With offices in Wiltshire and London, Sims Hilditch is a trusted and influential interior design studio, offering a fully comprehensive and bespoke interior design and interior architecture service.
So who better to ask for advice when designing an outdoor space in time for Summer garden updates, than Emma Sims-Hilditch? Discover Emma’s top tips on choosing the right stone to create the perfect outdoor extension of your home.
Materials to use on patios/terraces
We like to use durable limestone paving for outdoor patios or terraces as it’s natural aesthetic is extremely versatile, and works equally well in a city or country garden. Our designs are greatly inspired by nature so we often select furniture made from natural materials like wicker and wood. Not only does this sit in harmony with the outdoor surroundings, but it has the ability to withstand a multitude of weather conditions.
How to create a seamless flow from indoor and out
It is important to remember that an outdoor area or garden is an extension of the home, and a simple way to ensure cohesion and flow is to adopt a continuous theme inside and out. This might include the colour scheme, choice of materials and textures for soft furnishings, and even the flooring; for instance, limestone works very well for boot rooms, kitchens and hallways, as well as the patio area. Installing double patio doors that open out onto the terrace or into a garden is another simple way to welcome this space into the home.
Where do you start when planning this space?
A great place to start when designing your outdoor space is to begin by determining the size of the area. For instance, if you have a small terrace at the back of a city townhouse, then you might be have to be a bit creative with your design, but that’s not to say it can’t be beautiful. A lovely way to incorporate some greenery without taking up room is to plant a creeper or wisteria, and have it growing up a wall or trellis. To create the illusion of space, install a mirror behind the creeper. For larger gardens, ascertain how you would like to use the space and create ‘zones’ for sitting, eating, planting and cooking. Outdoor floor tiles can be an excellent way to divide the space.