Look at your outdoor space as you would a room inside your home and it takes on a new. Exciting dimension. Far more than a place to cultivate flowers and enjoy the occasional barbecue, it becomes what it should be :a versatile. Comfortable ,stylish living space that can be used equally well for relaxing and bathing.

In this imaginative and inspiring new book. Enrica Stabile invites you to view the outdoors from a fresh perspective. She explores open air spaces for relaxing, for bathing, for eating and for working. All in her distinctive style. She also presents the components required to define your space. Choosing furniture. Fabrics and lighting to suit the mood or occasion – cushions in softly faded florals for a provencal-style lounging area; bright and breezy throws to bring colour and life to a stark city plot; little glass lanterns strung from the branches for dining beneath the trees; plus illustrated step-by-step projects to create your own personalized furnishings.

Whether your outside space is a sprawling garden or tiny roof terrace – or even if getting outdoors involves a trip to the park or the beach – Open Air Living is packed with innovative, stylish ideas, enabling you to enjoy outdoor life to the full.

Enrica stabile began her career in fashion, first working for one of Italy's leasing textile companies, then setting up her own label. In 1979 she opened her shop L'Utile e il Dilettevole in Milan. Combining antiques and interior design in s unique way. The shop is famous for its soft furnishings made using vintage and contemporary fabrics. Enrica, who also studied interior design at London's lnchbald School. Has received commissions to decorate homes throughout Italy and France with her own brand of country style. She has homes in London, Provence and Milan.(www.enricastabile.com)

Christopher Drake was born in South America, brought up in Norway and now lives in London. He began his career at Vogue, working with the best fashion photographers. Including Snowdon, Bailey and Beaton. He then moved into interiors photography and his work is now featured in an international range of magazines, including Homes &Gardens, World of interiors and Country Living. His books include Katrin Cargill's Style.