With a jam-packed summer of sport ahead - that kicked off last week with the World Cup, continues this week with Royal Ascot and next month will be followed by the Royal Henley Regatta and Wimbledon; it’s the perfect time to move entertaining outside! Despite the unpredictable British weather outdoor entertaining and kitchen areas are a key trend for home improvements in 2018, and with one of the hottest May/June’s on record, it’s the perfect way to extend your living space.

Like many of the homes we transform here at Arc Design Services, garden space can be a premium, but having an aspirational design can revolutionise your outdoor living area and add great value to your home. Al-fresco dining is on the rise with sales of garden furniture, barbecues and garden accessories expected to grow by 3 to 4% annually up to 2021. And the innovative ways in which you can create this Mediterranean lifestyle go way beyond laying a new patio!

Creating a new patio space can be a starting point for your alfresco dining area with flooring that can extend right the way through your home and into your garden. Wood effect porcelain tiles, which are already popular in kitchen and hallways, are now making their way into the garden too. However, with the installation of bi-folding doors to open up your entire kitchen, a beautiful patio can feel more like an extension of your home. Comfy or contemporary garden furniture in bright vibrant colours, mood lighting, complete with a sunken fire pit, barbecue or pizza oven will even make your outdoor space feel like a tropical oasis!

If you’re still worried about the weather an outdoor structure may just be the answer, as according to award-winning garden designer John Wyer FSGD, they'll be big news this summer! Plug and Play' pergolas – with integrated drainage, lighting and heating will be the must-have garden feature, while outdoor kitchens with dedicated spaces for cooking, eating, entertaining and hot tubs are also becoming more popular! The Posh Shed Company also predicts that the popularity of verandas will continue to rise this year, as will innovative outdoor storage structures like the Chelsea Shed, which saw a 300 per cent increase in sales in 2017. Multi-use outdoor storage spaces like summer houses can also provide an appealing weatherproof solution - ideal for enjoying Pimms and afternoon tea. Add electrical outlets and you can even plug in a radio or TV for keeping up to date with this summer's sporting moments.

Although landscaping is not a service that we usually offer, to make an outdoor dining area truly feel like an extension of your home or kitchen it needs to be considered during the design and build process - with the use of doorways, flooring, lighting and even colour all making an impact. Whether you have acres of land or limited space, an innovative and beautifully designed garden can be a real asset to your home and the perfect place to enjoy a summer of sport!

If it’s too late to transform your entertainment space for this summer but we’ve inspired you, give ARC Design Services a call on 01606 928 4433 to kick things off for 2019!