May makeover: Turning tired spaces into creative corners

There’s something about the arrival of May that feels like a gentle nudge to start again. The longer days, the warmer evenings and of course those much-loved Bank Holiday weekends give us the perfect excuse to step outside and breathe new life into our spaces.

This bank holiday I’ve seized the sunshine moment and decided to bring the comfort and personality of our indoor spaces outside.

It all started, as many good things do, with a small purchase: a set of coral, Moroccan-style waterproof cushion covers. Bright, warm and just a little bit bold. They instantly lifted the look of the garden seating and got me thinking… why stop there?

Next on the list was the decking planter. Once a very safe (read: slightly dull) conservative grey, it had started to peel, look tired and worn. So I took a bit of a leap and painted it in something far more joyful – Coral Splash – as it proudly says on the tin.

Then there was the palm. You know the kind – a bit neglected, just existing rather than thriving and the only lonely plant in the pot! A refresh of soil and a few new tropical-style plant friends later, it’s now a proper focal point instead of an eyesore.

Now I'm not very technical, but if you're a regular reader you know I don't like stuff going to landfill, so I decided to take on the dead solar light. I found a replacement solar insert online (sorry, yes it was from Amazon) and got my trusty toolkit out, a few screws and swear words later...we have light – powered by the sun!

And finally, the finishing touches: a Buddha candle (a £6 bargain from B&M) and a cocktail cushion (£8 also from B&M). Because if we’re bringing indoor calm outdoors, a soft glow in the evening is essential.

The difference was immediate. A space that felt flat, faded and uninspiring suddenly became a space I (and the doggo by the looks of it!) actually wanted to sit in, even after the sun goes down.

Cushions, Cuppa, Cocktails

We often think of our homes as separate from our outdoor spaces, but blending the two can completely change how we use both. Cushions, colours, textures, lighting – these aren’t just for the living room. When you bring them outside, even a small patio or decking area can feel like an extension of your home rather than just 'the garden'.

It’s also about how it makes you feel. A refreshed space invites you to slow down, sit outside with a cup of tea (or something stronger), and actually enjoy those warmer spring evenings instead of watching them pass by through the window.

Relax, Recharge, Repeat

There’s also a practical side to all of this. Spending more time outdoors has real benefits: from boosting your mood to increasing your vitamin D levels thanks to natural sunlight. If you’re curious, you can read more about the benefits of getting outside and vitamin D here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/vitamin-d/

Clean, Colour, Create

If there’s ever a time to try something new, it’s now, while the sun is shining. You don’t need a full garden makeover, sometimes it’s as simple as rearranging and cleaning the space, a pop of colour, a new texture, or giving something old a second life.

But more than that, think of it as creating a space that’s yours – somewhere you can relax, unwind and let your creativity breathe. Whether it’s a quiet morning spot, an evening wind-down corner, or even a little outdoor nook for sketching, journaling or dreaming up your next idea, create a space that works for you.

Where to start?

Open the door, step outside and shape a space that invites you to slow down and get inspired. A place that doesn’t just look good, but feels good to be in.

And if your partner asks "WTF?" the response "It was all the cushion's fault."