As warmer months approach, many people will be focusing on updating their outdoor living spaces ready for time spent in their garden.
Looking into trends including colours, sustainable materials, and multi-functionality, Laura James’ in-house interior expert, Chloe Barrow, shares the five key trends set to define outdoor living this season.
Indoor-Outdoor Multi-Purpose Dining
Laura James 2025 Garden Collection
“One of the biggest trends we’ll see as we move into this spring/summer season is indoor-outdoor dining. We know that every year ‘bringing the outside in’ is a consistent trend as the weather warms up, but this year we’ll begin to see this in the opposite direction, as people will be investing in multi-use dining furniture for inside and outside use.
As opposed to purchasing an inside dining table, people with accessible outdoor living will opt for furniture that can be used outside as well as inside. For example, those with a dining area in front of the ever-popular bi-fold doors will opt to move that same furniture outside for an alfresco meal, as opposed to having a completely separate outdoor dining set. With many Brits becoming wary of their own overconsumption, those with a planet-first mentality will opt for ways to resolve this and start investing in multi-purpose pieces, and indoor-outdoor dining sets are going to be huge in this respect for the upcoming spring/summer season.”
Rope & Woven Furniture
Laura James Ezra Garden Dining Set with Hali Natural Rope Chairs
“Texture is also playing a key role in outdoor furniture this season, and woven elements seem to be at the top of that list, offering an alternative to classic rattan that still blends style and functionality.
Rope furniture, in particular, brings a subtle holiday feel to the garden, perfect for those looking to create a luxury hotel-inspired retreat. I’d recommend pairing these sets with lush tropical plants to instantly elevate your outdoor area, creating a ‘holiday at home’ aesthetic for the summer.”
Olive Green
Laura James Olive Green Wilder Garden Set
“Mediterranean style has been a consistently popular outdoor living trend over the years, and spring/summer 2025 is no different. However, instead of choosing huge investments like Mediterranean tiles and pathways, I predict we’ll see an uptick in olive green as a staple shade for gardens this season. Implementing this colour is a much more affordable alternative to bringing the Mediterranean style home, without costly investments homeowners are looking to avoid and renters are unable to achieve.
I think that this earthy yet sophisticated green tone is the perfect way to elevate an outdoor space while maintaining that natural, organic by-the-med feel. Combining this with other warm Mediterranean-inspired hues, such as amber yellows, terracotta, and deep sandy neutrals, olive green can really help create a space reminiscent of the European coastline. You can even add some fresh potted herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil or plant your own olive trees to really bring the style to life.”
Cherry Red
Laura James Dakota Outdoor Sofa Set
“In terms of colour, burgundy has been a huge hit this autumn/winter season, and we’ll see this colour take a slightly new form as a cherry red this spring/summer, especially when it comes to outdoor furnishings. This brings the ‘unexpected red theory’ into a whole new category and works wonderfully as the perfect pop of colour on a neutral palette which so many outdoor garden sets tend to have. It instantly brightens up a plain patio to create a warm and inviting aesthetic. Psychologically, we also know that warm colours can make us feel physically warmer, so it’s the perfect addition for slightly colder or breezier weather too.”
Natural Materials & Sustainability
Laura James Kuro 6 Seater Wooden Garden Dining Set
“Sustainability continues to be a major focus in home and garden design, and this extends to outdoor furniture choices. Consumers are increasingly turning to long-lasting, eco-friendly materials that align with a more conscious way of living. Acacia wood is a personal favourite, with its distinctive visible grain and durable nature. Pieces made with this material are still affordable, and truly stand the test of time in terms of weather resistance. I believe we’ll be seeing this material a lot more this year and hopefully thereafter.”
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