Category: Garden Patio Furniture

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How to design your garden with Custom Renovations/ Custom Landscape Designs

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How to design your garden for spring 2023

with Custom Renovations/custom landscape designs

how to plan a garden layout custom landscapes
Custom Renovations/Custom landscape designs

As spring 2023 approaches, most of us will be looking to revamp, redesign, or redecorate our outdoor spaces, so we can spend more time basking in the warmer weather. 

If you’re planning a big design project, it can be difficult to know where to begin, like garden layouts, pathways, seating, and planting – what comes first? Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or want to make some custom choices for your existing space, Custom Renovations/Custom Landscape Designs can help you every step of the way!  

From assessing your garden and drawing up plans, to final executions and finishes, Custom Renovations/Custom Landscape Designs specialises in maintenance and soft landscaping, driveways, landscape design, garden patios and paving, fencing and decking, and garden extras. You can expect unique design, the best materials, and professional service every time.

With a dedicated team for each service, they can tailor everything to your requirements. They also can visit monthly or weekly to maintain your garden and offer hedge-cutting services, using the latest self-powered tools then all waste produced will be removed and recycled from site. For more information on their list of services, get in touch with them today to see how they can help you transform your outdoor space!  

Last year, Custom Renovations/Custom Landscape Designs approached us to provide them with select pieces from our luxury Aruba garden furniture collection for a client who had recently undergone a home extension. Here’s what they had to say: 

Our client contacted us to design and build a large outdoor space to complement a recent extension including a bar, games room and gym. The family do a lot of entertaining, so we designed different spaces for cooking, dining, sunbathing and relaxing in the evening sun.

With grown up children living at home we went for a contemporary design with rendered raised beds and porcelain tiles. Along with a water feature, a built in BBQ and a custom-built concrete fire pit. We chose planting with a Mediterranean feel including olive trees, palms and agapanthus for pops of colour.

We wanted the furniture to complement this look. The Desser Outdoor Fabric Furniture range is an ideal high-quality choice for the family. Especially with the modular units that can be added to the corner sofas to seat many people and the snug lounge set for more intimate groups. The sun loungers are comfortable, stylish and perfect for enjoying the sun all day.

We were blown away with the quality and service from Desser. Delivery was fast, the furniture is easy to assemble, and the all-weather fabric means there is no need to bring cushions in at night.

Custom has been established for over 17 years and we provide a full design, build and landscape maintenance service. With our in-house landscape architect working closely with the construction team we work mainly in Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon and Sale. Entertaining at home is more important than ever and gardens provide another room to enjoy. We pride ourselves in quality builds with a skilled team to bring our designs to life.

The furniture from Desser completes this stunning garden and we will not hesitate to recommend their products to our clients in the future. Thank you!
Helen and Steve Custom Renovations/Custom Landscape Design
custom landscapes garden furniture edited
Custom Renovations/Custom Landscape Design
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Shop our outdoor fabric furniture collection

Aruba Fabric Furniture for Custom Renovations/Custom Landscape Designs
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How to make the most of your garden this Autumn and Winter

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How to make the most of your garden this autumn and winter

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Prepare your garden for cold weather

1. Prepare for the colder seasons

Slower activity in the garden is unavoidable in autumn, but if you want your garden to thrive come spring, you should invest in preparing. It also helps to give your patio and decking a good clean to avoid slippery pathways during the wetter months. 

Here are some pointers to get you started: 

  • Begin by removing any dead or withered plants. This will not only keep pests off your garden in the springtime, but it would also enhance the quality of the soil allowing new plants to bloom even more beautifully. 
  • Take care of your tools and patio furniture. Before treating and storing in a cool, dry place, begin with a complete clean. Not only will this increase the lifespan of your tools and furnishings, but it will also save you time come spring. 
  • Get your lawn ready! Use a spring-tined rake to remove thatch and moss. After that, apply a sandy top coating and an autumn lawn feed to prepare your grass for the frosty winter months. Autumn is also a fantastic time to lay fresh turf, as it provides plenty of time to establish before next summer. 

2. Invest in some evergreen plants and springtime blooms

There are numerous indications that nature is preparing for the upcoming season as the summer season ends. Autumn is nature’s final celebration before the chilly, gloomy winter months, and what a beautiful season it is. 

In the coldest, darkest months, winter-flowering plants are ideal for bringing a dash of colour to the landscape. Many plants that bloom in the winter can be grown in pots and there are so many to choose from, including climbers like winter clematis, shrubs like mahonia, and bedding plants like pansies.  

