Whether you love it or love to hate it, one thing is undeniable – Love Island is huge. Just this past month, the searches for ‘love island villa’ have increased by a staggering 528%, according to Google Trends.
“In 2020 and 2021, we saw a 300% increase in enquiries for pool houses and hot tub gazebos as our target market look to create a summer holiday feeling in the comfort of their own homes”, says Luke Dejahang, CEO of Crown Pavilions.
The show is set to end at the beginning of August, so Luxury Gazebo and Garden Room Retailers, Crown Pavilions have got you covered with the latest gardening trends to help you transform your back garden into the Love Island villa.
Extending the indoors out
Seating areas and decks make up most of the exterior of the villa. And, of course, no villa would be complete without an outdoor kitchen. This is where islanders prepare morning coffees for their love interests, spill the tea post-dates, and pop prosecco on Friday nights.
Considering where the outdoor kitchen will go in your garden and its size are essential before designing. You should also consider the climate you live in before building an outdoor kitchen. As we know, British weather is not quite the same as the sunny Mediterranean climate the islanders get to enjoy, so a better option might be to extend the interiors out by adding a garden room.
“Garden room kitchens provide a unique focal point to your garden that is sure to impress your neighbours, relatives, and friends. You can cook and entertain all in one place without having to go back and forth between your garden room and main house, and it offers you protection should the weather decide to turn.”
For the ultimate Love Island experience, we recommend installing a bi-fold door or a French door that opens onto a terrace or veranda with luxury outdoor seating and dining furniture
A garden room with a functioning kitchen will increase the square footage of your property, pushing up the value of your home if you decide to sell in the future. It can definitely be a unique selling point for potential buyers.”
Tap into the wilderness
The no gardening “garden” trend emerged post lock down as our social lives took over and we spent less time at home. Whilst long grass might be “in” we don’t recommend letting your lawn become a wild beast. You can tap into the wilderness by adding an exotic touch with plants and greenery.
“A great way to create a focal point in your garden is by using large statement pots. Use the same materials and simpler designs that complement each other. To create a tropical jungle look, fill them with fatsia japonica and hakonechloa macra. This is a low maintenance method that makes gardening hassle-free.”
There aren’t many varieties of plants in the villa, mostly greenery and ferns. In addition to having interesting foliage and textures, ferns are easy to grow and require little care.
If you want to tap into the wilderness but not let your garden become completely wild, you should consider lawn edging.
“Lawn edging creates a barrier between your lawn and your flower bed. This creates a neat finish to your lawn and can be especially attractive if your flower bed has curves, as your edging will accentuate those curves. The edging also creates a barrier which weeds cannot grow though which helps with garden maintenance. Edging comes in a variety of materials and styles, but we recommend wooden edging materials, willow and cedar works well, or bamboo for a more exotic look.”
Add a spark with exterior lighting
Neon signs have always been a staple feature of the Love Island villa, whether it’s lit up ice cream, love hearts or show lingo. You don’t have to splurge on loads – depending on the size of your garden, even hanging just one neon sign can make a statement and transform your back garden.
A romantic evening date on Love Island wouldn’t be complete without twinkling garden lights. When the nights draw in, adding outdoor lighting helps transform your garden into a cosy, inviting space.
“From lavish light displays to delicate fairy lights, there are a variety of stylish options for your outdoor space. Make your deck, porch, or pathway more grandiose by adding wall lanterns or pendant lights. You can also add a designer feel to your hosting area with garden wall lights, which are available in various styles, from contemporary to classic.”
Crack on with a fire pit
Is there a more iconic spot than the fire pit in the villa? Probably not. It sets the scene for the hottest drama in the show.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning an outdoor party, want to enjoy the summer evenings, or if you want to create a stunning focal point that will be a highlight in your garden, a fire pit will add function and form to your outdoor space. An outdoor fire pit is a great way to keep cosy on cool evenings or create an incredibly inviting atmosphere.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – put them in a hot tub!
There have been quite a few steamy moments in the hot tub. For those who feel that a pool is a bit out of their budget and aren’t keen swimmers, a more affordable and durable option is incorporating a luxury gazebo with a hot tub for an all-year-round spa experience. Not only is it perfect for stress reduction, but it’ll also be the epitome of social envy next time your friends come over for drinks!