Cornwall Living
Open-air living
Practical ideas for creating outdoor spaces ready for the summer season.
Words by Jamie Crocker
There is a moment each year when the appeal of the inside of the house begins to wane in favour of something more expansive. Doors are propped open while furniture seems to find its way outside, into an unfamiliar setting. It’s a defining shift that occurs organically as the clouds begin to thin and the sun demands recognition. Mealtimes stretch into the garden without much thought; a sudden whim of fancy. Join us as we consider outdoor living spaces through the insight of local specialists who understand how to shape gardens that are both considered and easy on the eye.
Gardens Made Easy
The most effective gardens are those approached with the same attention given to an interior. Gardens Made Easy places emphasis on structure as the starting point. Rather than filling a space indiscriminately, they advocate for a layout that distinguishes between areas for dining, relaxation and movement. Subtle transitions underfoot, whether through timber or resin-bound surfaces, guide how a space is used without the need for obvious division. This approach allows even smaller plots to feel organised without appearing rigid. As owner, Olly Daglish explains, “Your garden should feel like an extension of your home, somewhere you can relax, entertain and enjoy the sunshine without the hassle. With solutions like our ColourFence steel fencing – storm-proof, long-lasting and never needing painting – we help create outdoor spaces that are as practical as they are beautiful.”
A well-constructed fence contributes to the overall tone, offering both definition and visual consistency. Materials that withstand exposure to coastal conditions bring reassurance, reducing the need for ongoing maintenance. When these elements are resolved early on, subsequent choices become more straightforward. Flooring, in particular, has a lasting impact. A properly installed surface supports everything placed upon it, from seating to planting, and ensures that the space functions as intended over time.
Trevena Cross
Planting introduces a different pace, one that relies on regular attention rather than a single moment of completion. Trevena Cross highlights the importance of ongoing care, with simple tasks that shape how a garden performs during the summer months. Removing spent flowers encourages continued growth, while keeping weeds under control prevents them from competing with established plants.
These actions may appear modest, yet their effect accumulates, contributing to a more consistent display.
Seasonal planting remains one of the most direct ways to alter the atmosphere of a space. Containers, baskets and planters bring colour into immediate view, softening structural elements and adding movement. Choices such as petunias, geraniums, begonias and fuchsias provide variety across different conditions. While ready-made arrangements offer convenience, they still depend on regular watering to thrive. Containers, by their nature, dry out quickly, and rainfall rarely provides sufficient moisture. Automated watering systems have become increasingly popular, offering reliability when schedules become busy or during periods away from home. Katie Besford reflects upon this approach, “As we head into the summer season, it’s all about keeping on top of those key garden jobs – deadheading, watering, weeding and protecting new growth to ensure your outdoor space stays vibrant
and healthy.”
Kernow Springs
Outdoor spaces are now expected to accommodate more than planting and seating alone. Kernow Springs has observed a steady rise in interest around garden saunas, reflecting a broader engagement with wellbeing practices. Their guidance begins with placement, ensuring that the structure sits comfortably within its surroundings, with the view from inside carefully considered in turn shaping the overall experience. Proximity to a cold-water source, whether a simple shower or a more immersive option, becomes part of a wider routine.
Design plays a defining role in how a sauna functions, with different forms influencing how heat circulates and how the space is occupied. Capacity must be matched to the intended use, whether for a household or a larger gathering. The choice of stove carries equal importance, determining both the quality of heat and the overall character of the experience. Martin Dean notes, “As sauna culture establishes firmer roots here in the UK, demand continues to move beyond novelty towards informed, repeat practice. It’s really important to choose a sauna builder that supports that commitment, providing reliable heat, durable construction, years of experience and local support.” This reflects a broader shift towards outdoor features that support regular use rather than occasional novelty.
Patio Garden Furniture
Furniture remains central to how outdoor areas are experienced. Patio Garden Furniture emphasises durability, encouraging investment in pieces that will anchor the space over time. Teak continues to be a popular choice, valued for its resilience and the way it develops a softer tone as it weathers.
