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July 23, 2021 —

5 tips for styling your garden or outside space

Stylist and author Selina Lake shares her five top tips for styling your outside space, no matter the size
Selina Lake
Stylist and Author,
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Our gardens and outdoor spaces became even more important to us all during the pandemic, and whether you simply enjoyed sitting on your balcony, or got fully stuck into growing your own or transforming the space, I’m sure, like so many, you’ve found it a lifesaver in those times of anxiety and stress.

If that time outdoors has got you itching to give your garden a style makeover, then we’ve got five expert tips from stylist and author Selina Lake on how to get to grips with outdoor styling. Selina hosted a full 90 minute online workshop for us on the topic recently, and if you’d like to dive deeper into it, you can still catch the replay here.

Photo: Rachel Whiting (from Garden Style by Selina Lake, published by Ryland, Peters & Small)
Photo: Rachel Whiting (from Garden Style by Selina Lake, published by Ryland, Peters & Small)

TIP 1: ASSESS YOUR SPACE

Take a look at what you already have – could you reuse or recycle any items you have lying around? Look inside too, do you have anything languishing in your loft that could be repurposed as a planter for example? Use what your unique space has to offer as your styling starting point.

Photo: Sussie Bell, Styling: Selina Lake for Alitex
Photo: Sussie Bell, Styling: Selina Lake for Alitex

TIP 2: Think about THE colours and trends you like

Before you get started, have a really good think about what colours, styles and trends really appeal to you. Look online for inspiration or visit public gardens for real life ideas. You could even consider creating a ‘styling’ concept’ to guide you. (If you’d like to know about styling concepts, check out Selina’s other Creative Session here.)

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Photo: Rachel Whiting (from Garden Style by Selina Lake, published by Ryland, Peters & Small)

TIP 3: WORK WITH THE SEASONS

Use the seasons as a guide, and take inspiration from what is blooming your garden right now. Whether that is cottage garden roses, structural ferns, or wildlife friendly wildflowers, the natural elements of the space can inspire styling elements you might like to introduce. Try to think ahead to how different areas might look at different times of the year too.

Photo: Rachel Whiting (from Garden Style by Selina Lake, published by Ryland, Peters & Small)
Photo: Rachel Whiting (from Garden Style by Selina Lake, published by Ryland, Peters & Small)

TIP 4: TIDY UP FIRST!

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want to do, make sure to clear and tidy away an unsightly items. You’ll find it much easier to style your space without clutter interrupting your creativity!

Photo: Sussie Bell, Styling: Selina Lake for Alitex
Photo: Sussie Bell, Styling: Selina Lake for Alitex

TIP 5: PLACE LARGER ITEMS FIRST

If you are creating a ‘garden room’ area in your outside space, start with the largest items first such as sofas, chairs and tables, then place accessories, before adding your styling finishing touches.

Selina shares LOADS more inspiration and advice for creating a beautiful outside space in our Creative Session – HOW TO STYLE YOUR GARDEN OR OUTSIDE SPACE, so why not go check out the full workshop?

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