We’re definitely in the midst of summer now, and so what better opportunity than to use the great weather to style up your outdoor spaces. Even if you’re not planning a full-on transformation, it can be a clever move to add a stretch of tiles to an un-loved corner – turning it into an inviting outdoor living space. Of course, outdoor cooking equipment, comfy chairs and a few cushions are welcome additional extras! Here’s some summer style ideas to help you make the most of the warmer weather…
Silver Linings
A large outdoor living space lends itself to using large format tiles; these are our Ohio Outdoor Silver Grey Porcelain Slabs which come in a huge 900mm x 600mm format. This allows the finished look to appear sleeker and more streamlined than using smaller tiles. Keep the look very much on trend (this is Trend Watch, after all!) by pairing with rendered walls, seating and firepit. Manageable greenery can be incorporated using raised beds.
The Dizzy Heights
Is outdoor cooking and barbecuing envy a thing?! Well, it is here, as we bring you news of the new Everhot Grill. The design is based on an Argentinian traditional-style asado grill – the crucial feature being the rise-and-fall handle, allowing cooked items to be raised up to prevent overcooking. And of course, it can be raised and lowered to re-heat or for slow grilling.
The Indoor-Outdoor Trend
Linking the outdoor space to indoors is straightforward if it’s done via the choice of floorcovering for both areas, which blends both areas together visually. It doesn’t have to be acres of pale grey, here the designers have opted for our Nebraska Outdoor Plank Tiles in porcelain, which have a high slip rating of R11. These planks replicate natural wood, but without the slipperiness and upkeep that a real timber deck-patio would entail. Each plank is 20mm thick, a depth which is substantial enough to allow some fine gravel to be incorporated into the design.
Super-Storage
Outdoor entertaining is so much easier if there are a few surfaces around – not just for wine glasses and candles, but let’s face it, for all the accumulated accessories that are needed for the bbq or tapas evenings too. This Malmo Outdoor Storage Cabinet with Shelves (there’s a version with doors, too) from Cox & Cox. The drawers mean that the little accessories can be safely stored throughout the season, and the open shelves are great for glassware and crockery – or just some spare bottles of this or that …
For a Stylish Summer
This is another version of our Nebraska planks; this time it’s Nebraska Oak Outdoor Plank Tiles, which have a rich, warm brown tone. Each plank is porcelain, designed to replicate natural oak. These planks are a great choice for traditional homes, perhaps where a more classic style is required, which is different from the cooler, contemporary look that’s provided by concrete-style tiles and slabs. Team with wooden or bamboo outdoor furniture for a comfortable look. And if you’re looking for info on installation and maintenance, head over to our Help Centre.
Perfect Pizza
For anyone who can be a bit hit-or-miss at barbecuing, the latest outdoor must-have is a pizza oven. Which apparently does take the ‘miss’ element out of garden cooking! This is the Ooni Karu 16 pizza oven, which can be fuelled with charcoal, wood or a gas canister. It cooks pizza very quickly indeed (60 seconds is quoted!), and can also be used for cooking meat and warming breads etc. Available from Dobbies.
A Decorative Choice
Outdoor Living flooring trends also encompass decorative and patterned looks, admirably demonstrated here with our Eire Gris Cobbles Decor Outdoor Tiles. The tiles are porcelain, with a cobbled Basalt design that is suited to patio and terrace spaces as well as paths and steps. There are various designs, so different design effects can be achieved; our advisors can help with any layout queries, contact our specialists via our contact page here.
In the Shade
Stay safe in the sunshine with a colourful parasol; this is the Boho Garden Parasol from Joe Browns
Up the Wall
Structured gardens and outdoor spaces can benefit from tiled walls – think outside the box and consider softly shaded outdoor wall tiles rather than dull fences or plain brick walls! These are Palermo Oxide Slate Effect wall tiles in porcelain with a riven finish replicating natural slate. Just the job for adding an element of colour and texture to your garden design.
Hardblue Light Grey Porcellain Outdoor Slab | Tile Mountain
Plain & Decorative
Our Hardblue Light Grey Porcelain Outdoor Slabs tick both the plain and the decorative boxes. Keep it simple by just adding a decorative touch by including décor slabs to a stepped terrace. Darker shades available too, see the other two shades, Dark Grey and Graphite, here.
Take a Seat
Decorative outdoor cushions are absolutely in vogue at the moment, the more colourful the better – and they also look fabulous as a contrast to plain outdoor upholstered pieces. This is the fun Fabulous Florals Outdoor Floor Cushion from Joe Browns. And yes, take it indoors for the colder months too, to brighten up indoors…
Outdoor Colour
As much as we love the trend for structured, rendered seating areas, we always want to add a few colourful cushions into the scheme. The outdoor designs at BeanBag Bazaar are particularly jolly and affordable! This is the Toucan Print option.
Star Quality
Our Hanoi Star Blue Floor Tiles can bring a touch of Mediterranean style to a small patio or even to a balcony. Plain tiles are available if you want to create a border or rug-style design. For more information and advice, why not visit our How-To video gallery, full of trade tips from our very own TV DIY expert Craig Phillips.
Will you be incorporating any of these stupendous summer syle ideas explored here in your latest renovation project? If so then we’d love to see your photos – hit us up on Twitter tagging @TileMountainUK or on Instagram!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.
