Tight budgets as well as a growing reluctance to stamp a carbon footprint all over the globe, will almost certainly result in more of us enjoying time in our own gardens this summer.

Fortunately, the choice of garden furniture and accessories has never been better, and there is no longer any need to settle for uncomfortable, wobbly seats or a conventional dining set.

Liz Murphy, associate editor of House Beautiful, says: “Once the domain only of the keen gardener, our gardens have become extensions of our homes.

“Most of us rush to sit outside at the first glimpse of spring sunshine, and we want our gardens to feel as comfortable as our living rooms, equipped with everything from sofas to coffee tables.”

Open-plan kitchens opening onto decks and patios is an established trend, she points out, and this creates the need for the view from the back of the house to look as good as the front.

Rather than grabbing the first sunlounger or patio set you see, she advises that when planning a room outdoors you start from the same basic point as you would when creating an indoors room.

She said: “Decide what you want the room to do, and how much light it gets. If you want an outside dining area and your garden is in full sun over lunchtime, make sure to include lots of shade.

“In the short-term, this may be an awning or huge parasol, but a longer-term solution could be an arbour which, if you have climbing plants like vines to cover it, will look gorgeous and give far more shade than an umbrella.”

New materials such as weather-resistant rattan have banished the chore of rushing around covering up furniture at the first sign of a shower, or the need to store it. If your priority is to lounge, rather than eat, Liz suggests opting for comfy living room-style furniture like large, squashy sun loungers or a corner unit.

Don’t neglect all-important finishing touches like lighting, she urges, adding: “Solar-powered ground and fairylights will gradually begin to twinkle as darkness falls, creating a soft glow to eat by.

“Use lamps, lanterns and candles to highlight particular features in your garden, such as a beautiful tree, bush, or pretty seating area. Add scented candles to fill the air with fragrance.”

FACED with a blast of sunshine, a bare patio and not much cash it is easy to panic-buy the first cheap-but-not-so-cheerful furniture set you find.

Instead Annie Deakin, editor at mydeco.com, advises: “Get into thesummer swing with bright colours and funky accessories.

They will always exude sunshine and high party spirits whatever the weather. Get sorted with some well-designed and wellpriced choices that you won't regret buying once the sun has gone in.”

SPEND: Debenhams’ (08445 616 161 www.debenhams.com) round white metal table for £70 is a classic, and matching chairs are £50 each.

SPLURGE: There's no need to come indoors to relax if you invest in an all-weather wicker effect sofa set, including two sofas with integral tables, a footrest and cushions for £878.69 from Argos (0845 640 2020 www.argos.co.uk)

SAVE: Marks & Spencer’s (0845 603 1603 www.marksandspencer.com) sleek steel Capuccino set is £99 for a table and two chairs. It is available in great shades including taupe, yellow, grey or burnt orange. There is also a matching drum barbecue for £99.

■ Have a bit of fun with finishing touches like a gardener gnome for £6.99, a sitting Buddha for £14.99 or a Bucket BBQ for £9.99, all from Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk).

EVEN if you don't enjoy a country setting you can still conjure the soft prettiness of that look with dazzling white painted furniture or decorative wrought-iron pieces.

SPEND: A delightful curved faux-wicker all-weather set with two armchairs, a small sofa and coffee table is £299.95 from mail order and online company Scotts of Stow (0844 482 5555/ ww.scottsofstow.co.uk).

SPLURGE: Echo the New England country style with Vermont white painted furniture from John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com). Table, £289, bench, £240, armchair £115, cushions extra.

SAVE: Chill with a cocktail on a white-painted wooden Portland recliner. The set, including footstool and table, is £149.98 from B&Q (0845 850 0175 www.diy.com).

■ Accessories from The White Company (0870 900 9555 www.thewhitecompany.co.uk, suit this style.

Striped Pembrook seat pads are £16 each and metal candle lanterns from £45 each.