Summer has arrived. The sun is shining, the temperature is rising and with another heatwave forecast for next week, now's the perfect time to give your garden a quick refresh.
Take stock of your outdoor furniture and accessories. If you want your outdoor space to look its best when the hot weather arrives, there's a good chance a few items will need to go.
Sometimes, parting ways with your outdoor decor is purely practical: Items might be worn out or not conducive to your surroundings. On other occasions, however, some items are causing a style conundrum.
"The goal is to let the landscape become the focal point," says designer Brittany Cooper, founder of Rathell Designs. "A well-designed outdoor space should feel collected and effortless, allowing natural light, greenery, and comfortable gathering spaces to take centre stage."
That’s exactly why we asked a few designers to share the items they’re asking – no, begging – you to remove from your garden. With temperatures set to soar once again, these simple changes will make it feel more inviting in no time.
A tired-looking rug
A rug might be a smart way to bring your decorating style outdoors, but designer Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley recommends giving yours a careful check. "The one thing I always remove from a garden patio is an outdoor rug that has seen too many seasons," she says. "A faded, flattened rug signals neglect more than any other single item."
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If your rug is showing signs of wear and tear, replace it with a fresh, flat-weave rug that's suitable for both indoors and outdoors, ideally in a plain colour or subtle pattern. Alternatively, you could embrace the look of the paving or decking beneath your feet and go without one altogether.
Indoor furniture
A word to the wise: Only furniture that was made to withstand the outdoor elements actually belongs outdoors. Though lugging your favourite side table from your living room to your garden decking might look cute, it’s not practical. "Pieces without proper weather ratings warp, rust, or mildew," says Cathleen. They soon begin to look worse for wear.
Instead, invest in furniture pieces that are made of durable materials like teak, oak, and powder-coated steel. Speaking of your patio furniture, Brittany says summer’s a great time to refresh your cushions and pillows. "Worn cushions can quickly make a patio feel tired."
Mismatched planters
Summer's when most people embrace their green fingers, but that doesn’t mean you can go overboard with your planters. "The thing I consistently see cluttering patios is the collection of mismatched pots and planters that accumulated year over year," says Cathleen. "Six different colours, four different materials, no relationship to each other."
Designer Lauren Saab recommends editing your collection down to two or three styles, then adding some visual interest. "Several planters can look beautiful when they are grouped together, but scattered accessories on every surface can make an outdoor space feel busy," she says. "Use a mix of planter sizes and heights within each group to create a more natural, cohesive look."
Lots of string lights
If you want to enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun sets, lighting is a non-negotiable. Though string lights are the go-to choice for a dreamy glow, Cathleen isn't exactly sold on them – especially if they're haphazardly arranged.
"If they are tangled, yellowed, or strung without intention, they read as an afterthought rather than an asset," she says. Her advice? Either commit to a clean installation, or take them down entirely. In their place, consider a few solar-powered lanterns that can be moved around as needed.
Excess decor
Signs, garden ornaments and strategically slanted surfboards might offer charm, but Lauren doesn't think they're necessary. Truthfully, they can only add visual clutter. "Not every outdoor space needs to be filled," she says. "A little restraint often creates a stronger result than adding another decorative accessory."
Instead, the designer encourages you to avoid unnecessary clutter and keep your outdoor space simple. "A few well-chosen planters, comfortable seating, and healthy greenery will usually have far more impact than an assortment of decorative objects competing for attention," she says.
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Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, ELLE Decor, and Country Living among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
