Brit Decor's - Garden Picks

As we (allegedly) approach the Summer season, I cant get enough of the outdoors. Given the chance, I love to sit outside on a summer evening as the daylight softens and my two cats roll around in the warm soil and stalk unsuspecting insects! Equally, I love entertaining friends in the garden and dining al fresco.

It's important to me to integrate the outdoors with the indoors by introducing interesting accessories to the garden, a vibrant patterned canvas cushion, a storm lantern, a geometrically shaped planter complete with architectural palm tree...all add to the character of my garden.

With the growing emphasis on gardens becoming an additional room (albeit a temporary one), why not see what you can do to create your own stylised space. You don't have to spend a fortune either, IKEA always comes up trumps for affordable style, for example, there's the fun Solvinden solar-powered table lamps which will brighten up any garden table at just £20 each!

Happy hunting!

1. Roxo armchair, IKEA £45 2. Parasol, John Lewis £99 3. Solvinden solar-powered table lamps IKEA £20 4. Portable kettle BBQ, John Lewis £29 5. Leather flask, The Conran Shop £80 6. Metal & Glass tealight holder M&S £3.50 7. Qui Est Paul? Picto Birdhouse, John Lewis £49 8. Catalina planter, Habitat £20.

Brit Decor's Top Picks - Tray Chic!

One of the best interior accessory purchases I ever made was a sleek, curved oak serving tray from Habitat (circa 2011). The reason I have reached this conclusion is not simply becuase of its elegant design but also for the functionality this beautiful piece serves (quite literally).

Now that we Brits are far more passionate about food & drink than we have ever been before, the devil is in the detail when it comes to serving our lovely culinary delights, be it to guests or just to yourself. Equally, Brit Decor's top pick selection of trays would be perfect for serving drinks in the garden this summer.

Happy dining!

1. Mell patterned melamine tray, Habitat £12 2. Lovebirds, Rossiters of Bath £17 3. Herbert yellow patterned tray, Habitat £6 4. Metallic tray, Zara Home £29.99 5. Painted round wood tray, John Lewis £25

Brit Decor's Wow Factor - Dramatic Dining

This week's wow factor is inspired by this dramatic dining layout courtesy of Heals. I love the striking graphic wallpaper design, which co-ordinates beautifully with the natural wooden table top and forms a perfect back-drop for the stunning powder coated steel dining chairs. In addition, you could choose bright and bold contemporary coloured accessories or natural stoneware (Vera Wang 'Naturals' collection), either style would suit! Finally, how about a gorgeous pendant lamp floating against the dark wallpaper like a milky white full moon...for the perfect fairytale dinner party.

1. Blu Dot Real Good Chair £139-£299 2. Blu Dot Dining Table £1399 - £1599 3. Marimekko Socks Rolled Down Flutes £32 4. Vita Silvia Pendant Shade £40 - £55 5. Woods & Pears wallpaper, Cole & Son £75 per roll.

Throw on some warmth for those Summer evenings

We have long endured chilly Summer evenings here in the UK, which can take the edge off of those all important outdoor social events or simply chillaxing al fresco at home.

Brit Decor has selected some chic throws that will add style to any garden and without necessarily breaking the bank, leaving you more funds for the holidays!

1. Palms Fleece blanket, H&M £7.99 2. Bamboo grey linen, Habitat £70 3. Holbeck reversible bedspread, Habitat £120 4. Fleece blanket  H&M £7.99 

The Great Gatsby

Brit Decor has been buzzing with excitement following the release of Baz Luhrmann's, The Great Gatsby, which is currently gracing British cinema screens.

This lavish adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's 1920's novel is a welcome reminder of the jazz age and it's many vibrant excesses. After all, there was a great deal to party about following the end of World War I in the preceding decade.

Decadence is a word that doesn't seem as relevant in these current austere times but it is certainly one way of describing the rich cinematography, when as a viewer, you cannot help but feast your eyes upon the lavish sets & interiors.

Here at Brit Decor we feel sure that the movie will inspire a new generation of 1920's designs and products. We have taken a selection of items below to help you achieve the Gatsby look in your home.

1. Diva Wallpaper, Graham & Brown $85 per roll. 2. Belverdere Chaise, Laura Ashley £450. 3. Allegra Medium Chandelier, Laura Ashley £700. 4 Roger Lascelles Clock, Wayfair.co.uk £82. 5. Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen Silent Movie Art Deco Mirror, Very.co.uk £99. 6. Champagne Starburst Frame, Laura Ashley £26. 7. Ashling round cushion, Laura Ashley £26.60. 8. Deco Collection Tumbler, Dunelm-Mill.com £2.99. 9. Lawrence Lewelyn-Bowen Garbo sequin cushion, Very.co.uk £14. 10. Aluminium coat hooks, Graham & Green £25.00.