Spring Spruce Up with AJ Odudu & Wayfair

With spring in full bloom and crisp lockdown walks finally behind us, we’re looking for ways to get back out into nature and enjoy the first rays of sunshine. As part of Wayfair’s Spring Spruce Up campaign, we’ve asked AJ Odudu, TV presenter and fitness fan, to share her newly designed outdoor space with us — featuring a glorious summer house equipped for both work and play.

---

Inspiration Station

With homes now having to double as makeshift offices, gyms and even classrooms, one way to make some space is to just move it outdoors. By setting up a work desk in her Summer House, AJ has extended her living space into the outdoors, making the most of fair weather and sunny days while also escaping any distractions that might await indoors.

*“Looking to make use of your outdoor space is a great way to create space in your home without forking out for an extension,” *AJ explains. “I have added insulation, electricity and internet connection into mine so that I can maximise the use of my room all year round. Be it for Zoom meetings, workouts or chilling with a drink in the seating area, we’ve created a really versatile space for use in 2021 and beyond.”

The added benefit of having a separate work space: Going there actually feels like going into the office – if the office were a lovingly designed and bright space mere steps away from your home – and helps get into more of a routine.

Décor Galore

AJ describes her style as “bright and bold”, so she has added cheerful pops of colour for happy vibes. “I take a lot of inspiration from the colours and textures in my wardrobe,” she says. “I figured that if I use the bright, patterned palettes that I love to wear, I will never bore of seeing them in my furnishings on a daily basis.”

To boost creativity, AJ surrounds herself with pieces that make her happy, combining uplifting artwork with fun little prints and quirky eye-catchers such as the monkey table lamp. As an enthusiastic plant Mum, she is displaying some of her favourite greenery on a shelf above her workplace.

AJ is big on achieving high-end style on a budget. Her advice: “Paint is the most affordable way to update a space, but other options are going large scale with art, adding touches of gold/metallic accessories, candles and fresh flowers is a great way to blend high and low-end pieces.”

Small Space Wonders

When it’s essential to make the most of your space, multi-use furniture can work wonders. Take AJ’s work desk for example: It provides enough room for a laptop and notebook to jot down ideas, while doubling as storage space with its convenient built-in shelves.

Indoor Jungle

No Summer House is complete without its own charming indoor garden, which is why AJ has styled a plethora of plants in her little summer home. To create a balanced look, AJ has arranged them at different heights, placing some of her green friends on plant stools and side tables while hanging others from the ceiling.

Space to Unwind

Because all work and no play is just not fun, AJ has set up self-care corner in her Summer House. There’s enough space to roll out the mat for one of those sweat-inducing HIIT workouts AJ enjoys doing or simply relaxing with a few stretches and meditation.

The full-length mirror leaning against the wall makes the space look bigger and brighter by reflecting the sunlight streaming into the floor-to-ceiling windows, while also allowing AJ to check her posture as she’s moving into warrior pose.

Equipped with a selection of cushions and throws, AJ is ready for anything from cosying up to read to fully enjoying her resting posture after a reviving yoga session. Her tip: “You can also add personality to any piece of furniture by using blankets and cushions, a really affordable way to make it individual to you.”

Summer Ready

With a bright and colourful outdoor set, AJ can enjoy her morning smoothie while listening to the birds chirping in her London garden. But she’ll also be able to have guests now that everyone is allowed to host up to six people in private gardens.

“When deciding what to do with this space I definitely had friends and family in mind,” AJ says. “It's one thing creating a space for yourself but when you get to share it with others it's even better.” The vibrant turquoise of the chairs and table effortlessly add a fun splash of colour to her seating area.

Plant Power

As an enthusiastic plant lover, AJ has incorporated a potting station in her garden setup and hopes that her dad will “come round and grow plants and herbs with me”. Alternatively, the potting station can also be used as a bar or buffet table once larger events are allowed again.

For more tips and tricks to getting the most out of your home this summer, read our guide on How to Makeover Your Garden Staycation Style and