the need for separate indoor and outdoor table settings. When I'm home, I plan on stopping by Dunnes to replenish my collection of bowls and plates, which boast vibrant designs and never disappoint.

The final task on my garden to-do list is to take care of the lighting and planters. Although I don't have a green thumb, I do enjoy selecting unique planters, leaving the actual gardening to someone else. Recently, I came across some lovely planters from April & The Bear that I plan to use for plants that require minimal attention. When it comes to lighting, if you have outdoor electrical access, it's wise to go for electrical lights. However, if that's not an option, solar lights are a pretty good alternative. I already own some solar lights that I purchased from Woodies last year, which I have yet to put up. Woodies has an excellent online selection, and I could easily spend an entire afternoon roaming around the store, similar to an Ikea shopping excursion.

"Revitalize With Outdoor Saunas & Ice Baths"

This year, I decided to splurge on a petite sauna to put in my garden. My love for saunas knows no bounds and I discovered a vendor called Garden House 24 on Instagram. They offer incredible outdoor spaces that can be transformed into personal gyms or home offices. While I didn't need one of those, I must admit they looked impressive. I completed this purchase with a Lumi ice bath, which I know is a bit indulgent. I feel like I now own my own well-being destination in my backyard!

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