Expert shares how rugs can refresh your outdoor space

With the summer months approaching, and the sun rearing its head (finally!), many people will be looking for ways to give their outdoor space a well-needed refresh. In fact, searches for ‘outdoor garden inspiration’ are up by +100% on Pinterest¹.

With this in mind, Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors has shared her tips for giving your outdoor space a summer rehaul on a budget. Her tips include ideas that won’t risk your deposit for those in rented spaces.

1. Upgrade your flooring

Great flooring can make your garden or balcony feel more inviting. But if you haven’t replaced your decking for a while, the good news is there are many budget-friendly ways to make your floor look brand new, without just cleaning them.

Alternatively, you can use offcuts of laminate flooring and lay it out along your floor. This can also be a great way of adding some colour and pattern as laminate can come in a wide variety of shades and funky patterns.

Lastly, you can also purchase luxury vinyl tiles that simply click together and can be removed when you want to change the style.

2. Fairy lights are a must 

Nothing makes a space feel more inviting than fairy lights, so they’re a must if you’re looking to upgrade the look of your outdoor area. You can run them around the floor or even wrap them around your railings or seating, perfect to add a cosy vibe on warm evenings. Solar powered lights are a great addition as they can gain energy outside during the day, then light up your space once the sun has set.

3. Give your furniture some TLC

Instead of buying brand new outdoor furniture, simply refresh the ones you currently have with a fresh lick of paint. Try going for bold colours to bring more life to the space, which will also make more of a feature out of what you already have. You can then add some outdoor-friendly cushions to your chairs, to add another extra layer of comfort.

Don’t just stop at DIYing your furniture either, you can also upgrade any weathered accessories you have, such as plant pots.

4. Add plenty of plants

You can add plants to your balcony’s fence or garden with the appropriate flower boxes, and ensure you fill them with a variety of colourful flowers. Not only is this great for wildlife, but it also creates a space that makes you feel more like you’re in nature.

If you have a shaded spot then try planting begonias, busy lizzies and hydrangeas². For those with more sunlight, you’ll want to try planting coleus, zinnias, and pelargoniums³.

5. Create some privacy 

Adding a little more privacy can be a great way to make your balcony or garden feel more secluded and luxurious. To do this you can wrap greenery around the railings or add taller planters to create spots that are harder to look in to.

6. Use rugs outdoor

Rugs are a great addition outdoors. Pay attention to the scale of your rugs in relation to the size of your outdoor space and furniture. A rug that is too small can look disproportionate and make the space feel cramped, while a rug that is too large can overwhelm the space. Aim for a rug size that is proportional to the size of your furniture and outdoor area.

Use outdoor rugs to create contrast with the surrounding environment. For example, if you have a predominantly neutral outdoor space, choose a rug with bold colours or patterns to make it stand out. Conversely, if your outdoor space is already filled with vibrant colours, opt for a more subdued rug to balance the look. Place outdoor rugs underneath key pieces of furniture, such as sofas, dining tables, or lounge chairs, to anchor the space and create a focal point. This helps tie the furniture together and creates a sense of unity within the outdoor area.

Consider the shape of your outdoor space when choosing rugs. For example, a large rectangular rug works well in open outdoor areas, while a round rug can soften the edges of a seating arrangement or patio set.

Also, if you have any offcuts of carpet from Tapi, they offer a carpet whipping service to turn your offcuts into a rug which is a great budget-friendly option.

Further tips on how you can upgrade your outdoor space can be found here: https://www.tapi.co.uk/the-ideas-hub/lifestyle/how-to-create-a-wildlife-garden