The Templo

Sofas, armchairs, pendant lights, rugs… Suddenly, outdoor kit has got, well, very indoorsy, and we can’t get enough of it. There’s so much lovely stuff around, we’re spoilt for choice. What will give our outdoor spaces the latest looks as well as ticking all our sensible boxes (Is it comfy? Will it last? Will the foxes eat it?). We asked the experts to give us their hot tips for creating a summer garden that’s big on practicality and style…

1. Modular designs

Much in evidence at the cutting-edge Milan Design Fair, modular furniture is the latest smart solution for alfresco entertaining. Made up of multiple parts that can be fitted together in different ways, this is furniture that can be adapted to any size of garden or number of guests. The best examples come in organic shapes and sophisticated colours, like this MASS Outdoor Collection from Spanish design company Gandia Blasco. “It’s designed to welcome spontaneity,” says designer Todd Bracher. We’re all for an impromptu BBQ when the sun shines, even in autumn, so it’s gone straight to the top of our wishlist. 

2. High-performance fabric

Sick of lugging your outdoor cushions inside whenever there’s a spot of rain? Well, sit right back on your wicker recliner; times have changed. “Performance fabrics are really taking off,” says interior expert Amelia Thorpe, “and there’s now a huge range of stylish, weatherproof designs to choose from.” Christopher Farr Cloth has some very smart examples, like this Lapaz Perennials Performance fabric, above, from £155 per metre. We’ve also got our eye on Kirkby Design, which has a new collection of soft and stylish outdoor fabrics made using yarn from waste plastic bottles. Weatherproof and sustainable – it’s a big thumbs-up from us. Both collections are available from Jane Clayton.

3. Outdoor rugs (yes, really)

When IKEA starts doing a range of rugs you can put on your patio, it’s a sure sign that something is up. Responding to the indoor/outdoor trend, designers around the country are creating covetable floor coverings that work just as well outside as in. “We’re seeing more and more people lean into the concept of their garden being a ‘fifth room’, incorporating home comforts that make you and your guests want to linger over an al fresco meal,” says editor of House Beautiful, Torri Mundell. “Outdoor rugs can lend a softness underfoot to decking and patios, as well as bring colour and pattern into your outdoor space.” Again, we’re pleased to see that some of the best are made with recycled materials, such as the handmade Terra 01 rug from Scandinavian company Nordic Knots. Devon-based Weaver Green also has a good selection.

4. Warp and weft

Texture has always been a buzzword in the interiors world but now it’s in overdrive. Design shows around the world have been full of furniture that’s showing off materials with tactility – new-look wicker, woven cane, rope. Lending a warm, hand-crafted look to a modern scheme, the best of these pieces combine comfort with tip-top design credentials. We particularly love the mid-century lines of this Frida lounge chair, crafted by Vincent Sheppard (the company famous for preserving the weaving technique of those curvy-backed Lloyd Loom rattan chairs). Designer looks don’t come cheap, of course. Available from various retailers, including Heal’s.

5. Modern metal

Forget those Victorian frilly cast iron chairs on Granny’s terrace; today’s must-have metal furniture is altogether more streamlined (and won’t do you lasting damage when you heft it around the garden). We’re loving the 60s look and great colours of these Tribeca chairs by Italian brand Pedrali (available from Lagoon). A mix of metal and woven plastic, they’re chic, light and – crucially – comfy. Kartell – another big name in Italian design – is also creating innovative garden furniture with welded wire. We’re coveting their Hiray collection.

 

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