HOME EDITION
ith many more of us utilising our homes for both work and leisure, there’s never been a better time to embrace outdoor living and maximise your garden space. Connecting with nature and carving out a quiet sanctuary to call your own is not only good for your mental health, but also, by planting flowers and trees and gardening sustainably, beneficial for the planet. Regularly tidy and declutter your garden as you would your home. It’s surprising how quickly weeds and debris can build up, even when you don’t use your space that often. Once everything is spick and span, you can then create zones in your garden for dining, relaxing and playing. You will find you’ll use them so much more in the summer months and beyond. Simon Temprell, interior design development manager at Neptune, which has a branch in Harston, Cambridgeshire, explains: “Outdoor living areas for relaxing and dining are now increasingly popular as a way of extending out the interior of your home. Outdoor living is all about your choice of furniture, whether that is weathered teak, wrought iron or wicker, but it is the accessories that bring the scene to life. Use rugs, lamps, cushions and throws to bring a variety of textures, which will create a welcoming space.” He continues: “Treat your outdoor space in exactly the same way you would a room in your home – the only difference is your choice of materials. Use planters as a way of creating ‘walls’ to contain your seating area and, for chillier evenings, a firepit or an outdoor heater would be the perfect way to warm up.” Colourful additions are important for creating cheerful ambience. Terracotta was named ‘garden colour of the year’ in the Garden Media Group’s 2023 report. Bringing to mind sun-baked terraces in Italian and Moroccan courtyards, you can replicate the feel with rustic tiles by The Baked Tile Company, terracotta pots found at Scaramanga and woven throws and scalloped mats at Walton & Co. Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, gives his advice when it comes to using colour in the garden: “Sun-drenched summer isn’t always on the cards here in the UK, but you can bring in your own warm glow with some wonderful California-inspired hues – from the hot-spice shade of Bamboozle,
ON ANOTHER PLANET Neptune’s ethos considers exterior decoration the same as it does interiors
74 JULY 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Powered by FlippingBook