5 ways to link your indoor space with the garden ‧ Taylor Wimpey

Install a wall of glass

Large windows and glass doors provide uninterrupted views out to the garden. So if you can, install sliding glass panels, floor-to-ceiling windows or bi-fold doors that fully retract and flow from inside to out. It’s one of the best ways to create an airy open mood and flood your interior with natural light. Glazed walls work brilliantly in living rooms and kitchens at the back of the house. And no matter whether you have a large, sprawling garden or a teeny terrace, the result is the same: a connection to the outdoors all year round. It’ll feel like a breath of fresh air for your home…

TOP TIP: Boost glazing with a roof lantern or skylight and create an unbroken skyscape day and night.

Create a harmonious design

Extending your interior design style outside into the garden or patio is key. Because choosing a consistent colour palette and design language will help the two spaces feel connected – and bigger. So, if you prefer contemporary style indoors, echo the look with modern garden furniture, streamlined planting and clutter-free surfaces. Vintage-inspired interiors more your thing? Then, fill your garden with meadow blooms, pretty metal tables and chairs and antique urns. Time to create a harmonious design for indoor and outdoor living you’ll adore.

TOP TIP: Invest in indoor/outdoor rugs and cushions that can be swapped in and out of your home as the seasons change.

Photo credit: Echo your interior design style out in the garden. All products available from Wayfair, www.wayfair.co.uk

Go big on greenery

Going green is one of the simplest design tricks to harness the indoor/outdoor mood all over your home. That means a profusion of plants should be top of your list. Layer a mix of leafy hanging plants, potted succulents and trailing greenery to bring your home closer to nature. It’s a foolproof design trick if you live in a high-level apartment with just a small balcony for outdoor space. Choose pots and containers to reflect the style tempo of your garden too. Burnished metals and chunky woods are perfect for an industrial look. Colourful glazed ceramics and warm terracotta will bring a hint of the holiday back home.

TOP TIP: If your indoor space is lacking in natural light and it’s difficult to grow real plants, don’t be afraid to emulate the look by going for faux greenery.

Seamless flooring

Don’t forget to look down as well as out. Picking out the right flooring is so important especially if you have bi-fold or sliding glass doors that pull back fully. Try a hardwearing material that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and lay in one interrupted pattern to create a practical and visual flow. Seek out a tough porcelain tile or natural stone slabs and go for a soft, easy-on-the-eye palette that won’t compete with your design scheme – or nature. Check for anti-slip resistance when using outdoors and choose hardy materials that can withstand the ever-changing elements.

TOP TIP: You can get the look of timber floorboards out in the garden thanks to the next-generation of wood-effect tiles and planks.

Photo credit: Valverdi Fossil Ash Stone Effect Outdoor Tiles (80cm x 80cm) from London Tile Co., www.londontile.co.uk

Use natural materials

Natural materials like rattan, wood, bamboo, stone and terracotta will create calm and connected spaces. Whether you love modern, traditional or boho style, a natural palette will boost a feel-good flow both inside and out. Look out for rattan garden furniture, stained timber sunbeds and treated cotton umbrellas for a laid-back garden landscape. And match the mood indoors with natural timber, linen cushions and hessian rugs.

TOP TIP: Don’t forget garden lighting so you can use your outdoor space even when the sun goes down. It’ll create the most magical glow for every alfresco soiree.

Photo credit: Stroud 4 Piece Garden Lounge Set – Natural, from The Cotswold Company, www.cotswoldco.com