With temperatures finally starting to rise, many of us want to get our gardens ready for summer.
And with warmer nights and weekends When we come, we might be tempted to fix it. space To make our gardens look a little fresher.
But before you go shopping for some new patio pieces, one interior designer has warned that most of us are actually decorating wrong.
We could be making three common mistakes that make it look like an eyesore instead of the lush, relaxing paradise we’re really looking for.
But don’t worry, experts have shared their best tips to help us avoid making these mistakes.
Zara O’Hare, interior designer at Land of Rugs, has revealed that we could even be risking our fortune by making these mistakes.
And following their suggestions could save you money in the long run.
She said: “I often see people spending a lot of money on yard decor, only to then make these common mistakes.”
Inappropriate furniture
Zara has revealed that one of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing the wrong furniture for their garden.
And if you have plastic or dark metal furniture then you might want to look elsewhere now…
Zara says the problem with plastic furniture is that it can be damaged quite easily and dark-coloured furniture absorbs sunlight.
She said: “Plastic table and chair sets can be very tempting if you’re on a budget, that’s true. But I’m afraid they’re not the most durable.
“They are a little more susceptible to the sun and can break easily if hit on a windy day.
“You could save yourself a pound or two up front, but they could end up costing you more in the long run.
“Dark-colored furniture, on the other hand, can be terribly uncomfortable on a sweltering summer day.
“They act like sun traps, absorbing all the heat and turning your once pleasant patio into a veritable barbecue pit.
“Ideally, something durable and in a lighter shade that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it.”
Wrong plants
Floors They are a wonderful addition to your garden, adding a splash of colour and livening up the space whilst improving air quality and reducing allergens.
Some varieties even add a delicious fragrance, making our gardens smell amazing.
But the constant maintenance can get a bit annoying, and because of that, some people may abandon them or buy fake plants instead.
But Zara warns that this could make our patio look depressing.
She said: “There is nothing more depressing than a dead plant in the garden.
“The one mistake I see too often is people choosing the wrong plants.
“Either they choose plants that require a lot of maintenance and that they don’t have time for, or they opt for plastic ones that make everything look a bit tacky.
“Unless you are an expert gardener, try a ‘honeysuckle’ or ‘English ivy’ before opting for those that require more serious care.
“And please get rid of the fake plants!”
How to repair broken patio slabs
Paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how cracked patio slabs can be repaired without any fuss.
Experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to lift it out by hand. Instead, you’ll probably need a hammer and chisel to get it out of the yard.
“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging the slabs, carefully chip away at the mortar around the slab with the tapping chisel and rubber mallet until the slab is completely loosened.
“Then slide the trowel into the space left by the mortar and remove the paving stones from the patio.
“When lifting, place a short piece of wood under the shovel to act as a lever, which will make your job easier while also protecting the slab underneath.
“When the paver begins to give way, place the round wood underneath and remove the patio slab.”
Incorrect colors
We all want some color in our gardens, with bright and vibrant colors adding personality to your space.
However, it is easy to end up with an unsightly patio if you add too many different and contrasting colors.
Zara says: “Too many mismatched colours can overwhelm the senses and make the space feel more chaotic.
“Imagine a hodgepodge of bright orange cushions next to bright lime green furniture and a deep purple tablecloth.
“It’s not total relaxation, is it?
“A coherent color scheme is a must.
“Choose a bold color for key elements, such as furniture, and then add pops of contrasting or complementary colors for pillows and throws.”