Think of the colourful garden you want in spring and begin planting bulbs this year. Tulips are an excellent choice because they require cool soil, or you can grow daffodils in pots to enjoy in the early spring and Easter period. 

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Plant Bulbs now for springtime blooms
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All Weather Corner sofa with Fire Pit Table

3. Have you ever thought to use fire pits and outdoor heating?

With a new fire pit, you can enjoy the outdoor season for a little longer. 

Not only is a firepit a valuable addition to the patio that can be enjoyed all year, but we also stock a fire pit table option, suitable for cosy outdoor gatherings and great for spending cold nights under blankets with friends and family. 

Imagine toasting marshmallows on the fire on crisp autumn evenings with company. Wood stores are a wonderful addition to a garden, adding texture and colour to your outdoor environment, giving a wholesome and cosy vibe. 

Another wonderful year-round feature in any garden is a gas barbecue, with instant ignitions and exceptional cooking times, you could even use it as extra cooking space during the festive season when the kitchen gets too busy! 

4. Get festive! - get decorating with garden ornaments and lighting

Autumn and Winter are the ideal opportunities to create a wholesome space for celebrating the holidays! Crisp autumn leaves, cosy jumpers and pumpkins spiced lattes are perfect for the lead-up to Halloween, but why let it end there?  

Create harvest wreaths using materials from your garden. You could use coloured fallen leaves laden with a mix of tree berries and seeds like acorns or pinecones. For a simpler autumn wreath, you could arrange a halo of wheat or pampas grass stems with hessian bows, there are many unique styles you can choose from to suit your home and garden! 

As the autumn draws to a close and winter has set in, the ideal opportunity for you to get festive in the garden has arrived! If you have any trees or big shrubs, decorating them with fairy lights can create a wholesome atmosphere for the whole family. 

You could even decorate using baubles and bigger Christmas-style ornaments to complete the look; imagine gazing out of your conservatory window on a frosty winter evening and seeing the warm glow and twinkle from the decorations you put out, we cannot think of anything more perfect.  

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Decorate your garden for Autumn & Winter
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Insect hotels are great safe spaces in cold weather

5. Create safe spaces for wildlife to hibernate

There is a simple approach to ensure that wildlife has a place to burrow down and wait out the worst weather: do not clean up. Some may be appalled by the thought, but the truth is that chopping down every stalk and scrap of foliage when your plants begin to look dowdy turns your garden into an inhospitable habitat for wildlife to attempt to live in. 

If you cannot bear to think about not cleaning up the outdoors before the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can always invest in little insect hotels, bird houses and bat boxes, to help create cosy shelters for them to survive. Hedgehogs and frogs both like to spend the winter in warm compost bins, so be mindful when you need to turn your compost. 

All wildlife needs food in addition to a safe shelter to overwinter; even hibernating animals may wake up and require a rapid calorific boost to ensure their survival. Include winter-flowering plants in your garden, such as snowdrops, winter aconites, witch hazel, and forsythia, which will all offer nectar. And make sure to keep your feeders fully stocked for any latecomers! 

6. Treat yourself to a garden room

Even when the sun has stopped shining, you can still enjoy your garden later in the year. The end of the year brings about a lot of change in gardens, with the foliage taking on lovely orange hues, the leaves falling from the trees, and the grass sparkling with dew. Your garden still has a lot to offer at this time of year, and a garden room will be the ideal place to cosy up and see it unfold with each season. 

Your garden room or conservatory could be the perfect space for entertaining friends and family around the festive months, to enjoy games nights, dinner parties or even transform it into a Christmas Grotto! 

This could also be the ideal bit of space where you can go for some alone time, enjoy your hobbies, read that book you have always wanted to read or destress with your yoga mat whilst you gaze over your garden. 

We can provide you with the best furniture for your garden room, whatever you dedicate that space to, get in touch and we can plan together! From bespoke pieces to individual chairs and furnishings, we can create the ideal space you have always dreamed of.  

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Garden Rooms are great all year round

How to make the most of your garden this autumn and winter

1. Prepare for the colder seasons

make the most of your garden 2
Prepare your garden for cold weather

Slower activity in the garden is unavoidable in autumn, but if you want your garden to thrive come spring, you should invest in preparing. It also helps to give your patio and decking a good clean to avoid slippery pathways during the wetter months. 

Here are some pointers to get you started: 

  • Begin by removing any dead or withered plants. This will not only keep pests off your garden in the springtime, but it would also enhance the quality of the soil allowing new plants to bloom even more beautifully. 
  • Take care of your tools and patio furniture. Before treating and storing in a cool, dry place, begin with a complete clean. Not only will this increase the lifespan of your tools and furnishings, but it will also save you time come spring. 
  • Get your lawn ready! Use a spring-tined rake to remove thatch and moss. After that, apply a sandy top coating and an autumn lawn feed to prepare your grass for the frosty winter months. Autumn is also a fantastic time to lay fresh turf, as it provides plenty of time to establish before next summer. 

