It’s all gone a bit Made In Chelsea this week…we’re not talking about everyone’s favourite toff-infused reality show however, but the annual festival of flowers and greenery that is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. There’s been all kinds of inspirational images of flora and fauna all over the news, gardening programmes and the socials – so there’s no excuse for not getting inspired and perking up your own garden! To give you that little bit more encouragement, here are some of our favourite looks that complement a garden that includes outdoor tiles.
We’re very impressed by this garden (above) which looks resplendent with our bold Granito Black Outdoor Matt Porcelain Slab Tiles paired with crisp white walling and perfect greenery. Creating such a garden would initially be a fairly major project, but once the groundwork (literally!) has been done, a little regular maintenance would suffice to keep everything looking perky – you can learn more about just how little in our handy Paving Vs Outdoor Porcelain Tiles: Head To Head feature.
Mixed Materials
One of the things that stands out at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the sheer quantity of colour, mix of textures and creativity around growing and displaying flowers. The show gardens aren’t necessarily designed to be something to re-create at home, of course, but the spectacle and swathes of colour are enough to inspire any at-home-domestic gardener. If hard landscaping is more your style, then still think creatively, including a mix of materials and colours. The variations of our Enstone Grey Outdoor Slab Tiles add a sense of style to this layout, and the addition of a small gravel border is a simple to achieve and professional finishing touch. This type of layout can embrace a practical look whilst allowing pots and shrubs to emphasise the colour and texture.
Acres of Space
Our Maverick Grey large format porcelain outdoor tiles are designed to look like concrete – but it’s difficult to imagine that you could ever track down real concrete tiles that look as good as these – and which are durable, have brilliant weather-proof qualities, and which also have anti-stain qualities. Again, as with our Enstone Grey tiles, looking at them en-mass demonstrates just how the clever shading variations add to a highly desirable and professional look.
Inside & Outside
If the current crop of fashionable garden designs look sleek, neat and understated, then perhaps the kitchen needs to have a similar concept. So we’ve chosen these Dunsen Ivory tiles and shown them used in a splendid kitchen layout … with the knowledge that they are also perfectly suitable for outdoor use, and could sweep through to a stylish, minimalist garden. Available in Ivory and Grey and looking equally fabulous in an outdoor setting.
Sun & Stars
Hanoi Star tiles are a firm favourite of our customers, and are available in other patterns too. They’re well-suited to outside use as they have an appropriate slip rating (but order a sample to check that you’re happy). If an all-over patterned terrace seems just that little bit too much, think about a statement square in the middle of a larger space, perhaps to create an outdoor-carpet style, surrounded by some lovely comfy outdoor sofas and lounging chairs.
On The Bench
A new smart outdoor dining/seating area needs a great set of furniture, and once all that hard graft has been completed, it may be a good moment to look for some finishing touches. This is the Ibiza Grey Bench Dining Set from Dunelm, and there is also a great choice of cheerful cushions and seat pads to make it all a bit more colourful.
Screen Time
As keen style-watchers we’ve been spotting the use of screens in the garden and liking the idea very much! A screen is a great way of disguising an ugly wall, or adding a little bit of interest to a blank area. Small outdoor spaces, from tiny back gardens to little balconies or patios, can become intimate, welcoming spaces when kitted out with a screen and some atmospheric outdoor lighting. Shown here are some of our favourites from M&S. For similar dark-toned outdoor tiles, take a look at our very own Ardosia Black Anti-Slip Porcelain Tiles.
Outdoor Living
Getting comfy outdoors isn’t just a case making sure you’ve got a nice terrace or patio, an outdoor sofa and coffee table (as well as a dining table and chairs set!) are increasingly in demand too! It all makes for easy outdoor entertaining, and if you fancy taking it up a notch, add some outdoor shelving and wood storage too. This outdoor furniture set is from a great selection at Next Home, and similar large-format outdoor tiles would be our Nexus Outdoor Slabs, designed to look exactly like natural stone, and without the need for any protection or sealing. Better still, if you don’t fancy the graft involved in permanently fixing them with grout and adhesive you can always install them using Adjustable Support Pedestals – check out our handy guide on how to do just that.
Comfortably Seated
This wonderful Royal Garden Chair by Out and Out shown here in lime green, also comes in bright orange too – just the job to transform a tiny outdoor space. Team a pair of these up with a couple of planters and some lush greenery and you’ve got a gorgeous sun space. Remember, with small spaces you may be restricted on storage, so check that any furniture can live outside in all weathers. This rattan-style design has an aluminium frame which is wrapped in polyethylene rattan –so can accommodate whatever our peculiar British climate can throw at it!
Steel Breeze | David Harber
Steel Breeze
And finally, we just can’t resist showing you this beautiful steel sculpture by David Harber, which will be shown at the Chelsea Flower Show. Way beyond the pockets of most of us, but much of his beautiful work is on public display and perhaps, in a small way, can inspire us to create beautiful outdoor spaces of our own. Steel Breeze is made from two discs of mirror polished stainless steel which are banded together with antique patinated bronze. If you visit Chelsea Flower Show do try and get a glimpse of this wonderful piece!
Are you plnning on visiting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? If so, do share your pics with us via Twitter @TileMountainUK or tag us on Instagram and we’ll do our best to share them with our followers.
You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…
Springing Forward: Refreshing Your Interiors and Exteriors This Springtime
Indian Summer: Outdoor Styling That Will See You Through Until Next Year
Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.