Three stylish schemes for small outdoor spaces

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A small outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy alfresco living, and with a bit of thought it’s possible to turn even the tiniest of gardens into something beautiful and usable.

To give you some inspiration, I’ve teamed up with independent design retailer Nest.co.uk to put together three looks using pieces from its extensive outdoor collection. All cover seating, lighting and accessories and contain clever solutions that will help you make the most of whatever plot you’ve got – even if you only have a postage-stamp-sized patio or a narrow balcony to play with. I’ve also included options for different styles and budgets, together with tips on how to complete each scheme through planting.

So, if you’re restricted on space but don’t want to be restricted on style, just read on for ideas…

Timeless simplicity

My first look is all about understated elegance, combining simple shapes with classic teak furniture that transcends fleeting trends. This is a scheme that will work in any kind of outdoor space, from city terraces to small country plots, and you can invest in the pieces safe in the knowledge that they’re not going to date. Neutral beige accessories keep things calm and versatile, but I’ve also mixed in subtle coppery tones for warmth and patina. And if you don’t have the space or time for much planting, then don’t worry – some textural grasses are all you need to finish things off beautifully. Fountaingrass and Mexican Feather Grass are great low-maintenance options that grow in most types of soil and suit containers and borders alike.

1. Louis Poulsen ‘Bysted’ outdoor floor lamps in ‘Corten’, £480- £510 each depending on height
2. Normann Copenhagen ‘Geo’ vacuum jug, £70
3. Menu x Pallares garden tool set, £220
4. Skagerak by Fritz Hansen ‘No.10’ trays, £82-£108 per tray or £287 for a set of three
5. Menu ‘Hydrous’ watering can, £100
6. &Tradition ‘AP10 Untitled’ throw in light beige, £120
7. Muuto ‘Raise’ carafe in clear glass, £45
8. Muuto ‘Raise’ glasses in clear glass, £25-£31 for a set of two depending on size
9. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘AH902′ square outdoor table, £1,020
10. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘AH501’ outdoor dining chairs, £484 each with cushions or £382 without
11. Skagerak by Fritz Hansen ‘Edge’ salad servers, £49
12. Skagerak by Fritz Hansen ‘Cutter’ outdoor bench / table, £871
13. Carl Hansen & Søn ‘AH603’ outdoor deck chairs, £668 each with cushions or £510 without
14. &Tradition ‘SC53 Como’ portable lamp in ‘Bronzed’, £144
15. &Tradtion ‘Collect’ planters in ‘Milk’, £14-£35 each depending on size

Urban monochrome

If you want a contemporary and minimalist outdoor space, then this second look is for you. With a monochrome colour scheme, clean lines and industrial materials such as powder-coated aluminium, concrete and terrazzo, it’s perfect for city balconies and other urban settings. I also think it works brilliantly against sleek black cladding or fencing. The small bistro table enables alfresco dining without taking up much room, and the chairs can all be used indoors and out. Soften things with lush green planting, or take inspiration from Japanese Zen gardens with a sculptural Acer tree or some rustling bamboo.

1. Ferm Living plant box in black, £225
2. HAY ‘Hee’ dining chairs in white, £167 each
3. HAY ‘Terrazzo’ square table in ‘Anthracite / Grey’, £365
4. Vitra ‘Metal’ outdoor side table in ‘Soft Light’, £595-£675 depending on size
5. Menu ‘Ray’ portable lamp in black, £240
6. HAY plant pots with saucers in white, £25-£65 each depending on size
7. &Tradition ‘Collect’ linen cushion in ‘Cloud’, £24-£63 depending on size
8. Menu ‘WM String’ lounge chair in black, £300
9. Flos ‘Captain Flint’ outdoor floor lamp in black, £1,815
10. Flos ‘Camouflage’ outdoor wall light in black, £280-£380 depending on size
11. Ferm Living ‘Ripple’ carafe in clear glass, £39
12. Ferm Living ‘Ripple’ glasses in clear glass, £45 for a set of four
13. 101 Copenhagen ‘Arket’ plant pot, £52-£536 depending on size

SUN-BAKED EScapISM

Inspired by the earthy, sandy hues of the Balearic Islands, southern Italy and North Africa, my final scheme is aimed at those who want to recreate sun-drenched Mediterranean holidays and desert escapes. It’s ideal for spaces with lots of stone, and it makes a great option for high-walled courtyards and paved areas. Outdoor textiles and organic curves soften hard surfaces, and the cushions, hammock and seats are woven from yarn made with recycled plastic bottles. What’s more, the hammock simply clips onto wall hooks and can be packed away when not in use, while the stool folds down for easy storage. Just add a few potted olive trees or palms to complete the look.

1. Ferm Living ‘Path’ hammock, £209
2. Menu ‘Carrie’ portable lamp in bronzed brass and leather, £210
3. Nanimarquina ‘Tres’ outdoor rug in ‘Stripes Black’, £1,407-£4,145 depending on size 
4. Vitra cork bowls, £139-£419 each depending on size
5. Ferm Living ‘Desert’ stool with black base and ‘Soil’ seat, £57
6. Ferm Living ‘Desert’ outdoor cushions in ‘Sand’ and ‘Sugar Kelp’, £49 each
7. Ferm Living ‘Liba’ watering can in ‘Cashmere’, £49
8. Ferm Living ‘Flow’ jug in ‘Off-White Speckle’, £55
9. Menu ‘Daiza’ planters, £260-£300 each depending on size
10. Ferm Living ‘Desert’ outdoor lounge chair with black base and ‘Sand’ seat, £191
11. Ferm Living ‘Hourglass’ planter in black, £125-£325 depending on size
12. Menu ‘Balcony’ serving tray, £100
13. HAY ‘Tavern’ glasses, £66 for a set of six
14. Marset ‘Jaima’ outdoor pendant light in beige, £769-£1,033 depending on size

See Nest.co.uk’s full range of outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories here.

Mood boards by Abi Dare; photography via Nest.co.uk. All prices correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change