Trend Watch: It’s All About The Outdoors!

Well, the weather seems to be exceptionally confusing at the moment, but it’s nearly August Bank Holiday, so we’re still all about the outdoors! Whether your outdoor space is major or minuscule, there are ways of making the most of it. This month’s Trend Watch takes a closer look at some of this year’s top trending ideas which will stay on-trend for years to come. After all, improving your outdoor space is an investment, so make sure your outdoor style works hard and blends with your indoor themes as well. Here are a few ideas to get you on your way…

Simply Perfect

We’re big fans of keeping it simple when planning outdoor space and here, our Hardblue White Porcelain Outdoor Slab Tiles are completely on-trend, emphasising that outdoor-indoor look and ensuring the outdoor flooring blends seamlessly into the indoors. Trend Watch Top Tip: A palette of pale and neutral shades still looks smart and timeless when combined with some greenery and those very desirable black-framed folding-sliding doors.

Focus on Pattern

Keep the attention on a small outdoor space by including a splash of colour and pattern; here, our Hanoi Star Blue porcelain tiles are paired with surrounding plain tiles to create a  focal point floor – this idea will work equally well indoors or out – just add some neat furniture and summer drinks! Trend Watch Tip: You don’t need to stick to just one patterned section – simply section off larger outdoor spaces into individual ‘rooms’ (perhaps a relaxing chill-out area and a dining space) using your patterned tiles to give the appearance of a rug and defining each area.

Gimme Shelter

We’ve heard that lots of confident DIY-ers have been getting creative this summer, not only laying outdoor terraces and patios, but building outdoor bars, verandas and entertaining areas too! We rather like the combination of ideas shown here, alongside the pretty fabulous Loop Furniture by Vincent Sheppard, available in various colours from Viva Lagoon. If you need a bit of guidance for laying outdoor slabs and tiles, hop on over to our Style & Advice pages for some practical help.

Metal Matters

Wire and metal-framed furniture has been bang on-trend this season, and it’s a highly practical choice – no need to lug around big outdoor cushions and seat pads, just pop an ordinary indoor seat cushion down for a little bit of comfort! This type of furniture can stand outside all year round too, and adds a sculptural aspect to the garden. We rather like the idea of sipping a mug of mulled wine out here in the autumn, perhaps with an outdoor heater or fire pit roaring away. Positano Mosaic Top Table and matching chairs from Escapology.

Structural Designs

The trend for very structured and linear gardens is here to stay, and once built, painted and planted, they don’t need that much attention (although a daily inspection for impertinent weeds and regular strict pruning is required, of course!). Our Granito Grey Outdoor Porcelain Slab Tiles are a perfect shade – a great contrast against the painted white walls and the timber. Trend Watch Tip: Lay rectangular slabs width-ways to enhance the proportional width of a long or narrow garden.

 

Trend Watch:

Here’s just a few style pointers for your outdoor space – from left; The Fab Hab Lhasa Outdoor Rug in Coral from Cuckooland is a wonderful way of complimenting a newly tiled outdoor space – if you’ve chosen plain slabs it will add a lovely splash of colour! Centre; Reversible Coral Abstract Circles & Stripes Cushion from Bean Bag Bazaar (check out their Outdoor Bean Bags too!). Right; The Bahia Hanging Garden Chair from Ella James will add a touch of boho pattern and natural texture to any outdoor space.

Strictly Squares

Our outdoor slabs and tiles come in lots of formats, from smaller patterned designs to wood effect planks and rectangular options. However, we think that the choice of our new Botticino Grey Porcelain Outdoor Slab Tiles is perfect for this particular area – the slabs measure 600mm x 600mm and have the appearance of limestone. Trend Watch Tip: The choice of timber-framed furniture with a very square and solid appearance works extremely well with square slabs.

Darker Choices

These porcelain slabs are once again from our new Botticino range, but this time in a darker shade, Botticino Taupe, which is a good mid-way point between the paler ivories and greys, or the darker slate or concrete-styles, such as our Ardosia Black Rectified tiles. Trend Watch Tip: Choose a mid-coloured tile to bridge the gap between darker shades of furniture and white fencing or walls.

Planning Ahead

As we’ve noticed through this period of lockdown and a distinct lack of holidays or getting-away opportunities, that outdoor space has become even more precious and appreciated. If you’re thinking of adding a garden building to your new, spruced-up garden, then now is the time to really get your ideas sorted. We’re rather impressed with some of the designs available from Walton’s, such as the Helios Summerhouse. As always, get your ground works sorted first – you can find out more about how to do this in our Outdoor Tile Installation Guide. And naturally, we think that a timber cabin sit very nicely on our Vertige Outdoor Porcelain Slab Tiles, which measure 1200 mm x 400 mm and are designed to replicate engineered hardwood. Available in either Grey or Beige.

Happy Bank Holiday

If your outdoor projects are done and dusted in time for the last (hopefully sunny) Bank Holiday of the year, here’s a little inspiration for your afternoon tea party, using a host of pretty Peony tableware and accessories from designer Sophie Allport. We suggest adding a nice glass of chilled rose too! And, if you haven’t quite finished your exterior tiling project and need a little help and advice then you’ll be pleased to know that we’re here for you – check out our Bank Holiday Opening Hours here.

You might like these posts on the Tile Mountain blog… 

Trend Watch: Blending Indoors & Outdoors

Trend Watch: Glamorous Gardens

Best Outdoor Slab Tiles For Summer