How to Style Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor space has become increasingly important over the last year. Gardens, balconies, patios and terraces have become rooms in their own right, upgraded and transformed to accommodate the requirements of everyday living, while the renewed focus on outdoor entertaining has prompted many to rethink the ways they can host friends and family outside.

With this in mind, we thought the time was right to look at how you can really make the most of your outside space - not just from a practical perspective, but an aesthetic one, too.

GETTING STARTED

First up, here are some key things to consider before styling your outside space:

• You don’t have to completely redo your outside area to make a big difference. In fact, just adding in a splash of tiles can create a whole new feel.
• Start to see your outdoor area as an extension of your indoor living space. What do you need it to provide?
• Think about lighting, heating and covered areas. With outdoor gatherings more likely than ever to take place all year round, creating a space for all seasons is a good idea.
• Consider your personal style. All our cement tiles are suitable and robust enough for outdoor use so you don’t need to limit yourself - there are plenty of different looks to choose from and you can be as creative as you like.

HOW TO USE THE SPACE

From complete overhauls to simple cosmetic changes, there are so many ways to really make the most of outside space. Here are a few of our favourites:

Kitchens and Firepits

If you have room then make your outside area truly functional with an outdoor kitchen. Make a design statement with our patterned tiles or go for a single colour for simplicity. Firepits, too, are a fantastic addition, providing warmth as well as a touch of drama.

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[Above, left to right]: Our Pals tiles; Herringbone tiles in Forest Green and Brighton Stone

Courtyards and Seating

Create a sociable space to share with friends and family. Bedeck a wall in tiles to give a courtyard or terraced area a statement backdrop or take tiles from the floor and up along the walls for a more enveloping feel. For a seamless flow between indoors and out, run tiles from the inside to the outside. Add in a living wall or built-in planters to complete your personal oasis.

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Outdoor Showers

Recreate a bit of holiday magic in your own garden with a luxurious tiled outdoor shower. Yes, it’s highly indulgent but if you can, why not?

Our reclaimed tiles make a statement on this City terrace (Image: Chris Snook/Cathy Emmins)

City Gardens

If you want to create the ultimate urban hideaway, be bold and statement led. Don’t be afraid if your space is small - just keep the palette to a minimum and don’t over fill. Play with scale, special pieces and pattern to add a punch of personality.  

INFLUENCES

We like to create timeless spaces so looking at style and designs that have stood the test of time is often our starting point. Sometimes it happens organically and sometimes it’s a conscious design process of reinterpreting hints of the past in a new way. As many of you know, our style is influenced by Spanish and Moroccan design and where better to seek outside inspo?

[Above, left to right]: The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, an interior and garden designer’s haven; our take on the look – the herringbone in Forest Green and Brighton Stone

To evoke the feeling of warmer climes in your garden we suggest going for earthy terracottas which are synonymous with sun-drenched terraces. Mix with luscious green perennials and evergreens in oversized pots for a simple statement look.

Terracotta is pretty much the perfect inside and out tile and fits our raw and simple aesthetic perfectly. We also love it paired with bleached wooden furniture to create a calming, restful space with a back-to-nature feel.

[Above, left to right]: Take design cues from warmer climates [Pinterest pic]; Our handmade terracotta tiles

At the other end of the spectrum, why not go bold and recreate the feel of a secluded bar, inspired by those hidden gems you stumble across on holiday. Create cosy corners and brightly tiled surfaces then have fun with accessories. Think swinging chairs, plenty of oversized cushions and loads of hanging plants - don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. This look is a great way to make the most of smaller spaces, where that ‘secret garden’ feel will really shine through.

[Above, left to right]: The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech [Pinterest pic]; our Artisanal collection

If you’d like to discuss an outdoor project or find out more about using our tiles outside, contact design@bertandmay.com