While the British weather still errs on the undecided as to what season we are approaching, the optimists among us can start to get excited that the sun is indeed putting his hat on and coming out to play rather soon.
Therefore, what better time to give your garden a complete rethink and have fun designing a down-time area - perfect for parties, lazy afternoons, wining and dining in a cosy corner of your garden?
A lounge in your back garden
The Washington Post recently reported on a new trend sweeping America of people "filling their yard with fluffy sofas, gleaming end tables and even outdoor rugs". Apparently, our friends across the pond have evolved past uncomfortable iron garden chairs and seem to think that moving their lounge into the garden is the next big thing.
However, they may just be onto something. While a cosy wendy house or even trendy decking can be the perfect venue for a spot of barbecuing, without appropriate design features such as a colour scheme, cosy seating and beautiful outdoor lighting, the effort really could all go to waste.
When it comes to designing an outdoor 'living area', the newspaper reported how landscape designer and host of American network HGTV's Going Yard Chris Lambton recommends that his clients give as much thought to the lighting of the space as they do to the other decorative elements.
Someone can set up the most beautiful wicker furniture covered in pretty throws, cushions galore, stunning drapes and bordered by ornate coffee tables imported from far-reaching destinations, but once the sun has gone down, it is imperative that the lighting will show off the area to maximum effect.
Make the lighting work for you
The fine balance to be respected is that - as it goes without saying - people must be able to actually see in order to enjoy their new outdoor snug. It simply mustn't be too dark or the whole thing might as well be called off. On the flipside, however, nor must the lighting appear too overpowering, as this would completely ruin the ambiance.
Many solutions nowadays offer not only dimming capabilities - perfect for a project of this sort - but also coloured filters, which are ideal should individuals wish to create a landscaping masterpiece a touch more unique than one lit by conventional white lighting.
Patrick Flynn, an LA-based designer, recommends conditions-adapted chandeliers for these 'outdoor sitting rooms', as he feels they truly bring the atmosphere of inside, outside.
However, should your design not lend itself to hanging fixtures, there are several other options. Bulbs embedded into otherwise plain decking can create subtle yet effective illumination of a space, without getting in anybody's way. In addition, lanterns scattered around can be extremely beautiful - especially when there's a mixture of some lit by tealights and others which are electrical for when the wind is blowing a little too hard.
Keep it subtle, stupid
In almost every case, less is certainly not more. Numerous lights in careful positions can give a completely different ambiance compared to a space with one or two glaring bulbs lighting up the garden brighter than a floodlit football pitch. As Mr Flynn went on to say: "Sneaking in ambient light in unexpected ways is something I love to do."
Accordingly, people might consider hiding a few fixtures - such as some Saxby stainless steel 1 light ground spikes - in flower or raised beds, as the light will not only illuminate the beautiful vegetation but can also be directed towards the centrepiece of your garden - your brand new hosting platform.
The finishing touches
Once you have decided on the decking and lighting, there is all sorts of fun to be had selecting the decorative pieces to fill your space - the furniture, floor coverings, candle holders, cushions and throws. Do you want classy, minimalist, modern, bohemian or retro? The choices are endless and, with the right lighting, will all transform your garden into something to be showed off and the envy of all.
