Adding a new kitchen-dining space invariably means that outside dining and entertaining areas will also come under closer scrutiny. Here are some of our favourite outdoor ideas which can work for both large and small spaces. Sometimes, a permanent outdoor cooking set-up can make good use of a generous outdoor area, and by including a shaded pergola or other type of roof, takes away the need for including out-of-season storage facilities.

SUPER STYLISH OUTDOOR KITCHENS BY SUNS LIFESTYLE

There’s been plenty of opportunity to throw an outdoor party so far this summer, whether you’re into festivals, football or the upcoming Olympics. Having an organised outdoor space makes it easier, and the attraction of permanent facilities, along with storage provision and shelter from the wind, sun and rain, is undeniably appealing. Suns Lifestyle ideas embrace electronically controlled pergolas, the framework itself, and all the kitchen equipment. The Luxe Electric Retract pergola is remote-controlled, has colour-changing LED lighting and side screens. The concept allows newly landscaped outdoor spaces to be enhanced with furniture, shade and cooking equipment to create a perfectly tailored garden space for the whole family. Shown here with the Blenheim modular single-wall outdoor kitchen.

RUSTIC TIMBER OUTDOOR KITCHEN FROM BARKER & STONEHOUSE

Not every outdoor entertaining space is sleek and contemporary and often a more laid-back country look is required. However, all mod-cons are still welcome, especially for larger celebrations. This is the Grenada collection from Barker & Stonehouse. The timber cabinets have hi-tech ceramic tops which are UV and temperature resistant. The reclaimed teak cabinetry looks at home in a rustic setting, and will settle down into a pleasing, homely worn finish. Matching chairs and a dining table will complete a coherent and relaxed outdoor space.

A WELCOME OUTDOOR HEATER FROM GARDENESQUE

Yes, it really is worth investing in a garden heater … we absolutely know that the weather cannot be relied upon and if you’re going to the trouble of treating the garden as an extra living space, then a little bit of outdoor heating will be welcome. The Luna Outdoor Electric Steel Heater from Gardenesque is suited to a smaller patio area, or if you don’t want to go full-on firepit. It’s moveable, height adjustable, has three heat settings and a waterproof steel frame. A great garden transformation for a modest price.

GLAMOROUS TABLE AND FIREPIT FROM BRAMBLECREST

For instant style and a design solution that will work beautifully on or in a newly landscaped contemporary garden space, consider the Cherington Nutmeg Rattan Corner Sofa with Square Firepit table and two benches, available from Bramblecrest. We’re just showing a detail of the firepit here, it has protective glass sides and the furniture itself is outdoor rattan. It’s shown in Nutmeg, with weather-resistant Eco seat cushions in Taupe, which are constructed from recycled yarn made from plastic bottles. There’s integral storage for the gas bottle in the pit, and a frost-resistant ceramic top to the table.

A TABLE TOP BARBECUE FOR EVERYDAY GRILLING BY MORSO FROM DIRECT STOVES

If outdoor space is limited, a table-top product is a good choice, and you won’t need to redesign the whole area to accommodate a freestanding bbq or grill. The Morso Grill 71 Table Outdoor Barbecue from Direct Stoves has a solid cast iron grate with enamelled finish – so it’s cleanable, and can be given a light coating of oil for maintenance. It can be used with wood or charcoal, and can easily be stored away when it’s cooled down.

LOUNGING AROUND WITH A MUSTARD SET BY HABITAT

Go for bright colours for new furniture … Reds, rusts, greens and mustards will make a colourful statement for a newly re-vamped outdoor area. The current outdoor range from Habitat includes this startling May Lounge Set in Mustard Yellow. Curvy low-slung chairs in steel and Textilene look bright and cheery, and will add a zip of colour to a winter-time balcony or terrace too. See more from Habitat’s 60^th Birthday Collection here.

CONVENIENT SEATING AND SURFACES BY JOHN LEWIS

There can never be too many surfaces for drinks and nibbles when an outdoor party is being arranged – however, it’s not ideal to have too many small items of furniture hanging around. We love the side-table accessories available in this range from John Lewis. The Vilamoura six seater L Shape Modular Garden Sofa comprises a coffee table, right or left hand sofa, and two teak side tables.

THE RAVENNA SET IN ELEGANT DARK GREY BY RUMA

Go a simple, practical and elegant look for your outdoor dining space with the Ravenna Outdoor Dining Set, available from Ruma. The dining chairs are woven faux string, and the dark grey metal powder coated frame will work with virtually any indoor or outdoor colour scheme. It’s weatherproof so there’s no need to consider indoor storage during the winter months, and seat pads are also available.

RECYCLED OUTDOOR RUGS BY ALTERNATIVE FLOORING

We love the idea behind Car-rPET, which is a look-alike sisal flooring from Alternative Flooring. The new Anywhere Ca-rPET is made using recycled PET yarn, using recycled plastic bottles. There are four colourways and three weave styles – Herringbone, Boucle and Panama. This new idea is available in four or five metre widths, and can be used indoors and out. Around 50 recycled bottles will produce 1 kg of yarn, which can be transformed into 1 sq m of Anywhere Ca-rPET. Shown here, Panama Re-new rug with Red Baron Border, looking fabulous in an outdoor setting.

THE MOST ELEGANT OUTDOOR FIREPLACE FROM MYFACE

An outdoor fireplace doesn’t have to be a rustic, brick-built country-style construction, it can be something sleek and elegant that could possibly have just landed from outer space. The Noori Fireplace, available from MyFace, has a distinctive sculptural quality … we can imagine it sitting on a pristine tiled terrace, or in a wilder, more unexpected setting. Available in black, white, bronze and other finishes, it has a stainless steel construction and is fuelled by ethanol.