The Wettest April Since Records Began - Time to Invest in Some Shelter

If you saw the news last night, you'll have discovered that we've just experienced the wettest April since records began 100 years ago.  2012 has beaten the previous record of 120.3mm, set in 2000 with 121.8mm of rain.  If you don't already have a sheltered area in your garden - it may be time to invest in one - the UK definitely seems to be getting wetter.

Investing in a gazebo will shelter you from the elements and you can still enjoy the outdoors, no matter what the weather.

The addition of a patio heater and a few soft furnishings can give you an outdoor room to enjoy for relaxing, reading, playing cards, entertaining friends, or enjoying a nice cup of tea.

The beauty of metal gazebos or pergolas rather than conservatories or summer houses is that when the nice weather does come - it is open so you can enjoy the warm breeze. You can opt for curtains or screening to enclose the sides, protecting you from wind and rain which can be removed in sunnier weather. 

A sheltered space will really extend the amount of use you get from your garden - if you're in the UK - it will be worth every penny.

Under My Umbrella!

You may have read in the newspapers last week that Rihanna is looking for a London pad to stay in whilst filming her new TV Show for Sky Living TV.  We're pleased to announce that this reality show will feature our metal garden furniture on set.

The program will join Rihanna,Girls Aloud star Nicole Roberts and designer Henry Holland on the hunt for the most talented British fashion designers.  12 contestants will battle it out over 8 weeks, creating clothing for the worlds hottest musicians.

When the show airs you'll see 2 sets -  the house where the contestants live and the studio they work from.  You'll see our castrum garden set, kris coat stand, classico umbrella stand and plant stands.



See our full blog post here - http://www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk/content/see-our-metal-garden-furniture-featured-on-new-sky-tv-show-hosted-by-rihanna  Subscribe for future updates about the show, we'll be following it from day one when it airs later in the year.

The Best Garden Makeover Tips

Metal Design Furniture aim to bring you the best garden makeover tips.  Our blog is packed full of advice, infomation, ideas, tips and how-tos for creating the perfect outdoor space.  And of course,  the latest special offers on our metal garden furniture, gazebos, tables and chairs, loungers and accessories.

Our widely publicised Garden How-to Series shows you how to create different looks for your garden in simple easy steps including design considerations, the essentials, planting list and must have accessories.  Here's a direct link -

http://www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk/content/category/garden-how-to

We've done French Courtyard, Miami Chill Out, Fantasy & Romance, Wildlife and Contemporary garden how-tos.  It's a great source of inspiration to anyone looking to give their garden a bit of a revamp for the summer.  You don't need to follow it to the letter - just pick out a few ideas that you like and incorporate them into your garden - this could be as simple as planting some Mediterranean herbs or undertaking something a little more adventurous such as installing a pond!

Metal Garden Furniture to Get Set for Summer

Choosing the perfect metal garden furniture can be tricky.  Here’s a look at the little extras that make our Oliver Garden Chair the perfect seat.

Cool - The Oliver garden chair is coated with a slightly grainy powder that is pleasant to the touch and prevents the chair from heating up when in direct sun light.

Steady - Double PVC inserts on leg bases and tube edge on the leg makes them sturdy and suitable for sandy or rough surfaces, and at the same time protecting your floor if you want to use the chair inside.

Lightweight - The chair weighs only 6 kilos, making it very light and easy to move, yet heavy enough to stand on windy days.

Resistant - The chair is made with anti-rust protection with cataphoresis—the same substance used to prevent cars from rusting—and it will last for many years.

Metal Design Furniture offer a range of bespoke options with the Oliver Range - your chairs can be with or without wooden armrests - in a choice of 3 colours; grey, cream or white and with different patina finishes.  That goes for the Oliver table too - which is available in 6 different shapes and sizes - round, oval, square, rectangular.  Follow the link for more information -

http://www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk/metal-garden-furniture/oliver_set

Metal Garden Furniture Offers

If you're looking to purchase a new metal garden furniture set for this summer, here's a quick tip to save you £s when ordering direct from our website.

