With warmer days on the horizon, the experts at Dobbies reveal their top tips on how people can make the most of their outdoor spaces – no matter the size.
From sleek chairs and foldable bistro sets for city balconies, to compact barbecues and pizza ovens for small spaces and home gardens, there’s something for everyone.
Alternative seating
Comfortable seating is a must when it comes to making the most of your small space and this year there are a number of fantastic options at Dobbies to create a cosy reading nook or spot to enjoy your morning coffee.
“Hanging egg chairs have risen in popularity over the past few years thanks to their playful design and ability to add instant charm to any outdoor space”, says Lynsey Abbott, head of buying (home & seasonal) at Dobbies.
“Perfect for curling up with a book on a sunny day, egg chairs allow you to hang out in a cosy cocoon soaking up the rays – and they come in a variety of styles and sizes. If you’re looking for a focal piece to elevate your patio, our Double Folding Egg Chair is a great choice to make an impact and can be folded away for easy storage during the colder months.
“For smaller spaces, a single statement chair is all you need to create a relaxing spot. Wicker is a huge trend for spring/summer 2024 thanks to its versatility and timeless style. Our green wicker Cashbah chair, new for 2024, is a great investment piece that will last for years to come and is perfect for small gardens and city balconies.”
Compact furniture
If you’ve got limited space to play with, Lynsey suggests looking for a colourful bistro set to brighten up your chosen area.
“Foldable bistro sets are fantastic space-savers and work especially well to dress up empty city balconies and create your very own stylish alfresco dining spot. Typically, a lot less expensive than larger sofa sets, bistro sets are great value, meaning you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your balcony looking its best for summer.”
Dobbies’ range for spring/summer 2024 includes seasonal new colourways – including a sunshine yellow Betty bistro set – that will allow you to inject vibrancy and personality into your outdoor space and give it a new lease of life.
Alfresco dining
When it comes to eating outdoors, Lynsey believes that you don’t need a huge amount of space to cook up a delicious feast.
“This year, Dobbies has introduced some innovative new cooking options to allow everyone to enjoy a spot of alfresco dining in the summer months,” she says.
“Great value kettle BBQs make a great addition to small patios and courtyards and prove you don’t need a huge garden to grill up a storm.
“In response to an increased demand for innovative outdoor cooking options, we’ve introduced an expansive range of portable pizza ovens that demonstrate the potential of small gardens. From great value Ooni models and the super sleek Gozney Roccbox to the award-winning Witt ETNA Rotante rotating pizza oven, there’s something for all budgets.”
Plant for impact
You don’t need a huge garden to welcome colour and fragrance with seasonal plants – Dobbies’ new outdoor accessories will inspire gardeners to get in touch with nature.
“Plants bring outdoor spaces to life, and there’s no reason small gardens can’t reap the benefits,” says Lynsey.
“In our spring/summer 2024 collection, we have balcony planters, which are ideal for hooking on to fences and railings to save space, along with a collection of outdoor pots that will jazz up any plant.
“For maximum effect, group varying pot sizes together to create a mini jungle effect and colour-coordinate to your outdoor furniture for a cohesive look and feel. Alternatively, if you like a classic vibe, terracotta pots never go out of style – and we have a wide selection to choose from.”
It’s all in the detail
Lynsey’s top tip for making the most of your small space is to pay special attention to the accessories.
“Small touches make the biggest difference in compact gardens and they’re a good cost effective way to transform the overall look of a space,” says Lynsey.
“You’ll be surprised at the difference a few decorative throw cushions can make – and even better if they double up as seating when entertaining guests. Decorative accessories like this are also a great way to get creative and let your personality shine through and Dobbies has a wide selection of colours and designs to choose from.
“To create a country garden feel in your small space, mini hanging bird houses will help you welcome wildlife and add natural charm. Pair these with pollinating plants in pots to create a real buzz and embrace nature without sacrificing lots of space.
“If you’re fortunate enough to have the space for plants, make the most of these and create beautiful seasonal displays with your cut flowers. A great way to bring your dining table to life for summer soirees and a simple addition that will make a noticeable difference to your outdoor space.”
To explore Dobbies’ full range of garden furniture and outdoor accessories for spring/summer 2024, visit www.dobbies.com
