3 design expert tips for preparing your backyard for spring

Spring is upon us and with it comes the joyous prospect of outdoor entertaining. Whether you are looking to overhaul your backyard ideas completely, or to make a few seasonal tweaks in preparation, these are some of the things that you should consider.

Interior Designer

Interior Designer

Emma Sims-Hilditch

Founded in 2009, the Sims Hilditch design practice has become one of the most trusted and respected in the industry. Its couture approach combines interior architecture, interior design and procurement management within one concept-to-completion, fully bespoke service. Creative Founder, Emma Sims-Hilditch is passionate about her belief that good design can transform not only how people live but also how they feel. By creating characterful, beautiful and intelligent interiors, Emma and the Sims Hilditch team empowers clients to radically improve the quality of their lives.

1. Make the most of space

First, consider the size of the backyard you are working with. A small urban patio will require a different approach to a manor house on a vast estate. 

A smaller backyard can look very smart and clean when paved in a limestone tile. 

Incorporate some much needed greenery in the form of topiary or a creeping plant climbing up trellis. A clever way to create the illusion of space here is to install a mirror behind the trellis. 

For larger gardens, we recommend creating zones for sitting, eating, planting and cooking. Outdoor floor tiles or raised garden beds can work well to help divide the space.

2. Improve the indoor-outdoor flow

The garden should be considered as part of the home and design decisions made with this in mind result in an outdoor area that flows seamlessly into the interior. 

Crittall or bi-folding doors are an excellent way to remove the barrier between these spaces, allowing an abundance of nature and spring daylight into the home.

Choose your outdoor furniture and finishes based on the colors and textures used for your interior. For instance, the limestone tiles used on the patio might flow into the adjoining kitchen or mudroom, creating a feeling of continuity and connection.

3. Pick pretty furniture that lasts

When entertaining guests in the garden, a good dining set up is essential. Unless you want to be updating your outdoor furniture every few years, we recommend opting for a timeless design made of natural materials. A solid timber table with rattan chairs works well for a city or country garden, large or small. 

Inject some fun into the design with colored and patterned seat cushions and throws, and update these in keeping with the theme of your interior as it evolves. For spring it might be soft yellows, pinks and greens.