Kelly Hoppen's five top tips for creating the perfect outdoor living room

Design the ultimate summer-ready outdoor space with these interior designer-led tips

Kelly Hoppen
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)

Kelly Hoppen shares her top tips on transitioning your outdoor living room ideas and decor so it's ready for a whole season-long of entertaining and lounging fit for the sunshine.

Interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, has always been to our rescue when it comes to figuring out ways to style any new home decor trends and make our living spaces really feel like our own – and with the coming of the seasonal change, she's stocked up with tips on how to incorporate the newest garden trends and make your outdoor space garden party and BBQ ready.

Conservatory with dark grey frames, grey marbled floor and lush foliaged plants

(Image credit: Future PLC/James Merrell)

Kelly Hoppen's five top tips for creating the perfect outdoor living room

Having just launched a new collection with QVC, K by Kelly Hoppen, pieces from her collection have been designed to seamlessly transition between indoors and out as we move into the warmer months.

1. Create cosy oasis

Garden with decking and paving, bistro set and firepit

(Image credit: Future PLC/Alasdair McIntosh)

'Incorporating soft lighting such as ceramic lanterns can create a tranquil and balanced atmosphere in your outdoor living area. Combined with candles, this will give the feeling of a gentle, cosy oasis in any patio or garden.'

K by Kelly Hoppen Set of 2 Ceramic Lanterns | £50.00 at QVC

K by Kelly Hoppen Set of 2 Ceramic Lanterns | £50.00 at QVC

Bring a chic addition to your home decor with this gorgeous set of two ceramic lanterns, perfect as an addition to any indoor or outdoor space.

2. Add sophisticated touches

garden bar with outdoor space with lantern

(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)

'To further create an elegant and understated aesthetic, infuse your living space with glass lanterns. The clear, unadorned glass evenly distributes light, generating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With their symmetrical design, the lanterns serve as a dynamic centrepiece that commands attention in any space.'

K by Kelly Hoppen Indoor Outdoor Glass Lantern | £39.00 at QVC

K by Kelly Hoppen Indoor Outdoor Glass Lantern | £39.00 at QVC

Ideal for balmy evenings when you're sitting out late with friends or for creating the perfect ambience at your dining table, this striking lantern will become a favourite in your home decor collection.

3. Incorporate more greenery

White outdoor seating area with decorative plants

(Image credit: Future PLC/Julia Currie)

'My new Set of 2 Outdoor Angled Planters from QVC are perfect for incorporating more greenery into your space and helping to create a calming environment. These unique organic-shaped planters will add visual depth to any space and can be placed strategically to make a design statement to your outdoor areas.'

K by Kelly Hoppen Set of 2 Indoor Angled Planters 32cm and 25cm | £39.96 at QVC

K by Kelly Hoppen Set of 2 Indoor Angled Planters 32cm and 25cm | £39.96 at QVC

Add visual depth and interest to any indoor or outdoor space with these unique-shaped planters that are sure to be a chic addition to any space.

4. Add a herb garden for al fresco dining

Plant pots with herbs in blue DIY planter

(Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole)

Additionally, if you're styling an outdoor kitchen idea in particular, Kelly says, 'A great way to design without actually building an outdoor kitchen area is to add potted plants or a herb garden. This infuses freshness into the space, enabling you to easily season fish, meat and/or vegetables when entertaining.'

5. Embrace natural elements

Patio with painted wooden benches and fire pit

(Image credit: Future PLC)

'To create an inviting ambience in your outdoor area, you also want to embrace natural elements by incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, or rattan furniture that bring a sense of organic beauty to your outdoor space.'

Jullia Joson
Junior Writer

Jullia Joson is Ideal Home’s Junior Writer. She’s always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham in 2022. Previously, she was an Intern Editor for ArchDaily. Now focused on news stories, Jullia can be found down the TikTok and Pinterest rabbit hole scrolling through any new and upcoming trends, hacks, and home inspiration.