2021 has been the year of the garden, terrace and patio. As a side-effect of the pandemic, with the rise in remote working and safe socialising, we have all fallen head over heels in love with our homes, and as summer approaches, more so with our outdoor spaces.

Creating the perfect garden isn’t all about landscaping, the art of interior design can be successfully applied to gardens, patios and terraces of all sizes. There are many ways to bring your indoors outside, whether you need to create a garden office, an outdoor kitchen, bar or even outdoor living room.

It doesn’t matter what style you prefer, from Moroccan to minimal, there is an exciting and extensive choice of style, colours, furniture, rugs, accessories and lighting widely available. So, there’s no excuse, let your imagination run riot to create your perfect private oasis.

Here are some of the biggest outdoor design trends in 2021

1. Garden Bars

Worldwide Covid safety restrictions have severely limited our ability to meet socially in pubs or bars, so it is no surprise that there has been an increase in the popularity of garden bars. According to furniture supplier made.com in 2020 alone there was a 122% increase in online searches for garden bars.

2. Outdoor rugs and fabrics

In the same survey by made.com, in the UK alone last year there was an enormous increase in outdoor rugs, with searches rising by 325%.  One of the Originals’ favourite brands is “Guell – UV Pro”, their outdoor fabrics are all moisture, dirt and fade resistant which means they are easy to care for and look great for a long time.  We also love these Alaire tailored rugs by KP.

3. Bold colour splash

2021 is all about adding bold colour in decoration, furnishing, accessories and plants. You can really express your personality by adding a splash of colour. Think tropical colours, like this bright ombre blue feature wall, a pastel painted fence or maybe a mural? It doesn’t need to dominate, it could be a privacy screen or the whole perimeter fence, the choice is yours.

4. Water features

There’s nothing quite as relaxing or cooling during the hot Mediterranean summers as the gentle burble of water. Soothing water sounds are also central to the growing interest in the philosophy and the practice of ‘wellness’. All tastes are catered for, from Romanesque fountains and industrial steel structures to smaller wall mounted taps ideal for gardens with limited space.

5. Sustainability / natural materials

Just as the pandemic has made people move away from fast furniture indoors, there is a growing appetite for everything natural, or at least materials that appear to be natural, in outdoor furnishings. Top of the wish list is furniture made from natural wood, rattan or wicker. You can even edge your pool with faux wood-effect tiles!

6. Grow your own greens

With health and self-sufficiency at the forefront of most people’s minds, boosting the immune system is on the top of everyone’s to do list. It’s hardly surprising that vegetables, herbs and fruits are fast becoming a popular way to decorate the garden and get some home-grown goodness.  Plant in natural urns, pots or raised beds to add structure and drama.

7. Indoor / outdoor living rooms

Extending the indoors outside continues to one of the most popular trends of 2021. This is achieved by choosing furnishings and décor that that will flow between both spaces. Choosing furniture and plants that will enhance the connection is the key to getting it right.

If you would like advice about interior design for your indoor or outdoor spaces, contact the Originals Interior team on originals@originalsinteriors.com.