Well, at the time of writing this feature, the sun is shining and of course, all thoughts are turning to mowing the lawn and getting the ‘outdoor entertaining area’ into some sort of shape as a matter of urgency. If sweeping and cleaning alone isn’t going to cut the mustard, here are some inspirational suggestions for how to link and streamline your indoor-outdoor spaces.
Shown above, our Dakota riven porcelain slabs are available in indoor and outdoor versions, and look absolutely fabulous here running straight through from a stunning kitchen to a spacious terrace. Ideal for creating a seamless, unbroken look from interiors to exteriors, these hardwearing tiles do not require post-installation sealing and are incredibly easy to clean too.
Straight Lines
If you really want to get to grips with an outdoor space, with the intention of making it useable all year round (within reason!) then a paved, walled, sheltered garden is the best option. Screens, fences or walls will add shelter, built-in seating and planting areas provide a neat, symmetrical appearance, and an outdoor firepit or freestanding heaters can be added for chilly autumn evenings. We also love the idea of scattering a few faux fur blankets around for cosying up on Bonfire night or Halloween (as long as it’s dry, not drizzly!) Whatever your plans for a new terrace, our Bluenorte Rectified Outdoor Slabs offer a crisp, clean look – and there are matching indoor Bluenorte tiles available too, so they can run through back into a kitchen, utility, dining or living space.
Stylish Stone
Our Stonebase ceramic tiles are designed to look identical to natural stone, and are available in Light Grey, Taupe and Grafite shades. They have a very slightly undulating surface to emphasise the natural look, and are a superb choice for kitchen spaces. Think about choosing slightly contrasting outdoor porcelain designs, such as Beton, or our Surface Outdoor in Night Black for a great on-trend look.
Quan Wood-Fired Outdoor Cooking Centre from Garden House Design | Morsø Hut Combination | Slate Grey Garden Lantern from Lights4Fun
Making the Outside as Comfortable as the Inside…
Yes, we do have a ‘thing’ about outdoor living – and it makes complete sense to make the most of your garden as creating some home comforts outdoors is both sensible and satisfying, and a good diversion tactic if gardening isn’t high on your skills list. Of course, some outdoor accessories are a bit of an outlay, cost-wise, which makes it all the more important to provide a beautifully styled and tiled area to work with. Here are some of our favourite ideas: From left; the Quan Wood-Fired Outdoor Cooking Centre from a selection at Garden House Design; Centre; the Morsø Hut Combination, which includes the hut, the Deluxe Forno Oven, table, flue, stools, cushions and cooking equipment. Which kind of puts everything together neatly in one fell swoop! And for a smaller budget, right, what about a Slate Grey Garden Lantern from Lights4Fun, which is battery powered, has a pre-programmed on cycle and looks extremely convincing. Great stuff!
Sunny Additions
The trend for larger, open plan or broken-plan kitchen-living-dining areas means that there’s usually more space for smaller, single items of furniture. Keep it all flexible by choosing chairs and occasional tables or stools that can be easily moved and therefore used both inside and out. Some element of weather-proof-ness is desirable, in case something gets left outside accidentally! These chairs from John Lewis are from the House by John Lewis collection, and come as one and two seaters, in a fab range of colours.
Vast Expanses
A stretch of white outdoor (or pool room) tiles enhance the appearance of space, and these, Axis, from our Portico Outdoor Collection, measure 610mm x 610mm. They’re made of porcelain, and have the appearance of whitewashed limestone. Perfect for creating a light and airy outdoor look.
Elements of Sunshine
Compliment designs such as our Axis Outdoor Slabs with quirky outdoor furniture with natural, textured finishes – such as this Talenti Cliff outdoor dining table and chairs in an unusual combination of rope and aluminium, from a super collection of contemporary garden pieces from Lagoon. For more info and advice on the installation of our outdoor tiles, take a look at the Garden & Outdoor section of our Help Centre (and don’t forget, you can also email or call if you’d like to speak to one of our experts!).
Pina Colada Chartreuse Outdoor Cushion from Penelope Hope | Outside Inspiration from John Lewis | Elizabeth Teck Angled Armchair from Ligne Roset Outdoor Living
Comfy Additions for your Outdoor Rooms
Treat your outdoor spaces to a some colourful and comfortable additions; from left; Pina Colada Chartreuse Outdoor Cushion, in a fabric that feels gorgeous, won’t fade in the sun, and is easy to keep clean, from Penelope Hope. Centre; Outside inspiration, using ideas such as screens and outdoor rugs – as well as lightweight and movable chairs, pouffes and side tables. Fingers crossed that we get another gorgeous summer again so that all this outdoor planning is worth it! See the rest of range from John Lewis here. Right; This is more of an investment piece, but think how chic it will look sitting on some of our porcelain outdoor tiles! It’s the Elizabeth Teck Angled Armchair from the Ligne Roset Outdoor Living collection. It’s suitable for indoor use too, of course, but teamed with outdoor-quality fabric cushions it’s a beautiful outdoor investment piece.
And Finally…
We’ve highlighted these dynamic Hanoi Star patterned tiles from our collection many times, but more usually in a hall/indoor/kitchen/bathroom setting! So we thought it was worthwhile pointing out that these are also suitable for outdoor use and would look fantastic on a little terrace, balcony or orangery – breathing a hint of a holiday vibe into your outside spaces.
Don’t forget, we’re always delighted to see pictures of your indoor and outdoor projects – so do hit us up @TileMountainUK or tag us on Instagram with any pics that provide some Springtime inspiration!
You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…
Springing Forward: Refreshing Your Interiors and Exteriors This Springtime
How To Install Outdoor Slab Tiles Using Adjustable Support Pedestals
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.