Every spring, something rather magical happens in the capital. Like solar-powered sheep, we flock to little puddles of sunlight outside even the most disappointing of pubs, gratefully renewing the tradition of after-work drinks and basking in whatever fleeting golden light and seasonal warmth we can find.
Somehow, every pub and bar – no matter its popularity the rest of the year – becomes a haven of street-side conviviality, especially if there’s decent patio space and seating in the mix.
The tradition of city-based sundowners just screams positivity and all things ‘summertime’ – and for some, makes a sweaty midweek commute worth the effort.
But what about enjoying sundowners at home? Now is the ideal time to make the most of whatever outdoor space you have – to elevate gardens, patios, and balconies to their full potential and celebrate the British summer with friends and family.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
Whatever outdoor space you’re blessed with, it really is an extra room for your home – and one that shouldn’t be neglected. It can feel like an overwhelming proposition if you don’t have a green thumb and aren’t sure where to begin. In fact, finding a visceral connection with the adjacent interior is a great place to start when reimagining the space.
Depending on the space you have to play with, you could create an outdoor sitting room, a dining area – even a kitchen – as a seasonal addition to your property.
Creating a harmonious palette of materials and fittings that chimes with your home fosters continuity and expands even the smallest garden.
As Rob Whitaker, creative director at Claybrook, suggests: “When designing outdoor spaces in the city, we’ve always found that using materials that bring durability alongside distinctive decoration is key. They blend harmoniously with brick, plaster and concrete found throughout more urban spaces. They’re also brilliant at coping with the extremes of British weather. Many can be used indoors too, allowing for a seamless indoor–outdoor look no matter the size of the zones – creating visual flow and continuity, even on balconies and terraces.”
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
Outdoor spaces needn’t just be about planting and furniture. With some holistic thinking, it’s possible to craft zones that reflect how you like to relax and entertain: creating levels, adding a variety of seating styles, and introducing unusual features to act as focal points.
The team at award-winning company Cameron crafted a spectacular design for a client in London – a warmly illuminated lounge space for relaxation, connecting to a separate zone with a beautiful outdoor fireplace. The latter serves as a luxurious centrepiece, offering warmth and atmosphere for evening gatherings.
These kinds of courtyards are common in the capital and can often come across as underwhelming. But Cameron not only elegantly maximised the space – it also created distinct areas for multi-functionality, offering a masterclass in modern landscaping for classic period terraces. This is a space for any time of day. As the Cameron team note: “By splitting the space with different flooring and a step – decking and limestone – it feels extended. Statement pots and a mirror above the fireplace add interest and atmosphere, and with lanterns either side, the garden becomes magical at night.”
COLOUR ME HAPPY
I’ve always viewed landscaping design as a game of contrasts – dialling up or down texture and tone in response to aspect, materials, planting, and season. Intentional juxtaposition, or purposeful alignment with materials and colour schemes, creates much richer environments. And if the Moroccan Majorelle blue garden isn’t quite to your taste, there are many other ways to introduce colour and reflect current trends: from permanent touches like accent tiles in bold colours or geometric patterns, to furniture and soft furnishings in vibrant hues set against brick or timber.
And of course, the darkest tones can often be the most effective. Black allows surfaces to recede and provides a contemporary way to delineate zones – acting as a canvas for seating clusters and architectural planters. Kieran Morgan and the team at Found created an extraordinary scheme for a Kensington terrace that did just that: a low-maintenance, high-impact space that maximises natural light and feels ready to host.
It includes a separate area for relaxation: “First-floor terraces are connected and all on the same level, with access from a first-floor bedroom or via a spiral staircase from the courtyard. The material palette complements the colours and textures of the existing London stock brick through the use of ground concrete – with the aggregate expressed – alongside natural oak and hot-rolled steel.”
UNCOMMON SENSE
As with all great design, luxury lies in the details. Appeal to more of the senses: consider discreet outdoor speakers if you’re finally ready to upgrade from the portable one you’ve been carting to the Common for years.
A subtle fountain can help mask city noise and enhance the ambiance – and contrary to popular belief, they don’t all make you want to dash to the bathroom. Opt for more sweeping, sculptural water features if space allows, and lean into the calming effect.
Ultimately, the perfect setting isn’t just about great design or gorgeous seating (though it helps). It’s about connection. An impromptu gathering or a solo sunset toast – the ritual of a sundowner at home is a celebration of pause and presence.
And it’s a damn sight better than the local pub on a Tuesday afternoon.
See more at camerongardens.co.uk; foundassociates.com; casefurniture.com; claybrookstudio.co.uk
