Bright ideas
We’ve all heard the interior expression “bringing the outdoors in” but we can flip this well known saying on its head as we approach the summer and experiment with designing outdoor spaces to complement our interiors.
Most of our gardens are visible from indoors, framed in our windows, so it makes sense to connect the spaces visually, and add the same personality and flair to the outside as we would to indoor rooms.
The same way we construct a living room, with seating, occasional furniture, rugs, cushions, and lighting, can be replicated outside. Instead of the standard boxy chairs and wooden tables, it’s time to start layering.
Here are some ideas to give your garden space a boost:
■ Choose furniture in the colours of your interiors. For instance, if you have a palette of blue and orange indoors then consider flowing this outside to create an area you’ll love.
■ Layer as you would indoors. Create a tactile space, mixing cushions, rugs and pouffes to add softness, comfort and interest. Textiles made to weather the elements are now as soft and stylish as you’d find for inside.
■ Illuminate the space with layers of lighting.
■ Wil Law is a Home Design Stylist at John Lewis, Victoria Gate,
Leeds. Find him on Instagram @ johnlewis_wil.