Kay’s Designer Secrets
Creating beautiful outside spaces
Outdoor, styled
Hello Home Lover,
As spring turns to summer, I start to think of the garden not just as a backdrop, but as somewhere to really spend time - to sit, eat, lie back and enjoy.
We’ve just finished building our terrace, and I’ve loved pulling the space together. Plus, a recent trip to Morocco, with its colourful, outdoor gathering places, gave me a fresh wave of inspiration.
So, this month, I’m sharing thoughts on how to create your own outside paradise - practical, beautiful, and tailored to however you want to use it.
Your garden, your way
I’m sorry to say it, but practicality has to come first. What do you want from your space?
Do you want a place to eat, to sunbathe, to have coffee with a friend, or to cook outside? Or do you want a combination of all of those things?
What’s the light like in the morning? Will you want to stay outside in the evening? How much shade is naturally available and will you need to create more?
Once you know how you want to live in your space, everything else flows from that.
Seating, planting, side tables, cushions, lighting, even small fire pits for chilly evenings.
It doesn’t need to be perfect. Nature itself isn’t perfect.
It just needs to be somewhere you feel drawn to - even a little excited - to spend time.
My favourite 5...
Outdoor Style Finds
Lightweight aluminium furniture
I love Lazy Susan and Hartman for long-lasting cast aluminium frames that won’t tarnish with the weather. Dress them up with stylish cushions, throws and blankets.
Wireless outdoor table lamps
Relatively new for residential homes. These rechargeable mini table lamps are perfect for flexible mood lighting without the unsightly cables. And look at these gorgeous colours.
Patterned outdoor rugs
A bold, patterned rug helps create an instant room-like atmosphere as well as a base for layering. Try Designer's Guild or Sophie Robinson at Dunelm for some great options.
Mixed material side tables
Stylish side tables are a great way to add a different material or style into the mix. And these ceramic side tables from Anthropologie are simply perfect.
Statement shade options
From canopies to pretty parasols, shade options vary depending on what you need. But if you’re in the market for a stylish sun umbrella I recommend East London Parasol Company.
Creating a designer outdoor space
If you’re not sure where to begin, let your house guide you.
A period home? Classic furniture with cute unexpected details.
New build? Sleek, modern and minimalist with bold pops of colour.
You can blend styles if you like - but a little continuity is important too.
Garden furniture takes a beating from the elements, so think carefully about materials. Then soften everything with textiles by adding cushions, rugs and throws.
Mix patterns (florals, stripes, geometrics), play with scale and bring in colour. Outdoors is the perfect place to be just that little bit braver than you might be inside.
And finally, don’t shy away from a little 'room' dressing. Add lighting, side tables, plants, even outdoor art or a mural. The most successful outdoor spaces are the ones that feel just as considered as the rooms indoors.
Only with a better view.
I'll be pressing pause over the summer to enjoy some family time and a little exploring — soaking up new ideas and inspiration along the way.
But just before that I'll be back in your inbox on 1st July with all the news and plenty of photos from WOW house 2025.
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Meanwhile, if you're thinking about making changes at home later this year and would like to get your name on the list, now’s the time to book that complimentary call.
Let’s chat about your plans before the diary fills up.
See you in July,
P.S. If you have a gorgeous outdoor space you're proud of I'd love to see a photo. Share it on social media and tag me - I might even share some of my favourites.
