Photo By: Jamie Durie Everything about this space is naturally engaging. The marble tabletop displays a stunning centerpiece of fresh basil and colorful spring flowers surrounded by terra-cotta place settings. Guests can enjoy pleasant conversation while dinner is being prepared in a wood-fired pizza oven adjacent to the dining table. An artisanal wine carafe helps finish off an intimate, well-crafted evening. Design by Jamie Durie Tuscan roof tiles, climbing greenery and Old World-inspired fountains and fixtures make this Italian-style courtyard a charming and enchanting walk-through. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty Designer Jamie Durie adds formal interest to this Italian-inspired backyard with grass and tile laid in a geometric pattern. Beyond the labyrinth-like pattern, the pool beckons through a trellised entry flanked by potted cypress trees. A small, rooftop terrace provides the perfect place to take in the great outdoors.

Terra-cotta pavers, Spanish tiles and stunning mountain views transport guests on a Mediterranean retreat. Potted herbs and shrubs enhance the Tuscan feel of the space. Design by Joan Grabel An elegant trellis beckons entry to this outdoor retreat. Can You Lose Weight On No XplodeRoses climbing the trellis posts harken back to the use of roses in traditional Italian gardens. Caterpillar Boots Uk EbayDivisions between interior and exterior are kept fluid by using fabric curtains and stone flooring. Wedding Dresses In 1972Design by Morgan Holt This eclectic, Italian-inspired patio uses playful elements to create a lively outdoor space. Shards of terra-cotta pavers are juxtaposed against gravel to delineate the alfresco dining area.

A curtained gazebo provides an extra layer of privacy when needed. The colorful mosaic tile fountain pays further homage to Italy. Design by Katrina Leonidov Fairchild This flagstone stairway begins with wide, circular steps which narrow as they approach the lounging area at the top. Draping flowers spill over the edges of raised planters along the pathway for a stunning, all-natural look. Nothing says romance quite like Tuscan-inspired surroundings, a soft sunset and chilled wine. Tuscan roof tiles and furnishings bring the feel of Italy to this outdoor space. A rustic fireplace keeps this waterfront deck cozy and comfortable all year round. Design by Keith Summerour Thick columns and a scored concrete floor set off this dining area from the garden and pool area. Soft roses on the Old World columns, combined with hanging foliage, create a romantic and welcoming canopy to this outdoor space. The golden stucco exterior of this Tuscan-style home provides a rich backdrop for an outdoor bar and eating area.

Luscious climbing greenery further blurs the lines between indoors and out, providing a natural, romantic outdoor space. If you’re like most people, when you hear the word “Mediterranean” you instantly begin salivating for deliciously flavorful cuisine and full-bodied red wines. You may think of white washed buildings atop steep cliffs and the blue lapping waves of Santorini. Maybe you think of the patchwork fields full of Tuscan wineries, the space age architecture of Valencia or the twinkling city lights of Monaco. You may even conjure up the images of the picturesque white sandy beaches and teal waters of the Turkish coast or the bold tapestries hung in a Moroccan marketplace. Whatever it is, the Mediterranean culture has had a profound impact on the world in the form of food, music and, of course, home décor.From intricately woven wrought iron garden fences, patio furniture and wall art to popular stucco walls and terracotta flooring – the Mediterranean influence is everywhere.

By adding a touch of this style of décor to your home, you can mentally transport yourself to some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world.This look is very present in everything from the simple details of homes – such as Spanish red clay tile roofing, to larger impacts like exposed wooden beams and gleaming marble flooring. It’s also an incredibly versatile style of decorating as it complements almost any color palette.One thing to keep in mind is that the people of the Mediterranean are especially mindful of their outdoor spaces. Because much of the region experiences warm, sunny weather throughout most of the year, people spend a great deal of time outside. You can emulate this by paying special attention to your own outdoor area. Native pottery, plush comfortable pillows, sheer curtains and plenty of outdoor seating are all important when adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your own backyard.  When you’re inspired by the Mediterranean in any way, it’s hard to go wrong.

