Outdoor Living

Outdoor living is fine if you live in the Mediterranean but the UK weather is a little more unpredictable. With the credit crunch now having full effect, people are taking less foreign holidays and are also feeling the pressure to work harder, leaving little time and/or money to be jetting off to some sun-soaked island. For this reason, Hillary's suggest you make the very best that you can of outdoor living right in your own garden and simply be prepared for all possibilities.

Conservatory Blinds

Whatever the weather, a conservatory can be used all year round. Make it into a room by adding conservatory blinds that co-ordinate with your chosen colour scheme or d’cor. They can even be used to add a splash of colour or interest in a room that might otherwise be neutral. Keeping out the heat and the glare with blinds in the summer can leave you with a very agreeable atmosphere in the conservatory, full of fresh air and not overbearingly hot. Winter sunshine also can be very bright and the right blinds will shield enough of that light whilst still allowing you to feel like you are enjoying a little of the outdoors life.

Shutters

Shutters are not only practical but can also make quite an impressive focal point for a room, allowing sunlight to flood through when opened in the right position. For a conservatory style extension or to give your conservatory more of an 'orangery' feel, wooden shutters will bring atmosphere and lend a cool, calming influence on hot, sunny days.

Awnings

These really are the best way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Giving some much needed shade from harsh sunlight, awnings mean that you can sit in your garden, relaxing and socializing without risking sunburn in the process. They also offer a degree of protection from our typically sudden summer showers. Awnings offer protection for your internal soft furnishings and d’cor as they restrict the amount of sunlight getting through your windows so serve a double purpose of protection inside and out. Decorate the underside of your awning with strings of garden lights and you can enjoy your outdoor living long into the night.