7 tips for balconies, terraces and gardens
Summer is just around the corner – it's high time to transform your outdoor space into a wellness oasis. Whether you have a spacious garden, a cozy patio, or a small city balcony: With the right design ideas, you can create an outdoor living concept that combines tranquility, style, and individuality.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of short-term interior design trends. While they can provide inspiration, they should never be the sole basis for choosing furniture and colors. Instead, it's worth looking at tried-and-tested design principles and materials that will provide long-term enjoyment. Here are my 7 best tips for designing your outdoor space – timeless, functional, and stylish.
1. Light natural tones as a calm base
Opt for soft colors like sand, beige, or off-white. These tones exude calm, appear timeless, and provide the perfect foundation for colorful accents. A harmonious overall effect is created, especially when combined with wood, metal, or stone.
These colors are particularly popular in the Japandi style, which combines Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese naturalness, as well as in the Mediterranean style, which stands for warmth and serenity.
2. Accent colors for vibrant highlights
Neutral tones like beige combine beautifully with bolder colors like anthracite, dark blue, or black for depth and elegance. Those looking for a bolder design can opt for color accents like coral or red. These colors bring energy and vibrancy to the outdoor space and harmonize beautifully with lush green.
Ideal for accessories like cushions, planters, or outdoor textiles – and perfect for anyone who loves the boho or Mediterranean garden style.
3. Wood – naturalness with character
Wooden furniture is a classic in the outdoor sector. Whether rustic or modern, wood exudes warmth, quality, and authenticity. Teak is particularly durable and elegant, characterized by its resilience and beautiful patina. When using teak, make sure it comes from certified plantations. This ensures the responsible use of this natural material.
Wood is essential in the Alpine-rustic and Scandinavian outdoor style and always conveys closeness to nature and regionality.
4. Organic shapes for the modern retro look
Rounded furniture, kidney-shaped tables, or outdoor rugs with curved lines add movement. These organic shapes break up the rigidity of straight lines and lend your outdoor space a cozy, inviting feel.
5. Wicker furniture – classic meets modern
Whether made of natural materials, synthetic fibers, or woven textiles, wicker furniture is making a comeback. Today's designs appear lighter, more transparent, and, thanks to high-quality materials, are weatherproof and easy to maintain.
Especially beautiful when combined with wood or aluminum—a real eye-catcher in alpine, Mediterranean, or modern outdoor styles.
6. Compact solutions for urban outdoor spaces
Small balconies and urban gardens require clever solutions. Multifunctional furniture such as stackable chairs, folding tables, or modular benches offer flexibility and save space.
They turn even the smallest balcony into a stylish retreat – ideal for anyone who lives in the city and wants to enjoy the summer outdoors.
"Outdoor living means combining sustainability and design. Each piece should not only be functional but also tell a story that fits the customer's individual outdoor space."
7. Outdoor upholstered furniture – living room feeling outdoors
Long gone are the days of uncomfortable garden chairs: Weather-resistant outdoor sofas and lounge furniture bring a true living room feel outdoors. Modern upholstery fabrics are UV-resistant, water-repellent, and comfortable to sit on.
This way, you can enjoy your evenings relaxing outdoors – in style and comfort.
Outdoor living means much more than just setting up a few garden furniture pieces. It's about a well-thought-out concept that transforms the outdoor area into a true living space – individual, sustainable, and with attention to detail.
If you would like professional support in planning and implementation: I would be happy to accompany you on the way to your personal outdoor dream – no matter whether it is a balcony, terrace or garden.
