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How to take the indoors out

Helen Tither
7/ 7/2008

GARDEN parties are set to be all the rage this summer. And not just at Her Majesty's invitation either. Instead, anything goes from basic barbecues to right royal knees-ups, as outdoors has become the new indoors.

That's according to interior designer Jeremy West, co-owner of Ferrious furniture and design in Manchester. He says the company has seen a boom in orders for chic outdoor furniture over the past few years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

"More and more people are looking at the garden almost as an extra room for their house," he explains. "They are looking more at design and furniture and almost extending their houses outside.

"Gone are the wooden picnic benches of old, in favour of chic designs. The furniture we stock, for instance, people can't believe it can be left outside all year round."

Such is the demand that Jeremy is taking the store's upmarket brand of outdoor furniture, Gandia Blasco, to display at the Tatton Flower show later this month for the company's first exhibit.

Sofas, table and chairs that all look as though they have been designed for inside the home, the white Ibiza-inspired range is already a hit with the well-to-do Cheshire set looking for a taste of the Mediterranean.

"People are willing to spend much more on decorating their gardens now," he explains. "Somewhere like Tatton is great for getting ideas."

Pinpointing bright white furniture as one major trend this summer, Jeremy also says to look out for more fun and funky pieces as people become more playful with their gardens. Ferrious, for example, will be showcasing a tepee, while tropical bright colours are also going to be big news.

But it's not just furniture making a move outdoors - but artwork too, with many of Tatton's best-loved exhibitors selling ornaments, sculptures and statues to brighten up your borders.

And the best bit - unlike the rest of your rooms, the garden doesn't even need hoovering after all your guests have gone home{hellip}