11 Ideas That’ll Help You Design Your Own Garden Sanctuary

Has your garden seen better days? If your outdoor space is due a makeover but you don’t want to spend thousands, we’re here to help! From fire pits and water features, to lighting and cushions, we’ve got all the inspiration you need to create your very own garden sanctuary.

Whether you’d like a quiet place to unwind after a long day or a stylish space to host friends, thoughtful design and styling can transform how you use your garden. With the right combination of furniture and accessories, your unused garden can become an extension of your home you can’t wait to spend time in.

Here’s 11 garden sanctuary ideas to help you design a space you can truly relax in…

1. Invest In Comfortable Seating

If you want to sit outside in the sun all day reading or chilling with friends, you’re gonna need something comfortable to sit on. From corner sofas to swing chairs, make sure you choose seating with lots of padding. Bonus points if it’s super stylish too!

2. Get Cosy With A Fire Pit Or Chiminea

A fire pit or chiminea keeps your garden nice and toasty even when the temperature drops, meaning you can enjoy your garden well into the evening. Not only do they keep you warm, but the flickering light from the flame also creates a cosy focal point for your friends and family to gather around.

3. Create An Alfresco Dining Area

If you love entertaining, a stylish outdoor dining table is a must. Whether you’ve got space for a large 6-seater or just enough room for a small bistro set, you won’t regret dedicating part of your garden to outdoor dinners and weekend brunches.

4. Introduce Mood Lighting

Mood lighting has the power to totally transform your outdoor space when it gets dark. Solar-powered string lights, lanterns and stake lights create a warm, inviting glow that are not only nice to look at, but are an affordable source of light if you need to navigate your garden at night.

5. Bring The Inside Out With Outdoor Rugs

Why walk on hard paving when you don’t have to? Outdoor rugs are softer on your feet and make your patio feel like an outdoor living room. They’re also great for defining zones in your garden, adding personality and disguising cracked paving stones.

6. Clear Away The Clutter

If you want to create an outdoor sanctuary where you can relax and recharge, you’re gonna want to hide as much visual clutter as possible. We’re talking gardening tools, the kids’ footballs… out of sight, out of mind! If you haven’t got a shed, outdoor storage boxes are portable, affordable and help keep your garden nice and tidy.

7. Feel Zen With A Water Feature

Is there anything more tranquil than the sound of flowing water? If you aren’t lucky enough to have a stream at the bottom of your garden (we wish!), a small fountain or water feature is a great alternative. It’ll add a spa-like quality to your garden, helping you to feel zen, relaxed and at peace.

8. Add Whimsical Plants

Plants of any kind bring beauty and life to your garden, but for ultimate sanctuary vibes, you can’t go wrong with Gypsophila or Lavender. These whimsical plants will look fab dotted around your garden - and they’ll attract wildlife like bees and butterflies!

9. Accessorise With Soft Furnishings

When adding the finishing touches to your garden, don’t skrimp on soft furnishings like cushions and throws. Not only do they make relaxing more comfortable and cosy, but they’re a great way to inject colour and pattern into your garden.

10. Treat Yourself To A Pair Of Matching Sun Loungers

Nothing says boujee like a pair of wicker sun loungers. Complete your outdoor sanctuary with a touch of luxury that makes you feel like you’re on holiday. Whether you’re reading a book, sunbathing or taking a nap, we guarantee you’ll be grateful for the extra cushioning!

11. Add Shade With A Gazebo

On those rare days the sun makes an appearance, it’s a good idea to find shade so you can stay cool and protect your skin. Not only are gazebos great at keeping you covered when the weather’s good, but they’ll also keep you dry if it starts raining when you’re midway through your alfresco lunch.

Feeling inspired to transform your own garden into an outdoor sanctuary? From sofas and dining sets, to lighting and cushions, we have hundreds of products that’ll help you create your very own slice of heaven. Proud of your garden makeover? Share your favourite MFI products with us on Facebook and Instagram!