Read on for tips on how to take some of your stylish interior tricks to ramp up your exterior and blur the boundaries between inside and outside to create a garden living space that you can enjoy all year round.
All too often our outside space gets a little neglected in the cooler months, and then as soon as the first signs of Spring start to unfurl we realise that we need to spruce it up and get it ready for enjoying the warmer climes and lighter eves.
We’ve all heard of bringing the outdoors, indoors - but why bring the indoors,outdoors?
Outdoor space whether that's a large garden, small courtyard or a petite balcony, should be considered as an extension to your interior, another room, which is especially important if you live in a city and space is paramount!
Consider reviving an underused space! Even the smallest of areas can be turned into a cosy, decorative outdoor living area.
The garden is not only a fabulous asset to extend our living space but it can also evoke memories of holidays spent basking in the sun, enjoying a cocktail (or two), feeling carefree and it's amazing how much better food tastes cooked and eaten Al Fresco!
If you have the space, think about creating different zones. Take note of where the sun rises and sets. Do you want your morning coffee in the sunshine and your al fresco dining area in the shade? One of the best ways you can create an indoors outdoors effect is by zoning, such as dedicating areas to outdoor entertaining or garden chill out areas.
Why cut your evening short as soon as the light dims? Make your area feel welcoming and cosy by making sure you have different kinds of light, including candlelight. Never underestimate the power of illuminating your space.
Adding a log burner or fire pit will ensure that you still use your little garden haven in cooler climes. Don't just limit it to the spring/summer months.
Like any room, think about the details, adding sculpture, candle holders, pots and trays. Although if you choose to use your faux botanicals outside like Abi, ensure that they are protected.
If you have a small space, lush evergreens are a game changer. Ornamental grasses also have magical sensory qualities, the sound of them gently swaying in the wind is so soothing. Herbs edging a path will smell beautiful when brushed.
Even if you haven’t got a large garden - you can still bring the inside, outside with clever placement and a touch of magic. Smaller outdoor living spaces can feel cosier - just like Abi’s piece of bohemia in her relatively small urban garden in East London.
One of the most important elements of interiors (especially with a restrained colour palette). Contrast concrete pots, ceramic planters, wooden or metal furniture, maybe even a beaded chandelier, all of which look amazing against a planted backdrop.
As you would your interior, limit your hues and let the garden planting, foliage and flowers do the talking. Abi has filled her garden largely with greenery and foliage with just the odd splash of white from the jasmine and yellow from the mimosa. A restricted palette makes the space feel less hectic and more sophisticated.
Play with Scale.
In order to make the space feel cool we need to create a lively rhythm, switch up heights, have layers of interest. If everything is the same height or shape it reads as boring. Instead you need to create depth. Supersize pots or use tropical planting that zooms to the moon.
Final Thoughts.