|
|
Summer Trends; Bringing the Inside –Out
By Lesley Taylor – Interior Designer, Taylor's Etc
 With such glorious weather already gracing the UK this summer, it’s imperative that you make the most out of your entire home. Of course you will want to adhere to the latest floral trends inside, using vintage rose wall coverings and humming bird motif fabrics, but it’s the garden that will really come into play over the coming months. I can’t think of anything more relaxing than enjoying a candle-lit dinner and a glass of wine on a beautiful patio surrounded by colourful plants and blooming flowers while the sun sets and the stars begin to appear. Alfresco dining should be enjoyed in the comfort of your own garden, throughout the year, not just for the duration of a two week holiday. For an unforgettable summer, spend a little time now preparing and perfecting a comfortable outside area that will play host to fun filled BBQ’s, sangria infused lunches and some all important ‘me time’ that may involve a hammock and an i-pod or a blanket and your favourite summer novel.
Due the unpredictable and sometimes quite unpleasant nature of the British weather, many of us focus our efforts solely on our home’s interior décor whilst, wrongly in my opinion, neglecting the garden. To truly make the most out of your property, you should consider the garden as an equal entity to its interior, paying adequate attention to its design aesthetics and maintenance.
A season’s interior trends need not come to a staggering halt at the back door. In fact I’ve fallen in love with this summer’s inside-outside movement that embraces the flow of colour, pattern and texture from the home into the garden. There’s no escaping the fact that 2009 is all about floral patterns. Taking inspiration from the catwalk, designers such as Stella McCartney and Luella have encouraged the home interiors market to embrace this trend whole heartedly and thankfully it’s worked. From top-end design houses such as Designers Guild and Zoffany to high-street chains and little boutique stores, feminine florals are flourishing to help you bring the spirit of summer into your home this year. But it doesn’t have to end there!
With the addition of a vibrant, floral pattern table cloth designed for outdoor use, you can effortlessly; extend the trend, merge the two separate areas into one open-plan living environment and create a coordinated aesthetic throughout your entire living space. The downside is that you do run the risk of being assigned designated host for garden parties all summer, but with wonderful weather and a glamorously gorgeous garden it’s a small price to pay!.
Although I have suggested that the trend for florals should be fully embraced, it’s wise to avoid ‘flower overload’ so use bright, block colours to break things up a little. Achieve the perfect table setting via the combination of a floral table cloth, striped chairs and luminous tableware. The high street is flooded with reasonably priced dinner sets and many are perfect for virtually any alfresco occasion. For a modern, edge, plastic is an ideal material choice and you won’t have to look further than your local supermarket chain for jugs, tumblers and bowls presented in vibrant block colours such as lime green, deep purple and magenta and at incredibly affordable prices. These simple, in-expensive changes can help you to create a dramatic, en-vogue, outdoor setting that can be enjoyed until the winter dawns.
In addition to florals, a strong Mediterranean influence is becoming apparent. Thousands of us Welsh holiday in France, Italy, Greece and Spain year-on-year and it appears that laid back, rustic style is being replicated in gardens throughout the UK this summer. Unlike many passing trends, this is one that can be integrated with ease, and more importantly; on a small budget. Whilst many of the high street stores can assist with ornate garden furniture, your local gardening centre is sure to sell mosaic or terracotta flower pots that will help bring that simple, relaxed Mediterranean style into your own garden.
 Moroccan influences have also been noted. By fusing elements of African and Mediterranean style, it will help you to create a garden environment that evokes character and that much loved homely feel you generally associate with indoor living.
So if, like me, you weren’t blessed with green fingers and you lack the time to maintain your own tropical Eden flourishing with blossoming flowers, trees and plants, you can revel in the fact that a Mediterranean style oasis can be achieved without having to blow the budget. The smallest of purchases can make a dramatic difference so dust off that BBQ, invest in an eye-wateringly vibrant table cloth and get ready to enjoy that relaxed, Mediterranean lifestyle throughout the summer.
For further interior design related advice, guidance and visual inspiration, go to www.taylorsetc.co.uk.
|
|
