English Living
Interiors
Garden Rooms: Bring the outdoors in and create a space you enjoy all year round
By Matthew Currington, Technical Director, The Lighting Superstore
As the weather begins to warm up, many want to take advantage and spend more of their time relaxing outdoors. Backyard decks, barbeque areas and outdoor living spaces are incredibly popular.
In fact, according to Pinterest Trends, searches for backyard living have seen a 40 percent increase over the past year. While outdoor spaces are ideal for beautiful weather – they aren’t practical year-round.
However, creating a space that brings the outdoors in is the perfect solution. Indoor garden rooms have become increasingly popular, with a 100 percent increase in searches on Pinterest in the past year.
Whether you have a conservatory, greenhouse, or garden shed, here are my top tips to bring the outdoors in and create a space to enjoy year-round…
Maximise natural light
Creating a bright, open space is essential for making your room feel as though you’re outdoors. Maximise natural light by staying clear of dark blinds or curtains, to maintain the openness between your outdoor and indoor space.
In autumn and winter, when there are fewer daylight hours maintain a bright atmosphere, opt for recessed lights, which can be dotted around the room to ensure that it still feels bright. Bring in a couple of table lamps to provide a wash of light and bring warmth to the space.
Prioritise insulation and ventilation
Ensure your garden room is well-insulated so you can enjoy it all year round. Insulated walls, roofs, and flooring can help prevent heat loss in winter and keep the room cool in summer.
Incorporate proper ventilation by opening windows or installing a ceiling fan, to regulate airflow and prevent overheating in the summer.
Putting down a large rug is a great way to help insulate your room in winter and provide warmth underfoot.
Blinds are a great way of creating shade in the summer and keeping in warmth in the winter. Choose light-coloured blinds to maintain a bright, airy space.
Bring in greenery
Of course, the benefit of being outdoors is being surrounded by plants and flowers. So, to create a similar serene space indoors, be sure to bring in as much greenery as you can.
Think of durable indoor plants like philodendrons and snake plants which thrive year-round and create a luscious-looking space. Trailing plants like a string of pearls and jade plants are perfect to include on shelves or hooks from the ceiling to add layers of greenery throughout the space.
Choose the right flooring
Choose flooring materials that are durable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor. Options like natural stone or porcelain tile can provide a seamless flow between your home and an adjacent outdoor area.
These hard-wearing materials allow you to enjoy the space all year without worrying about maintenance. They are also able to withstand wet conditions and won’t warp or deteriorate over time.
Invest in durable furniture
Look for comfortable and versatile furniture pieces that can withstand both indoor and outdoor conditions. To make the most of an indoor-outdoor space, opt for durable materials such as rattan, wicker, or aluminium that can be used year-round.
For a room that opens to your garden, choose a furniture layout that creates a natural flow with your outdoor space to create the illusion of a larger, more cohesive space. A nature-inspired colour scheme with shades of green and wood tones will help to bring the outdoors in.
Accessorise with cushions and soft furnishings like rugs and throws to add extra softness to the space. These cosy additions will also be perfect for adding extra warmth in the winter.
Matthew Currington,
Technical Director
Images by Pinterest