If you’re looking for ideas on how to give your garden a Love Island-worthy makeover, we’ve found the essentials that’ll help create that villa-inspired look on a budget
This year’s summer season of Love Island is well underway, and although we’ve been swooning over everything from the contestants outfits to their drama-fuelled relationships, there’s a secret star that’s been stealing the limelight ever since the first episode – the villa. Or, to be more precise, it’s garden.
Although the British weather (and our budgets) might make an outdoor pool a dream rather than a reality, searches for Love Island garden ideas have shot up by more than 5000% according to Platinum Spas, proving we’re all keen to add that Baleriac Island-look to our outdoor spaces. From the right mood lighting and foliage to the best fire pit to create a villa-worthy look, here are our top tips on creating a Love Island garden on a budget.
A fire pit
Where would Love Island be without a heated argument over the fire pit at night? Although you’ll hopefully be having much less drama around yours, a fire pit is the perfect focal point for a Love Island garden. This Large Black Fire Pit with Log Store, £79.20 here, from Dunelm mirrors the villa’s sleek, modern aesthetic without taking up too much space.
Having comfy seating around it is also key to make it the perfect space for socialising. We love this Six Seater Garden Rattan Fire Pit Table Set, £799 here (was £1299), on Wowcher, which combines a comfy L-shaped sofa, a dining table and a fire pit in one.
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Comfy seating
From sun loungers to sofas, the right outdoor seating can make or break your garden’s functionality. To keep to the Love Island vibe, pick pieces that are utlra sleek and modern in light, neutral colours like white and grey – you can always accessorise with some bright outdoor cushions to bring some colour. For a great contemporary lounger, we love the Marks and Spencer Porto Sun Loungers, £160.30 here (was £229), which give a sleek modern look whilst still being comfy enough to spend an afternoon sunbathing on.
Mood lighting
One thing that the Love Island villa does perfectly is mood lighting. Rather than harsh, bright lights or hoping the fire pit will be enough to keep your space well-lit, opt for some soft lighting to help create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. These outdoor Led Neon Rope Lights, £47.59 here (was £59.99), are perfect for installing under furniture or along planters to create a sophisticated vibe. You can set them to be a cosy warm white or a bright colour, and even have them change with music for more of a party atmosphere. These Outdoor String Lights, £39.99 here (was £57.99), are also great for creating soft, romantic overhead lighting.
Greenery
Finally, you might have noticed that the Love Island villa garden doesn’t have much in the way of flowers. Instead, it sticks to greenery only, which creates a more elevated, laid back look. You can pick up plenty of fantastic plants at your local garden centre, or if you have a smaller outdoor space like a terrace or balcony, you can pick up artificial greenery walls like this True Products Premium Artificial Green Plant Living Wall Panel, £15.95 here, from Amazon to bring some low-maintenance life to your space.
