HOW TO CREATE a designer outdoor space... 

...AND gain an extra room

If you're anything like me, as soon as the weather turns, you feel the pull to spend more time outdoors.

Morning coffee, weekend breakfasts, reading in the sun, coffee with friends - the garden or terrace becomes an extension of your home. But to really enjoy that space, you need to put a little thought into how you set it up.

A designer outdoor space is not about perfection. It’s about comfort, practicality, and small details that make life outside feel effortless and enjoyable.

Start with how you live

Begin by thinking about what you actually want to do in your outdoor space.

Do you want a proper table and chairs to eat breakfast in the sun? Somewhere to sit with friends and enjoy a cuppa and a chat? A lounger to stretch out on with a book? Or a space to gather on a balmy evening for dinner and drinks?

These simple questions will help you decide how to best set up your space.

Think about the rhythm of your day: where does the sun land in the morning? Which areas get too hot in the afternoon? And will you want to sit out into the evening? And then work from there.

When it comes to materials,

think practicality first

Outdoor furniture goes through a lot - especially if you live somewhere exposed to sun, rain, or sea air (like Clevedon!). For that reason, aluminium has become a favourite of mine.

It’s lightweight, doesn’t rust, and lasts years longer than cheaper alternatives. Yes, it might be a bit more of an investment, but it really is worth it in the long run.

Look for well-made frames, and then you can swap out or refresh cushions when necessary, without breaking the bank for a whole new furniture set.

Lazy Susan and Hartman both make great aluminium options that blend practicality with style. I promise you they’ll last the distance.

Let your home guide the look...

Your house and garden should speak to one another. If they don’t you’ll end up with a disconnect.

If you live in a period home, for example, you might choose classic shapes and then add a contemporary edge. While a modern build might suit a more minimalist scheme.

Of course, you can always push the boundaries a little, but it helps to have a thread of continuity between indoors and out.

...but don’t be afraid to be bolder with outdoor colour

One of the joys of decorating outside is that the green backdrop of the garden gives you freedom with colour. It sets off bolds and brights beautifully, so if you’re someone who leans more neutral indoors, this could be the space to experiment.

Stripes, pinks and purples, Amalfi-inspired yellows, whites and ruffles - anything goes if it makes you feel good.

This can be your place to let go and enjoy yourself.

Dress it like a room

To really make the most of your outdoor space, treat it like any other room in the house.

Rugs, cushions, throws, and side tables all add warmth and comfort. And there are plenty of gorgeous outdoor options around this season. From patterned textiles to decorative lanterns and murals.

I recently came back from Morocco where the outdoor spaces were fully dressed with sofas, rugs and even fixed lighting and painted walls. The finished effect really was inspiring.

Don’t forget, nature and plants should play a part too. Whether it’s a view of rolling countryside or just well-placed pots and greenery, make sure you’ve got something lovely to look at from your seat. That alone can completely change how a space feels.

Incorporate some fun little details

It’s worth thinking about the smaller comforts too - soft cushions that make seats more inviting, cute little side tables for a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and lighting for the evening.

From solar path lights to newer wireless table lamps, there are lots of lovely ways to keep the atmosphere going once the sun sets. Plus, if you plan to be out there on cooler evenings, small stoves or portable fire pits make a real difference.

And don’t forget to consider shade - look for standalone parasols and other flexible options that you can move easily as the sun moves.

Play with pattern and texture

The ideas from our last newsletter on small-scale prints work just as well outside.

In fact, the garden is a brilliant place to be more playful with pattern.

You can mix florals with stripes, geometrics with ditsy prints, large-scale with small. Outdoor rugs often come in bold patterns that make the perfect base, and there’s a huge range of outdoor cushions to explore.

And don’t forget texture. Garden furniture is often quite hard by nature, so adding softness with textiles helps, but it’s also worth mixing in other materials - ceramic side tables, woven rattan, wood, and even metal accents. It stops everything feeling too flat or uniform and adds richness and personality.

The main thing? Don’t overthink it

Nature isn’t perfect. So your designer outdoor space doesn’t need to be polished or pristine. 

Start with what you love, think about how you live, and let the rest evolve. 

And if you can make it comfortable enough to want to sit out there all day – then you’ll know you’ve got it right.

And if you’d like a session with to me to iron out the details and truly plan out that designer outdoor space, get in touch to talk about my Inspire Sessions.