With the UK set to experience heatwaves more often thanks to climate change, our gardens will become a more important asset and extension of the home.
And with the indoor-outdoor trend becoming increasingly popular, this summer is the perfect time to consider how your home flows between its indoor and outdoor spaces.
So, to help you make the most of your outside areas and blur the boundaries they share with your interior rooms, Anne Haimes, Design Director and Founder of Anne Haimes Interiors, shares her top design tips…
The Indoor-Outdoor Trend – Lighting
Just like designing indoors, lighting can make or break your outdoor space and you need to consider both natural and artificial sources.
Ideally, your space will offer both a bit of sun and shade. If not, you’ll need to create this yourself by either adding a foldaway umbrella, or you could install an awning.
Alternatively, pergolas have become a popular option and can be installed yourself. Either drape weather-resistant floaty fabric or train some climbing plants such as wisteria, roses or jasmine to filter the light.
And you’ll need a way to light up your seating area come night-time. Solar string lights create clusters of light that make a space feel more intimate and romantic. A firepit will also provide heat as well as a soft light for those cold summer nights.
The Indoor-Outdoor Trend – Comfortable seating
The most important part of indoor-outdoor living is having a comfortable place for you and your guests. And this space should be as welcoming and relaxing as your living room.
Low L-shaped sofas are back in vogue for the ultimate lounging experience, as too are hanging egg chairs and large daybeds with smart rattan weave.
The position of your seating is key to how the space function and feels too, just like how you’d arrange furniture inside.
For social outdoor spaces, seating should face inwards towards each other to encourage eye contact and conversation. For relaxation, point lounging chairs, daybeds, or deck chairs away from the house towards a focal point in the garden.
The Indoor-Outdoor Trend – Continuous flooring
True indoor-outdoor living should feel like stepping outside is just an extension of your home.
One impactful way to create this blurred effect is to continue your flooring or echo your wall tiling on the ground.
Porcelain tiles are a practical option for their tough, weather-resistant properties and offer a lot of variety, with some even able to come in a timber effect for those that prefer wood.
Bi-folding or sliding pocket doors can further highlight this by fully blurring the boundaries between what is indoors and outdoors.
If your budget doesn’t stretch as far, indoor/outdoor rugs that continue your interior design theme can work well and can be stored away during the winter months.
The Indoor-Outdoor Trend – A home bar
What better way to entertain guests and make the most of the long summer evenings than with your own home bar?
Whether you choose to convert an unused garden shed or build your own structure, home bars don’t need to be expensive.
From repurposing a potting bench to installing a custom wall-mounted bar with a fold-down table, home bars can be created in the smallest of outdoor spaces.
Get creative with decorating your bar and don’t be afraid to transfer items from your kitchen or dining room to make it feel more authentic and inviting – just avoid using any precious dinnerware.
The Indoor-Outdoor Trend – Decorative touches
The true way to make your outdoors feel like home is the finishing touches.
Throw pillows and blankets not only make a space comfier and keep you warm on chillier evenings but will also soften your seating area to make it more inviting.
Just be sure to have a weather-proof place to store soft furnishings when they’re not in use – a space in your garage, shed or even an outdoor storage box.
Decorative pieces can be used to introduce more personality. Adorn your outdoor coffee table with candles or floral centrepieces for an interesting focal point.
Strategically placed outdoor mirrors can also help make a small space feel bigger while livening up an unused wall or fence while reflecting the best of your garden.
By Anne Haimes, Design Director and Founder of Anne Haimes Interiors
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