GARDEN DESIGN
Whether that’ s matching porcelain tiles, or wood flooring in the same shade and texture that blends into the deck, the same tones, colour and finish and ideally, the same product, will naturally draw your eye out into the garden space and create one big seamless area. Porcelain tiles are the obvious choice, as they work well both inside and out, creating a beautiful, seamless flow from one space to another.
Soft furnishing Open plan spaces can tend to feel a little cold and minimal. While this might be the look you’ re going for, in the Winter, you’ ll probably want to create something a little warmer and inviting.
Matching your interior and exterior cushions and blankets in the same tones will again create a blended feel to the space. With firepits and heaters being a big part of indooroutdoor living, you can stay cosy and warm while feeling like you’ re still part of the indoor space. Blankets will add softness, and cushions will make outdoor seating comfy and inviting.
Accessories Another way to blend your flow is with matching accessories. If you opt for large lanterns or candle holders around your fireplace, match these with an outdoor lantern outside. Grouping various sizes of the same style can add interest, texture and depth to the space. Candles will also bring warmth, light and fragrance. That fragrance can also help hold everything together, bringing the space together as one.
Don’ t over clutter, but do add personality. Fresh flowers, which you have in your garden in vases on your kitchen island and coffee table, will bring the outside in.
Year round living In the UK, we’ re not blessed with year-round sunshine and warmth, so looking into a covered outdoor area will maximise the amount of time you’ ll use the space.
Having a pergola may look attractive, but without a roof, it can feel more decorative than usable.
Covered areas that offer flexibility with shutters, which can open to let the light in or have one area which is covered and one open, so you can enjoy the sunshine when it hits, offer maximum flexibility. Glazed extensions also offer the best of both worlds, an outdoor feel with the comfort of the indoors. To create the perfect flow, match your internal pendants to those you use on your outside covered area. Use furniture in the same tones but in materials that will cope with being outside. And don’ t forget built-in storage or blanket boxes to store away your soft furnishings when you’ re inside.
Outdoor cooking Outdoor kitchens have risen in popularity in the last few years, and they work perfectly with an indooroutdoor flow. Open the bi-folds, step outside onto the terrace, and while your guests sit in your outdoor living space, you can still chat and interact while cooking rather than having to pop back and forth to your kitchen, even though it’ s just a few steps away.
If a full outdoor kitchen is out of reach, opting for an outdoor cooking station with a small prep space means you can do the bulk of the work inside but still finish everything outside with your guests.
Bringing all these elements together will help you create a home that feels connected, considered and truly designed for the way we live today. Whether you’ re dreaming of a full indoor-outdoor transformation or simply looking to enhance the flow you already have, the key is consistency, comfort and clever planning. By blending materials, finishes and zones across both spaces, you’ ll create a home that feels bigger, brighter and more inviting all year round. With the right approach, your indoor and outdoor areas won’ t just complement each other, they’ ll work in harmony to elevate the way you live, entertain and relax.
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