Summer is here, making now the perfect time to review our outdoor furniture in anticipation of meals al fresco, patio parties, or a drink on an apartment balcony as the sun goes down.

This year, furniture designs are big on versatility, offering practical function, rain-resistance to challenge Irish weather, and a considerable level of flexibility, with some designs so multi-functional that for the rest of the year they wouldn’t look out of place indoors.

Ready with top tips on how to get the best out of outdoor furniture shopping this season is Alen Sejkic, visual merchandiser at EZ Living Interiors.

‘Measure, measure, measure,” Alen says. “For apartment balconies, think small and compact furniture that doesn’t take up a lot of space. More spacious gardens can always be more over the top and mor maximalist. On top of that, I would advise on the overall ambience that you are trying to achieve. Is it inviting? Is it exciting? Is it relaxing? Is it somewhere you want to be while you read a book or have a drink with a friend?

For those with ample space, Alen highlights the Hamptons collection, a neutral, wicker-style range of dining and living furniture for a touch of American east coast summer in an Irish back garden.

‘It’s an easy design,” Alen says. “It does have a lot of function so it would also work integrated with a kitchen space, depending on how big your house is.”

With Irish weather in mind, Alen reassuringly adds, “All of the fabrics used in our garden furniture are water-resistant and the mental is powder coated. With outdoor wood pieces, covering them when they are not in use will help to avoid UV damage and protect them from heavy rainfall.”

Also resisting the Irish summer rain are lovely options like the Diablo corner dining ser, the Egg chair and Cocoon outdoor sofa, but being practical, Alen says, “They should be stored in inclement weather and inside in the autumn and winter months, away from the elements in a garage or shed would be ideal.”

Once the practicalities are stored, creating the desired ambience is the next step.

“Our creative team is working very hard in curating and creating furniture and accessories that appeal to people’s feelings and senses,” Alen says. “We can expect to dee different patterns, textures and materials to be prominent this year. Think rattan, wood and metal as well as shapes to fit different kinds of spaces and functionality needs: corner sofas for lounging and round and rectangular outdoor dining tables,”

To complete the comfort and look of indoor living in the garden, accessorising adds personal style and the finishing touches.

“People are looking for more colours to play with the garden,” Alen explains, “and we have a lot of blue and yellow accessories that I can see working well for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Think blue flamingos, lemon-like bowls and electric blue flower pots.”

Alen also has clear advice about where to start for anyone about to buy outdoor furniture for the very first time.

“Budget and functionality first,” he says. “I think about how it will work well for my house and my needs and from there I start to think about ambience. What colours would I like? Do I prefer print or plain?

To give an additional steer, he highlights the Diablo collection which he describes as having an organic design.

“It’s minimal for a lot of younger people,” he says. “If you have a smaller space, Diablo is your friend.”

Discover amazing savings on outdoor furniture and much more at the EZ Living Interiors Summer Sale.