Architect-led indoor-outdoor spaces are reshaping the way we think about home and garden, and it’s a world away from the humble conservatory of yesteryear. Imagine seamlessly drifting from your cosy lounge out to a lush patio, without a break in the rhythm – this is contemporary living at its most fluid. Philippa Thorp, founder of architecture, interior design and landscape studio Thorp, sums it up perfectly: “The most successful indoor-outdoor spaces are those that feel effortless – where the transition is so seamless you’re not quite sure where the house ends and the garden begins.”
Notting Hill project, Thorp
Making this vision a reality involves cleverly chosen materials and architectural touches that naturally blend the property’s interior and exterior. “We achieve this by working with materials that echo the landscape,” says Philippa, “using large-format sliding doors or floor-to- ceiling glazing to draw the eye outward, and continuing flooring finishes or architectural lines between inside and out.” The goal? Spaces that effortlessly encourage your gaze – and your footsteps – to wander outside.
The Holland Park home pictured right was reimagined by Thorp for a long-time client with a flair for entertaining. The brief was to create a space where the garden would become part of the home’s everyday flow. The result is a beautifully balanced layout where inside blends into out, anchored by an outdoor kitchen, a calming water feature, and considered landscaping that softens the scene.
Neolith Iron Corten
It’s true that today’s savvy homeowners have high expectations – they want style that doesn’t compromise on practicality. Ross Stewart, senior sales manager at Neolith points out: “The allure of outdoor living continues to captivate homeowners who want to make the most of the warmer dry weather when it strikes. Current trends in outdoor living emphasise functionality, aesthetics, and durability. This is driven by a desire for seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for a cohesive and inviting environment throughout the home.”
Achieving this is all about finding materials robust enough to cope with the unpredictable British weather but still elegant enough to give their indoor counterparts a run for their money. Chic, hard-wearing choices like Neolith’s sintered stone are popular – natural minerals are fused under extreme heat and pressure, creating robust, elegant surfaces that thrive both indoors and out. The Espaço Gourmet project shown above and opposite was designed by Laura Bela and Henrique Freneda, and uses Neolith on the island and worktops to create a cohesive outdoor cooking space. With inspiration from COR-TEN steel, Neolith Iron Corten is known for its orangish tones and metal points, giving the sintered stone its natural charm.
London Stone Luxe Interiors
Steve Walley, managing director of London Stone, points to a standout project where clever zoning does all the hard work – turning a garden into something that feels more like a natural extension of the house. “By using clear, delineated areas for entertaining, dining, and relaxation, the project is cohesive and contemporary. The use of differing levels adds to the aesthetic, but also brings a practical feel to the space, with a sunken seating area designed for cosy nights around the fire pit.” That sunken spot (shown opposite), with its laid-back vibe, is made for late-night chats and a bottle of something good.
And this isn’t just a passing trend. As Ross puts it: “Looking to the future, the prevalence of outdoor living in the UK is expected to continue growing, driven by factors such as an increasing focus on wellness, sustainability, and the desire for multifunctional living spaces. As such, outdoor kitchen areas are predicted to become even more popular, serving as extensions of the home where families can gather, entertain, and unwind amidst the beauty of nature.”
With more of us craving space that works harder – and looks better – architect-driven indoor-outdoor spaces are genuinely reshaping our homes, creating sophisticated yet effortless environments that inspire us to embrace life fully – indoors and out.