2. Invest in some evergreen plants and springtime blooms

make the most of your garden 3
Plant Bulbs now for springtime blooms

There are numerous indications that nature is preparing for the upcoming season as the summer season ends. Autumn is nature’s final celebration before the chilly, gloomy winter months, and what a beautiful season it is. 

In the coldest, darkest months, winter-flowering plants are ideal for bringing a dash of colour to the landscape. Many plants that bloom in the winter can be grown in pots and there are so many to choose from, including climbers like winter clematis, shrubs like mahonia, and bedding plants like pansies.  

Think of the colourful garden you want in spring and begin planting bulbs this year. Tulips are an excellent choice because they require cool soil, or you can grow daffodils in pots to enjoy in the early spring and Easter period. 

3. Have you ever thought to use fire pits and outdoor heating?

make the most of your garden 5
All Weather Corner sofa with Fire Pit Table

With a new fire pit, you can enjoy the outdoor season for a little longer. 

Not only is a firepit a valuable addition to the patio that can be enjoyed all year, but we also stock a fire pit table option, suitable for cosy outdoor gatherings and great for spending cold nights under blankets with friends and family. 

Imagine toasting marshmallows on the fire on crisp autumn evenings with company. Wood stores are a wonderful addition to a garden, adding texture and colour to your outdoor environment, giving a wholesome and cosy vibe. 

Another wonderful year-round feature in any garden is a gas barbecue, with instant ignitions and exceptional cooking times, you could even use it as extra cooking space during the festive season when the kitchen gets too busy! 

4. Get festive! - get decorating with garden ornaments and lighting

make the most of your garden 6
Decorate your garden for Autumn & Winter

Autumn and Winter are the ideal opportunities to create a wholesome space for celebrating the holidays! Crisp autumn leaves, cosy jumpers and pumpkins spiced lattes are perfect for the lead-up to Halloween, but why let it end there?  

Create harvest wreaths using materials from your garden. You could use coloured fallen leaves laden with a mix of tree berries and seeds like acorns or pinecones. For a simpler autumn wreath, you could arrange a halo of wheat or pampas grass stems with hessian bows, there are many unique styles you can choose from to suit your home and garden! 

As the autumn draws to a close and winter has set in, the ideal opportunity for you to get festive in the garden has arrived! If you have any trees or big shrubs, decorating them with fairy lights can create a wholesome atmosphere for the whole family. 

You could even decorate using baubles and bigger Christmas-style ornaments to complete the look; imagine gazing out of your conservatory window on a frosty winter evening and seeing the warm glow and twinkle from the decorations you put out, we cannot think of anything more perfect.  

5. Create safe spaces for wildlife to hibernate

make the most of your garden 7
Insect hotels are great safe spaces in cold weather

There is a simple approach to ensure that wildlife has a place to burrow down and wait out the worst weather: do not clean up. Some may be appalled by the thought, but the truth is that chopping down every stalk and scrap of foliage when your plants begin to look dowdy turns your garden into an inhospitable habitat for wildlife to attempt to live in. 

If you cannot bear to think about not cleaning up the outdoors before the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can always invest in little insect hotels, bird houses and bat boxes, to help create cosy shelters for them to survive. Hedgehogs and frogs both like to spend the winter in warm compost bins, so be mindful when you need to turn your compost. 

All wildlife needs food in addition to a safe shelter to overwinter; even hibernating animals may wake up and require a rapid calorific boost to ensure their survival. Include winter-flowering plants in your garden, such as snowdrops, winter aconites, witch hazel, and forsythia, which will all offer nectar. And make sure to keep your feeders fully stocked for any latecomers! 

6. Treat yourself to a garden room

make the most of your garden 8
Garden Rooms are great all year round

Even when the sun has stopped shining, you can still enjoy your garden later in the year. The end of the year brings about a lot of change in gardens, with the foliage taking on lovely orange hues, the leaves falling from the trees, and the grass sparkling with dew. Your garden still has a lot to offer at this time of year, and a garden room will be the ideal place to cosy up and see it unfold with each season. 

Your garden room or conservatory could be the perfect space for entertaining friends and family around the festive months, to enjoy games nights, dinner parties or even transform it into a Christmas Grotto! 

This could also be the ideal bit of space where you can go for some alone time, enjoy your hobbies, read that book you have always wanted to read or destress with your yoga mat whilst you gaze over your garden. 

