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Garden trends for summer 2023

Upgrade your garden this summer with four hot trends for the outdoor room.

All fired up

Entertaining alfresco is a must for the summer. So, pick up a firepit and keep the outdoor hot spot going long into the night, for family get-togethers, garden parties or a last minute BBQ for two. In fact, according to recent research at TikTok*, fire pits are 2023’s number one garden trend with 645.6 million of us seeking out this simple way to keep cosy when the sun goes down. From rustic to super-modern, the choice of fire pits is huge. Consider size, style and types of fuel – do you want a sleek stainless steel, gas-fired drum or a space-saving fire pit table? And look at designs with a BBQ grill, so you have the option to cook up a feast too. Time to be a fire starter…

TOP TIP: Why not try your hand at making a fire pit? Make sure you use fire-safe bricks and a stable base. And always leave small air gaps in the inner wall to feed the fire – with a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies!

Photo credits: Hoole Cast Iron Lightweight Fire Pit from Gardenesque & Antalya Large Round Fire Pit With Stand – Rust Iron – from Lime Lace

Quiet luxury

Extend this year’s interiors trend for pared-back cosiness, vanilla hues and quiet luxury into the garden for a harmonious indoor/outdoor look. Invest in garden furniture in natural rattan and timber with soft furnishings and fabrics (weatherproof if possible) in mellow hues of buttermilk, taupe and sand. Add vintage accents with rustic terracotta pots, weather-worn mirrors and rope swing chairs for a laid-back mood you won’t want to leave. For this look, the colour from your foliage and flowers is the only palette you’ll need to create a striking outdoor living space. Get ready to relax and recharge in the most tranquil backdrop. See you in autumn…

TOP TIP: If you’re worried that pale colours will get too grubby outdoors, deep charcoals and inky blacks work well with new neutrals too

Photo credits: Apolima rattan effect furniture range from B&Q & Maze rattan Bali rope weave double sun lounger set with interchangeable cushion covers from Cuckooland

...or bright colour & print?

If pale shades are a little too insipid for your taste barometer, then roll out the clashing prints and hot hues. Maximalists will adore this trend for vibrant cobalt blue, sunshine yellow and rich terracotta, highlighted with a glint of copper or gold to rev up the glamour tempo. Try painting tired, timber furniture in hot pink or tangerine and accessorise with flamboyant, floral cushions and an outdoor rug. Treat guests to cool drinks and cocktails in bold, melamine tumblers and reusable, acrylic glasses – and staycation like you’re in the Med!

TOP TIP: If you aren’t blessed with green fingers, filling your garden with bold and bright flower power patterns is all you’ll need for a colour-packed outdoors.

Photo credits: Palmilla Melamine Outdoor Dining Set from Wayfair & Fab Hab Big Sur Outdoor Rug in Teal from Cuckooland

Wild thing

Super neat gardens and manicured lawns might look Insta-worthy, but we need to attract more wildlife into our outdoor spaces by going a little bit wild. If you took part in No Mow May, you’ll know the importance of liberating your lawn by encouraging wildflowers to sprout and create a space for nature in the grass. You can also attract birds, butterflies and bees by planting a diverse mix of shrubs and plants. Climbers such as passionflower, honeysuckle and ivy offer valuable shelter and food for wildlife. Likewise, a herb bed of sage, lavender and thyme can be a pit stop for pollinators and insects. Big or small, it’s time to treat your garden like a wildlife habitat – even a pretty, hanging basket made up of single-flowered bedding plants (try petunias and verbena) are great for bees, butterflies and moths.

TOP TIP: Taylor Wimpey is installing bird boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog highways on our developments to make sure planted areas include food for bees and butterflies. Read more about our sustainability pledge and partnership with two wildlife organisations here.

*Research carried out by tile experts Atlas Ceramics