Spring is fully in effect; the sun is out, birds are chirping, the flowers are blossoming and the air is punctuated with the freshness of rebirth. In an ideal situation we should be lapping all this in in the parks and at farmers markets, but we are currently indoors looking out. This should not be a deterrent for taking in the wonders of this beautiful season, in fact we should embrace this moment and create an outdoor oasis in our own back gardens.

There is just something about spring that lifts our spirits, maybe it’s the knowledge of everything coming to life or just the renewing of the atmosphere. There’s a certain hope and awakening that emanates from this season and in spite of everything going on around us, we should take full advantage of this.

• SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PLANTS

Plants are known to add beauty to a space, as well as bringing an element of life and calm. As a result, they tend to have a sanctuary and retreat like effect on us. You can layer the space with a mix of plants and beautiful flowers in different colors, to create a textured look. The fun part is you could make this your own, one to match your personality, it could be a well-manicured garden with perfectly placed plants or one that is free, with an abundance of vegetation.

What matters is that it matches what you picture a green sanctuary being. If you don’t have the space for a big layout, you can always create a small retreat on a stoop or a balcony.

• ADD A BIT OF WARMTH

The love we have here at Contour for fireplaces is unmatched. There is just something about them, the warmth and glow they emanate has a way of soothing moods. With that in mind, why don’t you bring them outdoors, either through a firepit, an ethanol fireplace or a full-on outdoor fireplace, hearth and all.

They make for fun places to have camp in the evenings with children or even a romantic night with your significant other.

• INCORPORATE WATER

I personally love the sound of water flowing in a stream, in the waves of the ocean or just filling up a tub.

There is just something inherently calming and relaxing about the sound of water, that is why whenever possible we love to incorporate a water feature when designing a back garden.

It could be in the form of a waterfall, a water fountain, a koi pond, a swimming pool or an outdoor shower, if you have the space and privacy to allow for it. With spring in full bloom, it’s a lovely place to just sit and let the calm wash over you. It could be your own personal oasis.

• GET COMFORTABLE (SEATING)

With most of us being at home, it’s nice to have a variety of living spaces. Our back gardens and balconies could be wonderful spaces to sit in during the day to get some much-needed fresh air and sunlight, and in the evening, a place to take in the cool breeze of spring. Most of the time when we think of quarantine, we tend to feel confined, but with the inclusion of a comfortable garden, it could at times actually feel freeing and relaxing.

Adding an outdoor sofa, coffee table, lounge chairs, dining table, some lighting and even a bed, could make your outdoor area extremely versatile. With the kids at home, you could create beautiful memories by having springtime picnics in the comfort of your own back garden.

• OUTDOOR INDOOR

When designing a home, I love to incorporate as much natural light as possible, whilst also bringing the outdoors inside. One way that we have done this in the past is to incorporate greenery into a space. But another way of doing this, which is more architectural and has such a huge impact on people and the space, is by actually having a folding glass wall.

As opposed to limiting ourselves to just our four walls, we can allow the outdoor in by simply turning one wall into a glass system that breaks the boundaries of the indoor and outdoor space.\

Take pleasure in the simple things, a quite evening in your garden with your loved ones in front of the glowing flame from a firepit, whilst the children roast marshmallows and you dine on freshly baked truffle infused garlic bread, dipped in a swirl of Giuseppe Giusti balsamic vinegar and extra virgin oil from Tuscany, accompanied by the sounds of joy and laughter. These are the moments that create beautiful, litelong memories.