Did you know?  If you sign up to our mailing list you receive a special 5% discount voucher code for your first order.  There's no massive form to fill out, we simply ask for your email address. You'll get  5% off our metal garden furniture and receive our monthly newsletter, direct to your inbox.


Our newsletter is a great read, including a topical article, tip of month and features a different special offer that's exclusive to our readers.  Previous issues have included bedroom makeover tips, dining room designs, garden ideas, along with interesting facts, quotes and anecdotes.  Don't miss out - sign up now - www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk


For all the lastest happenings at Metal Design Furniture, special offers, promotions and discounts,you can check out our blog too.  For inspirational garden ideas, how-tos, tips and the latest trends, subscribe to our feed at www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk/content/feed

Choose your Colour of Metal Garden Furniture

Unlike other online retailers, Metal Design Furniture produce and supply our metal garden furniture.  This means we can provide unique, designer outdoor furniture, at affordable prices.  Your furniture will be made-to-order and this means we can offer you a variety of bespoke options.  This includes the opportunity to select your own colour and finish. 

Here we've matched some of our favourite garden design styles with the best garden furniture colour choices.  Use as a guide to picking the perfect colours for your outdoor space.


Romantic - White with a silver patina

Pretty - Cream with a bronze patina

Elegant - Pure White

Futuristic - Silver Grey

Rustic - Black with a bronze finish

Antique - Anthracite grey with a green patina

Luxury - White gold antique

You can see our complete colour guide here for more inspiration http://www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk/system/files/colour_guide.html

Our Metal Garden Furniture at the Greenhouse Garden Centre

If you're looking for something to do next weekend, pay a visit to the Greenhouse Garden Centre at Neasden/Wembley Park.  From Thursday the 1st of March our Paris and Romano Metal Gazebo and Oliver Metal Garden Furniture will be on display.

The garden centre is the largest in the Greater London area, set in beautiful woodlands, right next to the Welsh Harp nature reserve.  You'll enjoy a great day out browsing round the 5,000 square metre display area.  There's something for everyone, the kids will enjoy the huge koi pond and aquatic centre and the adults can enjoy stunning displays of plants, ornaments, furniture and gifts.  Plus, you can split the day up nicely and take the 5 minute drive to nearby Brent Cross Shopping Centre where you'll find 120 fabulous stores to enjoy.

Visit on sat 3rd or sun 4th of March and you can see our stunning gazebos on display; the elegant Romano is pictured here.  We're sure you'll be impressed by our Oliver Patio Set, available in 3 colours and with a choice of 4 different patina finishes too.

We hope you get the chance to enjoy a day out there - the centre is open from 9am - 5.30pm on Saturdays and Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm and there's space for 250 cars.

4 Good Reasons to Re-Vamp your Garden

1.  Improve your Quality of Life

A nice place to relax outside can really improve your quality of life.  Spending more time outside means more sun on your face and fresh air in your lungs, this is enhances your well-being.  Create a quite space in your garden just for you to relax and unwind after a hard day.  Just 20 minutes of 'me' time per day will reduce your stress levels and help you live a more balanced, happy life.

2.  Extend the Use of Your Living Space

If you need to create more space at home, an easy inexpensive way to do this is by making clever use of your outdoor areas.  As long as you have shelter from the elements, heating, lighting and a nice a warm blanket, you'll be able to use your patio or terrace all through the year.  Consider metal gazebos or a pergola for complete enclosure and bring the inside out with soft furnishings and accessories like outdoor rugs.

3.  Get More out of the Summer

Us Brits need to make the most of the warm weather when it arrives.  When you make improvements to your garden, your sure to spend much more time out there.  This means you'll make the most of every moment when the summer comes.  The addition of new metal garden furniture, loungers, a gas BBQ, outdoor games etc will mean a great summer for all the family, especially with the Olympics and Jubilee celebrations coming up in 2012.


4.  It Doesn't Have to Cost the Earth

The great thing about a garden makeover is that you can enjoy all these benefits with a minimal investment, especially if you work with what's already there.  The addition of a heater, some seat covers and outdoor lighting can create a great new space for you to enjoy.