When it comes to your garden and outdoor space this summer, there's one colour you should embrace – and it might surprise you.
Get your paintbrushes ready because painting your garden black will provide the perfect backdrop for your existing furniture and planting schemes. Although black is most definitely an 'underused' shade in the garden, it turns out it's a must for every contemporary outdoor space: 'I believe that black is the colour for summer 2019,' says garden designer Andrew Duff from Inchbald Design.
Andrew, who designed the Savills and David Harber Garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and was a gardening expert at The House & Garden Festival earlier this year, explains: 'Just as interiors are moving away from Scandinavian paleness, so is the garden. If it can be painted it should be painted black.
'The depth this colour gives is magical for garden designers; paint a fence black and it disappears, a shed becomes less of an eyesore and that old bench suddenly becomes a chic focal point.'
Why not take a look at your existing garden furniture and experiment with painting it black? If painting your fence seems like too much of a dramatic transformation, then choose smaller furniture items like chairs and benches.
'However, the right black is important,' warns Andrew. 'Try and avoid wood stains, these will show too much of the wood colour. You want a dark matt coating rather like that used in the Parisian gardens of the 18th century. The brilliant thing about this underused shade is that it proves a brilliant backdrop to a verdant garden of lush foliage and jewel-coloured flowers.'
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The best garden furniture sets for your outdoor space
Blending function with form, this stylish set includes two rattan chairs, a matching rattan sofa and a glass-topped table. We love the hairpin legs and the grey cushions (not to mention the price!).
We're big fans of Dusk's affordable (and equally stylish) indoor furniture range, so we're, naturally, excited to see the brand has launched its first-ever outdoor sofa range. Available in natural or grey, the range has a variety of sofa sizes and accessories on offer.
This is the ultimate garden furniture set. With its textured cord finish and smoked glass table top, this set exudes style and comfort. It includes a three-seater and two-seater sofa, configured into a corner unit, as well as two smart stools – perfect for entertaining.
Rio Corner Modular Garden Set with Fire Pit Table
Impress your guests with a garden furniture set that comes complete with a fire pit table. This ultra-contemporary set can seat up to six people around a cosy fire pit – keeping them warm on those chillier evenings.
Add a little bit of luxury to your garden with Garden Trading's West Strand garden sofa set. Made from durable aluminium in a contemporary grey colourway, this chic set is giving us Ibiza poolside vibes!
This neutral outdoor corner sofa set would complement any contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired garden. Featuring two loveseats, a corner seat and a coffee table, you can arrange this set in a number of ways.
On offer at just £228, this chic outdoor dining set from Homebase is incredible value. It has a powder-coated steel frame and rattan edges for durability and effortless style.
Bring the comfort of your living room outside with this modern lounging set. The thick cushions mimic that of an indoor sofa, with the added feature of it being weatherproof. The modular design means you can position it with a left or right-facing corner.
Beach Teak Wood Garden Dining Table and 6 Graphite Butterfly Armchairs
This outdoor dining table and chair set is oozing with contemporary style. Featuring an industrial style table and six black aluminium chairs, this set is ideal for creating a cool, urban jungle aesthetic in your garden.
Relax and soak up the sun with this luxe garden day bed. With a sleek grey aluminium finish, it includes one sofa with a canopy and a pouffe.
Kit out your patio for all the family with this lovely outdoor set. With a glass table top, four chairs and four stools all neatly tucked under the table, it won't clutter your outdoor space either.
Who said stylish outdoor furniture was just for adults? Your little ones can relax in style with this charming wooden garden furniture set from KidKraft. It comes with striped cushions and a matching adjustable umbrella that offers shady relief from the summer sun.
Looking to kick back and relax in your garden? This hand-woven, rattan effect mini corner sofa set comes with a cushion-top table that doubles as a footrest.
This stylish daybed makes the perfect outdoor spot to snuggle up with a book. Crafted from durable PE rattan, it comes with a showerproof extendable canopy so you can avoid getting wet during unexpected rain showers. At just under £245, we think it's a fab price for such a roomy piece of furniture.
Serving up your signature summer cocktail? Don't let the party begin without snapping up this fun tiki bar set from Amazon. The set includes two stools and a large shelf to store all of your favourite drinks.
Maze Rattan 8 Seater Garden Furniture Set with Ice Bucket
Add a touch of heritage charm to your garden with the Winchester outdoor dining set. Not only will the deep-filled cushions provide ultimate comfort, but the integrated ice bucket will serve as a stylish and practical addition to keep your drinks cool.
Bring some fun into your garden with this statement egg garden furniture set from Wayfair. With a striking yet compact egg design and sleek metal legs, it's great for small spaces.