As the evenings get lighter and spring hands us a few long-awaited rays of sunshine, it’s not too early to entertain thoughts of evenings spent eating and drinking outdoors. For dining furniture that fares well in all weather, synthetic rattan is a durable choice and these sets can be kept outdoors with the use of a cover. Wood and metal are often cheaper, but need more maintenance. It's worth opting for a compact or folding design that lets you move chairs and tables in and outdoors easily. We’ve found a range of practical, stylish options. The majority on this list come with four or six chairs, but there are also some options to buy pieces separately to suit your space. 1. Palermo 6-seater furniture set: £599.99, Homebase Homebase’s Palermo set is hard to beat on value. Less than £600 gets you six synthetic rattan armchairs with back and seat cushions, a generous 169.5x90cm dining table and a smart grey parasol. A protective cover is recommended to keep this set in good condition.

It’s surprisingly stylish too, combining the look of traditional wicker with modern angular shapes. 2. Parc 4-seat garden set: £155, Habitat The timeless bistro-style of outdoor furniture is great for tight spaces (and budgets). The lightweight foldable classic is easy to set up on a small patio or suntrap when the weather brightens. Metal seats aren’t the most comfortable for long spells, so you may need to grab cushions from indoors. Parc comes in slate blue, saffron yellow and bright red. 3. Zeno table and 4-chair set: £450, Habitat Habitat’s compact, foldable Zeno design is made for small gardens and patios. The leaves of the table fold out to a comfortable 150x95cm top, and the four folding chairs stow away in the table’s core when not in use. In natural oak, the set is best for fair-weather use, and needs covering if left outside. Delivery takes two weeks. 4. Elba table and chairs: table £399 and chairs £169 each, Bo Concept A modern take on outdoor dining is BoConcept’s Elba set.

The chairs have metal frames finished in black lacquer, with a seat and back of strung grey wicker. To add a pop of colour and contrast, there’s a matching canvas seat cushion in light blue (£26). The set can be used indoors and out, and delivery takes 3-5 weeks. The Elba table has a durable composite top that’s designed for outdoor use. 5. Taranto dining set: £1,099, Next The smart-looking Taranto dining set from Next is made of synthetic wicker which is designed to be durable and beat the changeable British weather. The six chairs come with polyester, shower-resistant seat pads. It comes fully-assembled and can be delivered within 14 days. A matching cantilever parasol (£75) completes the set-up. 6. House by John Lewis Jive outdoor furniture: table £139 and chairs £40 each, John Lewis John Lewis’ Jive set is cheap and cheerful. In navy, orchid or palm green it clearly has a tropical influence that should bring a party vibe to your al fresco dining. As with many budget options it requires hand-assembly, and the steel seats might need one or two cushions to improve the comfort factor.

The set is made of weather-resistant steel and can be delivered within seven working days. 7. Hampstead dining table and 4 chairs: £1,449, Bridgman Made with high-grade synthetic rattan, this four-person table and chair set can stay outdoors in all weather. The chairs come with waterproof and stainproof cushions making this set a good investment in the long term. There’s also a 10-year guarantee. The table is a wood composite, designed for outdoors, and it has adjustable feet – a handy feature for sloped or uneven ground. 8. Palissade collection: from £109, SCP The Palissade collection by Danish brand HAY has been in the works for over two years. Designed by French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the collection comprises 13 pieces including tables, chairs, loungers and benches. Designed to be lightweight but not fragile, each piece is made from electro-galvanised, powder-coated steel, giving it a perfectly-smooth finish. 9. FALSTER table and 6 chairs: £455, Ikea

Polystyrene slats make this set suitable for the outdoors, although a clever finish makes them look remarkably like wood. Combined with a rustproof aluminium frame, this chair and table set is designed to be lightweight and easy to move. A cushion easily adds comfort and colour to the basic design. To store outside, it requires a waterproof cover. 10. Ruscha table and 4 chairs: £479, Barker & Stonehouse For a touch of Mediterranean style in the garden, the Ruscha table comes topped with decorative concrete tiles. Four bronze-finished metal chairs with a vintage style make this a compact but individual set for a quiet corner of the garden. From purchase, the set takes 14 weeks to arrive but each is made to order. For small gardens, where easy storage and flexibility is key, Habitat’s bistro-style Parc set offers good value and comes in a range of vibrant colours for welcoming summer. Homebase’s Palermo set has the best value when it comes to comfort, durability and long-lasting style.