Comfort is introduced through considered additions such as cushions and textiles, which soften the overall look, while parasols provide shade during warmer periods. These elements can be adjusted as needed, allowing the space to respond to different conditions throughout the day. Emily Birtwhistle observes, “Outdoor spaces are no longer an afterthought; they’ve become a natural extension of the home. The key is to create somewhere that feels just as comfortable and inviting as the inside of your home, while still being practical enough to enjoy all summer long.”
www.patio-gardenfurniture.co.uk
Cornwall Ponds
Water introduces a new dimension to the garden, lending a sense of calm while enriching the overall composition. Successful designs sit comfortably within their surroundings, whether expressed as informal pools or more structured installations. Its presence reshapes how a space is experienced, bringing reflection, gentle movement and valuable habitat that supports and attracts a diverse range of wildlife. Thoughtful planning around filtration and upkeep ensures these features continue to perform beautifully over time.
With a wealth of experience in this field, Cornwall Ponds approaches each project with both creativity and precision.
A well-conceived pond becomes a dynamic focal point, adding depth, texture and life to the landscape. Subtle enhancements, from the soft murmur of waterfalls, streams and rills to the interplay of jetties, stepping stones, and delicately planted bog gardens, help dissolve the boundary between land and water.
Practical additions such as boardwalks and natural stone steps further enhance the design, improving access while inviting a more immersive connection with the garden and offering fresh viewpoints from which to enjoy it.
Wendron Stoves
As evenings draw in, warmth becomes an important factor. Wendron Stoves offers outdoor heating solutions that extend the usability of a space beyond daylight hours. Fire provides a natural gathering point, shaping how people come together as temperatures fall. Some designs incorporate cooking functions, allowing food preparation to become part of the outdoor experience rather than something removed from it. For long, balmy evenings in the garden this summer, the BBQube is the perfect companion, combining reliable warmth with effortless outdoor cooking and a two-year guarantee for peace of mind. Crafted from the finest materials to the highest technical standards, it operates like a wood-burning stove, with a simple air-flow lever and a glass door that lets you enjoy the hypnotic glow of the flames as you relax. Inside, a clever baffle system directs heat to the grill for perfectly controlled cooking, while reduced smoke and a discreet flue mean you and your guests can enjoy the garden in comfort and style. As managing director, Nathan Ward, observes, “What could be better than gathering with family and friends around a real fire, a traditional source of warmth that also cooks your supper? With the bonus of living in Cornwall, it’s pure bliss.”
Westcountry Blinds
Protection from the elements can transform how a garden or patio is used, and Westcountry Blinds offers shading systems that make that transformation more satisfying and reliable. Specialists in made-to-measure blinds and shading solutions across Cornwall since 2001, Westcountry Blinds pairs local craftsmanship with products designed to perform in outdoor settings. Their range of exterior awnings, supplied in partnership with German manufacturer Markilux, provides more than simple shade: these systems can extend living space by offering shelter from sun, light rain and breezes, helping outdoor areas feel intentionally prepared rather than improvised. Robust and weather resistant, these awnings can be complemented with first-class accessories such as LED lighting or infrared heating, allowing an outdoor terrace or patio to be used comfortably beyond the peak of daylight hours. Westcountry Blinds also supports customers throughout the process, from in-home consultations and free measuring to full installation, ensuring each awning or blind is tailored to suit specific space and use patterns.
Oltco
Underfoot, materials continue to develop in response to both aesthetic expectations and practical demands. Oltco’s resin-bound systems have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking a patio surface or winding pathway that balances durability with visual appeal. Compared with more traditional options such as block paving or concrete, the finish is notably more refined. Smooth and consistent, it creates a clean, high-end appearance while removing the issue of loose stones.
Performance is equally important. The porous structure allows water to drain through naturally, helping to prevent pooling, flooding and ice formation during colder months. This permeability ensures compliance with Sustainable Drainage Systems standards, a key consideration in areas prone to heavy rain. Strength and resilience add further appeal, with maintenance being minimal, requiring only occasional sweeping and periodic cleaning.
Designed for longevity, Oltco’s systems come with guarantees of up to 20 years and with straightforward installation and lasting performance, they provide a dependable foundation for outdoor spaces.