1 TOTALLY FLOORED
Start by assessing your outdoor flooring. If you pick the wrong material, living in the space and maintaining it won’t be easy. Sian O’Neill, head of marketing at Topps Tiles, advises that, once fired, porcelain tiles ‘have a high water- and frost-resistance, meaning they’re ideal for outdoor areas that are often exposed to water.’
2 colour coded
Once the base is sorted, start to add colour by painting fencing or even pots. Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar, says that ‘shades such as coral, light teal and yellow are growing in popularity’. Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paint, advises ‘to extend your indoor living space into the outdoors, consider painting window frames and doors in colours that draw the eye out to the garden beyond.’
3 al fresco activities
Next, work out what you’re likely to be doing in your garden or on your terrace – and at which times. Then you can create a plan for the space that makes the most of the sunshine, such as ‘a bistro table and chairs in the perfect spot for your morning coffee,’ says Paul Allen, co-founder of Luxury Outdoor Living.‘Or a space with shade for your dining area, to avoid the midday glare.’
See our edited choice of the best outdoor chairsand the best outdoor tables.
4 material gains
When selecting furniture, look for specialist brands that use robust materials. ‘The best outdoor designs should include features such as powder- coated aluminium frames with hidden water-drainage channels, cushions with quick-dry foam and seams that are welded as well as sewn,’ says Tina Mahony, co-founder of Go Modern. ‘And don’tforget UV and mould-resistant finishes.’
The style of the pieces should also be chosen wisely, as Tom Curtis, creative manager at Indian Ocean, notes: ‘Your furniture shouldn’t dominate the space, but blend into the home and garden. Co-ordinate finishes of your furniture choices with architectural features of your home, such as blackpowder-coated steel finishes if you have Crittall-style windows.’
5 lightbulb moment
To create a zone that can be enjoyed from day to night, the right lighting is a must. When planning this, Katy Higgins, outdoor living buyer at Homebase, says it’s important to ‘ensure there’s enough ambient light to illuminate seating areas and make surfaces and steps safe to navigate. Then, use accent lighting to highlight features and create interest – the fun of being outdoors at night relies on creating the right atmosphere.’
Find more ideas for outside spaces.
-
Newgarden’s Outdoor Lighting Collection Is the Perfect Range to Illuminate Your Spring Garden for Relaxing Evenings OutdoorsIf you’re looking for soft, ambient lighting to breathe life into a garden after dark, Newgarden’s new range will be your first and final stop
-
Color Crush! 'Sakura Blush' Is the Sweet Shade That Challenges the Idea That Pink Is 'Too Childish'Our May Color Crush, Sakura Blush, is the perfect balance of depth and delicacy, and can completely transform your interior design — here's how
-
Before and After — How a Designer Turned a Small City Dirt Plot Into a Garden With a Fireplace, Breakfast Bar, and Outdoor ShowerDespite being in the heart of the city, this courtyard garden maintains the feeling of complete seclusion
-
9 Garden Trends That Landscapers and Gardening Experts Say We'll Be Seeing This YearSustainability and regenerative planting are the hottest topics of the moment
-
5 Things That Could Be Making Your Patio Look Cheap That Any Landscape Designer Worth Their Salt Would NoticeNow is the time to prime your patio for the spring-summer season, but steer clear of these common pitfalls that could be devaluing your space
-
Should You Prune Plants in Winter? Gardening Experts Say Yes, But There's a Catch!Discover which trees and plants benefit from a trim during dormancy–and which don't
-
Bright, Beautiful and Full of Color — These are 7 Flowers You Should Plant in Pots in OctoberDon't let fall fool you into thinking blooms are a thing of the past. You can welcome them now and embrace them until the first frost or even spring
-
5 Dos and Don'ts Of Growing Hydrangeas In Containers — Planting Tips You'll Want to Know AboutTo get the best out of your abundant blooms, you'll want to follow this expert advice
-
Bathroom tile ideas – 23 creative ways with color, pattern and installationsUse these bathroom tile ideas to add texture, pattern and even a touch of glamor to this very important room
-
16 living room wallpaper ideas that'll convince you patterned wallcoverings are the way to goThese brilliant living room wallpaper ideas offer up inspiration for how to apply print, pattern and texture to different areas of your scheme