We can provide you with the best furniture for your garden room, whatever you dedicate that space to, get in touch and we can plan together! From bespoke pieces to individual chairs and furnishings, we can create the ideal space you have always dreamed of.  

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Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric Furniture

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Introducing the Sunbrella range of furniture

When looking at the various options for furniture on Desser, you’ll find a good variety of natural rattan furniture. But as well as our wicker selection, we also have Sunbrella outdoor furniture. This is something that you may not be familiar with but if you are looking for stylish outdoor furniture, it’s a range worth considering. All of our outdoor fabric furniture such as the Aruba range is made from the Sunbrella fabric which contains weatherproof material, allowing you to leave your garden patio furniture outside all year round.

Stylish and functional

During the summertime, you will almost certainly be tempted to spend some time in your garden. This could be to enjoy the morning sun or to dine al fresco.

Like all of our outdoor furniture, Sunbrella is specifically designed for outdoor use. Whether you’ll be sitting on your own, having a meal with your family, or even inviting people around for a party, items from this range will turn your garden into a relaxing space which can allow you to enjoy the beauty of your garden.

Not only this, but some of our outdoor fabric furniture also comes with a fire pit set, allowing you to entertain and even cook on those colder nights throughout the Autumn and Winter months.

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Aruba Patio Corner Sofa Set with Fire Pit Table

Comfortable

Like the furniture in your home, your choice of outdoor patio furniture needs to be comfortable. That means as well as a strong structure, you want soft, supportive cushions both on the base of the seat and the back.

Without the right cushions, it can feel too hard on your backside but with Sunbrella, these seats provide the same level of comfort that you can expect to find on any indoor furniture.

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Garden Patio Furniture Made to Last

We make sure that every part of an item of outdoor furniture is tough enough to withstand being outdoors. As well as strong structure, you want the upholstery to stand the test of time too.

As well as being shower resistant, it is also mould resistant, a common problem with lower grade upholstery. It’s also UV resistant, helping to prevent the sun from fading the colour

It’s built for family life and entertainment too because the upholstery fabric is also stain resistant, welcome news when you’re welcoming guests for a summer party. Quick drying, it shakes off summer showers without a problem. 

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If you are looking to invest in a great quality piece of outdoor furniture, the our outdoor fabric garden patio furniture made from the unique Sunbrella fabric is ideal. With such a great range, you’ll have trouble deciding which piece to invest in!

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Patio Furniture for your Outdoor Space

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The simple addition of great outdoor furniture holds huge power to transform an unused area into a plush, enjoyable and pragmatic space. Adding a large statement table with big, comfy chairs can turn a drab and dreary patio space into a luxurious alfresco dining experience. With the following top tips, you will be able to turn your garden into a lounging, dining and entertaining destination. 

Write a list of your outdoor furniture needs 

Grab yourself a note pad and pen, and think of how you would like to use your outdoor space, ask yourself the following questions: 

  1. What function will it serve to you and your family?  
  1. Do you want to create a casual dining area? 
  1. Will you use the space for hosting parties? 
  1. Do you want to create a peaceful space for relaxing and reading? 

Making a list of all the activities for this space will help determine what type of outdoor furniture is necessary. For example, if the main function of your 14×16-foot patio space is to create a casual dining area – you will need a dining table and enough chairs to accommodate your family and friends. 

hilton mink 6seater tan table set
Hilton Mink 6 Seat Rattan Outdoor Dining Set with a Tan Poly Fibre Table 

Try outdoor seating before you buy 

As you are likely to use your outdoor furniture regularly, and for years to come, it’s essential to find a good quality set with comfortable seating. Firstly, shop around online to find a set that is perfect for its function, then visit a showroom, try out a few sets, and quality-check the furniture before you buy. Look for outdoor sets with water, mould and, UV-resistant qualities to prevent fading and the growth of mildew. 

And remember, low-price usually means low-quality, these sets are likely to only last one summer. If you can’t make it to a showroom, check out the retailer’s reviews to ensure they’re a trusted company. 

hampton mink glass table set
Hampton Mink Rattan Outdoor Corner Dining Set with a Glass Top Table 

Go for easy-care garden furniture 

Your outdoor time is precious, use this for relaxing in the sun and getting the barbie out, not hours spent maintaining your furniture! Look for easy-care outdoor furniture to reduce the need for upkeep – most metal, cedar, and all-weather PE rattan furniture will withstand whatever the British summer throws at it and will minimise cleaning. With our guide to cleaning your outdoor furniture, you will spend more time enjoying your garden and less time scrubbing your set. You can also accessorise your furniture with waterproof outdoor cushions for additional comfort. 

winchester mink casual dining set tan table set
Winchester Mink Rattan Outdoor Dining Set with a Tan Poly Fibre Table 

Consider storage for your garden set 

Placing your furniture into storage throughout autumn and winter will ensure it lasts for many years to come. Moving your furniture from the garden into a garage or shed will prevent damage caused by the harsh winter elements. If your storage space is limited, look for an upholstered outdoor set that is made from durable, waterproof material like our Aruba Collection – this ultra-modern outdoor furniture is built for year-round use with waterproof, mould, UV, and stain-resistant fabric. All sets also come with a waterproof cover for additional protection. 

