• Wednesday 17 May 2023
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Decorating your home doesn't stop at the interior; the growing trend of utilizing outdoor spaces and creating outdoor rooms has gained immense popularity for a good reason.

From expansive gardens to compact balconies and everything in between, all outdoor areas deserve both attention and care. With the right additions, you can expand your living space beyond the confines of your home. Whether you're looking to create an outdoor dining area or a relaxing oasis, the boundaries between indoors and outdoors have blurred, allowing interior design trends to spill over into our open-air spaces.

The most favoured choice is to design a patio or deck where you can entertain or unwind with your loved ones. These spaces can be equipped with cosy seating, outdoor dining sets, BBQ grills, and fire pits.

Embracing the Great Outdoors

One of the advantages of outdoor living is the opportunity to connect with nature, relish in fresh air and natural light, and experience a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. This is beneficial, especially for urban dwellers who have limited access to green spaces.

Outdoor living revolves around creating an inviting and comfortable space to relax, entertain, or even work. These spaces range from simple patios and decks to elaborate outdoor rooms featuring fire pits, pizza ovens, pergolas, water features, and even wall-mounted screens.

Creating an outdoor space can be as straightforward or intricate as you desire, depending on your budget and personal preferences. In the end, a well-planned outdoor room will enhance the value of your home and enrich your quality of life, providing a beautiful and functional area to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Garden Furnishings: Exploring Material Options

Garden furniture is available in various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, wooden furniture offers durability and beauty but requires regular maintenance, while metal furniture is robust but may rust over time if not properly treated.

When selecting garden furniture, consider the size of your outdoor space, its intended use, and whether you have adequate storage to protect it during winter months. Opt for furniture that is not only comfortable but also ergonomically designed for prolonged outdoor use. Other factors to consider include weather resistance, ensuring the furniture can withstand exposure to the elements and requires minimal upkeep to retain its aesthetic appeal.

Al Fresco Dining: Elevating Outdoor Meals

Outdoor dining is not just about savouring delicious meals and indulging in relaxation; it also sets the ambiance, whether you prefer a rustic or retro vibe.

When it comes to dining sets, the options are vast, catering to personal preferences. The Henley set (seen below) from The Garden Collection is a timeless example of classic elegance. With its warm, natural tones, the Acacia hardwood perfectly complements the chairs' warm wooden hue and smart grey textile fabric.

The compact four-seater Henley is ideal for small families, featuring a gateleg table that provides space-saving benefits. For larger gatherings.

For those seeking more space, the Sorrento six-seater set with a parasol is perfect. It offers ample room for family and friends to gather, with hardwearing textile chairs that dry quickly, perfect for the Irish summer.

If you prefer a sleek aesthetic, the Verona set is available in four or six-seater packages. It includes a black glass top table, stacking armchairs, ivory padded cushions, and a 2.3m ivory parasol.

For the ultimate outdoor dining experience, the Wimbledon outdoor dining set comes in four, six, or eight-seater sizes—ideal for sharing a meal with loved ones. This set requires minimal maintenance and is a valuable addition to any home. It even comes with a parasol, a base, and a lazy Susan. With a 10-Year Structural Guarantee, it's an investment worth considering.

Lounging Bliss: Unwind and Relax Outdoors

Who doesn't enjoy lounging outdoors on a lazy sunny afternoon? Indulge in comfort with a wide range of chairs, tables, benches, loungers, and more available at Bandon Co-op.

Garden seating serves as the centrepiece of your outdoor area, offering plenty of options to make a bold statement.

For a striking wow factor, consider adding comfortable and stylish hanging egg chairs that are Instagram-able and irresistible. These pod-like, egg-shaped seats provide a cocooning effect and swing gently from an overarching frame attached by a steel chain. Complete with large plush cushions and headrests, these chairs are highly popular and sell out quickly.

The Ultimate Outdoor Luxury: Outdoor Sofas

An outdoor sofa provides the epitome of luxury, allowing you to relish in the great outdoors for longer. Whether it is placed on the patio or in the garden, outdoor sofas come in a range of styles, from sleek and modern, to more traditional designs. They can be used as standalone pieces or paired with other outdoor furniture like coffee tables, side tables, or chairs, creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor living area.

When selecting a sofa, consider factors such as size, style, and durability. Choose a size that fits your space comfortably and a style that complements your existing decor. Opt for durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and require minimal upkeep to maintain their pristine appearance.

The Palermo corner sofa set offers luxury and includes the added wow factor of a fire pit. For both dining and lounging, consider the Madeira set, which can accommodate up to seven people and features plush cushions for added comfort. This set comprises a three-seater sofa, two armchairs, two stools, and a large glass table for dining, as seen below.

Power Tools: Empowering DIY Enthusiasts

No enthusiastic DIYer or skilled tradesperson would be without their trusty power tools. A comprehensive range of power tools can enhance any toolbox, making projects more efficient, effortless, and expertly executed.

We boast a varying range of power tools in reputable and reliable brands such as Black & Decker, Milwaukee and Makita that cater to every budding DIY enthusiasts needs.

An investment in any of these brands of power and garden tools guarantees years of reliable service, helping you complete every job swiftly and efficiently.

Stay Cool and Protected: Embrace the Shade

Sun protection is essential, even on overcast days when the UV index can still pose a threat to your skin. That's why a well-positioned sun umbrella is a must-have for any outdoor space. Not only does it provide shade, but it also adds a touch of beauty and can create a charming atmosphere when adorned with twinkling lights. At Bandon Co-op, you'll find a wide variety of parasols in different colours that offer excellent shade, waterproofing for rainy days, and UV protection for sunny days. Consider an overhanging parasol if you have a large space to cover, as it can easily shade a lounge set. For added convenience, you can opt for a solar LED version that comes with built-in solar lights, perfect for long evenings spent outdoors.

Cooking up Delightful Flavours: The BBQ Experience

No outdoor gathering is complete without a barbecue, synonymous with great food, get-togethers, and mouth-watering flavours. The tradition of barbecuing can be traced back to indigenous cultures in the Caribbean, South America, and Africa, where cooking meat over open flames was the preferred method.

Here at Bandon Co-op, you'll find the Sahara range, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to barbecue excellence. With a variety of grills and accompanying accessories, you'll be able to grill, roast, or even cook pizza with ease. Enhance your barbecuing experience with additions like a griddle, searing plate, rotisserie, or fish basket. And let's not forget the smoker box, which infuses your culinary creations with delightful flavours using wood chips in options like beef and lamb, poultry and pork, apple and rum, or maple and bourbon.

To truly elevate your barbecue prowess, you'll find everything you need, from a chef's apron to scrapers, brushes, and gas regulators. Complete the outdoor dining experience by adding patio heaters, fire pits, and chimineas. These additions bring everyone together, creates a cosy ambiance, and provides warmth when the sun goes down. Patio heaters are perfect for summer evenings and can extend the use of your outdoor space throughout the year. Take a look at Homevalue's Sunred Electra patio heater, a standing outdoor heater with adjustable height and three heat settings, suitable for both summer and winter evenings.

And of course, what's a gathering without some marshmallow toasting? Add a fire pit to create a warm glow and a sense of total relaxation. Check out the Redfire range available at Bandon Co-op, featuring the Blazer fire pit, the stylish Sauda chiminea heater, and the Dallas fire basket, complete with a barbecue plate. The options are endless when it comes to creating memorable outdoor cooking experiences.

Check out all of our Garden Furniture, DIY and Garden Tools ranges on our online store by clicking Here.