One of the pleasures of long summer days is being able to entertain friends in the garden. For a seamless transition from indoors to out choose a toning colour scheme for a harmonious feel

Take inspiration from the colours of the room leading to the garden, choosing furniture and accessories in complementary shades for your outdoor entertaining space. Slate grey provides a muted backdrop for a fresh palette of turquoise and white, while tall narrow vases filled with a few single stems create a striking table decoration. Set up an alfresco kitchen where food can be prepared within easy reach of the table. Use exterior paint to match pieces, such as tables and chairs, so they work well with the rest of the scheme. To give a small garden a greater sense of space, add mirrored panels to reflect natural light and make the area feel larger.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
• Create a sheltered patio or decking area, using an awning and parasols.
• Choose accessories and soft furnishings in colours that reflect those used in the room that leads outside. Fabrics suitable for outdoors are ideal for awnings, seat covers and cushions.
• If space permits, create a mini kitchen area outside with a simple console table for food preparation

Groland kitchen island, Ikea. Nexus garden table, Luna garden chairs, all Gloster. Seatpads in Jake Stripe 800-19 Cool Pool; Jake Stripe 800-15; both acrylic outdoor fabric, 137 cm wide, Perennials at Robert Spurway, (020) 7351 6888. Weber compact barbecue, John Lewis. Tall white vases, turquoise vases, love bowls, all Designers Guild. Filigree wall lanterns, Porta Romana. Melon glass lights (hanging), RK Alliston. Brompton lanterns, John Lewis.

STYLING MIRANDA WATCHORN
PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS EVERARD
JULY 2006