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Aruba Patio Corner Sofa Set with Fire Pit Table 

Invest in quality outdoor furniture 

The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is typically true when it comes to buying outdoor furniture. Before you make a pricey purchase check consumer reports, as well as a range of different customer review boards, to ensure you are getting the best quality possible for your budget.

colorado grey glass table set
Colorado Grey 4pc Rattan Outdoor Lounge Set with a Glass Top Table 

Looking for the perfect outdoor lounge or dining set? We have a range of modern all-weather furniture as well as more traditional PE rattan sets to choose from.  

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4 Top Tips on How to Clean your Outdoor Rattan Furniture

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There are many benefits for choosing artificial rattan garden furniture for your outdoor space, including its durability and long lifespan. However, this furniture still needs to be maintained and cared for to extend its lifespan further.  In this blog, we’re going to look at the four top tips that will keep your PE rattan furniture looking great for years to come.  

How often should I clean my outdoor PE rattan furniture? 

To keep your PE rattan furniture looking great we recommend cleaning your set at least twice a year. Once before you store the furniture away for the winter months and then again when you get your set out for spring/summer. You could also give your set a good wipe down part way through the summer to just keep it fresh!  

winchester mink casual dining set tan table set
Winchester Mink Rattan Outdoor Dining Set with a Tan Poly Fibre Table

How do I clean my outdoor PE rattan furniture? 

  1. Prepare your furniture 

Firstly, remove all cushions and either wipe these down with a damp soapy cloth or dry cleaning is a great option for more stubborn marks. Then place the furniture in a sunny space in the garden, that you don’t mind getting wet. 

  1. Remove any dirt or dust 

Using the soft bristle brush or cloth wipe over the furniture to remove or dislodge any dirt or dust – concentrating on corners and any hidden spots.  However, try not to be too aggressive, as this could damage the finish of the furniture. 

  1. Get cleaning 

Next, fill a clean bucket with two litres of warm water and ¼ cup of washing up liquid, using a soft cloth, wipe over the sofa frame, chairs and table – you can be very generous here and give your furniture a real soaking. If you spot any mould, simply add a small amount of white vinegar to the warm water solution and it will be gone in a jiffy.  

  1. Drying time 

Lastly, allow the furniture to fully dry out in the sun or a slightly breezy day will do! This should only take a few hours then you can replace the cushions and look forward to the summer.  

Care tips 

PE Rattan may be tough and durable, but it also needs to be treated with care: 

  • Never use a jet wash to clean your outdoor furniture the pressure of the water will weaken the material, and holes may appear. 
  • For stubborn stains or marks, try using a steam cleaner – test it on a small, unseen piece of the furniture first and don’t hold the steamer over the same spot for too long. 
  • Don’t be too vigorous when rubbing on the slats as this will damage the rattan. 
dakota grey 3seater lounge set glass coffee table set
Dakota Grey 3 Seater Rattan Outdoor Lounge Set with a Glass Top Table

Can I keep my PE rattan garden set outside all year? 

As a fabulous material, PE rattan furniture can withstand most things the British weather can throw at it. However, to keep your outdoor set at its best, use a waterproof cover during the colder months to protect it from autumn gales and winter rain. This will reduce the need for a deep clean once spring arrives.  

How should I care for my outdoor cushions? 

Most outdoor sets are designed with waterproof and UV resistant fabrics, meaning they can cope with a summer shower or two. To keep the water repellent properties of the cushions, occasionally wipe over the material with a damp cloth to lift off any dirt or dust, avoid scrubbing the fabric and do not use any harsh cleaning chemicals.  

When the upholstery needs a deep clean, use professional dry-cleaning services. Once cleaned, the fabric can be re-proofed offering the same water repellent properties.  

atlanta grey slate table set
Atlanta Grey Rattan Outdoor Corner Dining Set with a Slate Poly Fibre Table

Looking to upgrade your garden furniture? Check out our range of luxury garden patio furniture.