I picked up soooo many tips from Vanessa Colyer Tay at last week’s Freedom Style Council and I’ve been feeling guilty about them sitting in my notebook not being shared with you all, so I’m back! VCT is the style editor for Inside Out magazine and she shared her insights into the life of an interior stylist (the bit I was more interested in), which I then shared here last week.
Now, I wasn’t expecting to be all that interested in this indoor/outdoor living stuff. No offence but I live in a two-bedroom apartment with a modest balcony which I’ve had dreams (but no inclination) to turn into a cosy nook for summer, be that with a book and cup of tea in the daytime or a glass of wine and my boyfriend in the evenings. But after VCT’s tips I’m a whole new level of inspired! Look out, balcony!
So, here are her top tips for creating outdoor/indoor harmony:
- Make the journey between the two spaces (indoor and outdoor) as seamless as possible.
- Use indoor-like furniture that feels grounded and permanent, outdoors.
- Link colours between inside and outside, through plants, furniture or accessories.
- Decorate indoors with materials reminiscent of outdoor surfaces, like rattan and wood.
- Natural accessories are the little black dress of decorating. They always look good. Even though styles change over the years, they’ll always find a home. (This is so true! IA)
- Be brave with accessories. Move them around. Nature is wild and unpredictable. Your decor can be too!
- Display botanical prints, art or silhouettes of nature. A large statement piece of floral art may be all you require.
- Bring one or two plants inside your doorway for a seamless journey.
- Use mirrors to reflect outdoor spaces.
- Plant greenery outside your window.
- Use no window treatment at all or simple window treatments which are light on the eye.
- Use plants in styled displays. Look out for interesting vessels and mix unusual plants together. (Add a ribbon to a jam jar to make a striking, cheap vase!).
Ready to tackle your own balcony, yard or garden now? It’s not long until you’ll be using it!
The new issue of Inside Out magazine is on news stands today. I’ve had a sneak peek at the cover and it’s all kind of fluro and pastel gorgeous!
