Mind Matters

HOW TO CREATE A COSY OUTDOOR SPACE

Making a beautiful home isn’t only about the inside. We also choose a home from what is on offer outside the door. Never has our outdoor space been under so much pressure to perform. In and out of lockdown, pubs and restaurants opening and closing, working from home, the office, back home again. Friends on Zoom, then at arms’ length, then in our gardens. But whether we have a warm and sunny Summer or a wet and cool one, we can make outdoors work and here’s how to create this and extend the useable footprint of your home. Think about what you will use it for. Whether it’s a large table for dining with loved ones, a sunny spot to relax in or a place to drink your morning coffee and watch the world go by, it’s essential to realise what it is you plan to do there. There are so many things on the market to help us with inclement Northern weather so don’t you worry about that. Patio heaters and fire pits keeping us toasty, retractable patio awnings for shade and protection from the wet stuff, and side awnings for wind. There’s even now outdoor, waterproof rugs because, let’s be honest, if you’ve put out a pretty rug from your bedroom to welcome your friends then indulged in some fizz, that is probably the end of that. Outdoor lights and cushions – they’ve thought of everything for us. My mantra – decide on the look and plan the space. Mood boards!! They’re invaluable, even for outdoors. Measure the area you’d like to use and go for it. Should it look as good in the day as in the evening? Then look for lights and warmth. Are you cosying up on a sofa to read a book or making space for people to mill about? Add mirrors, they’re amazing at creating light and colour outdoors, a colourful rug, cushions, wood and foliage. Lots of potted ferns and eucalyptus in shady areas and gorgeous olive trees, evergreens and colourful flowers in the sun. If you have a small patio or a flat with a balcony you can plan on a smaller scale. Use the walls and balcony to hang planters, mirrors, lights, a wooden mandala carving? For shade there’s lots of artificial greenery online, where sunnier spots can be fun for growing your own chillis or tomatoes. Then dress with cushions, add candles to your just-painted table and voila. You’ll use it well during our long, hot summer (positive energy coming your way).

www.tigermothhome.co.uk Sharon@tigermothhome.co.uk Instagram: @tigermothhomeinteriors Twitter: @TigermothI Facebook: Tigermoth Home