TECHNICAL
INSIDE OUT
OUTSIDE IN
UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DESIGN
A seamless connection
between inside and out
maximises perception of
space and makes for a
harmonious domestic
environment, says interior
designer, Anji Connell
Using a side return: Aedes Studio
38
Pro Landscaper / April 2015
Anji Connell TW.indd 38
The location, setting and your view are all
determinants for both indoor and outdoor
design. A fabulous view (if you are lucky enough
to have one) maximises your interior space by
leading your eye outside, making it feel larger,
lighter and more open.
If you are not lucky enough to have an
exciting urban skyline, rural or sea view, you
need to look at ways to cheat the eye. An ‘eye
catcher’, something placed in the landscape
as a focal point to ‘catch the eye’ can make
a real difference.
Art curator Alison Pickett told me: “I think
the most important factor in the transition from
interior to exterior is to make it as seamless as
possible. The placing of a sculpture draws the
eye through the interior to the landscape. That is
for me what unites and links the two spaces.”
With sea views, you might consider sandy
colours, soothing blues and decoration with a
seaside aesthetic, it does not need to be a full on
seaside representation. For urban views that are
vibrant and bright, consider using more neutrals
in your interiors to bring focus to your fabulous
vistas. Rural views inspire you to invite nature
indoors. If you have a window wall, it is best to
leave the view as unobstructed as possible.
Interior space is visually maximised by an
outdoor vista and light and physically by
sagacious decoration and perhaps extending into
any outside space you may have. Can you utilise
any space from a garden, terrace, or side return
as an outdoor room or open up your space by
adding a balcony; if your outside space is limited
how about a Juliet balcony or a skylight?
If you are looking out to a wall, you can
improve it with planting, a mirror or sculpture,
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18/03/2015 14:00
OPINION
IF YOU ARE LOOKING OUT
TO A WALL YOU CAN IMPROVE IT
WITH PLANTING, A MIRROR OR
SCULPTURE, WATER FEATURE
AND LIGHTING
An Eye Catcher. found on www.deborahsilver.com
Improving the view of a wall, in the
garden of landscape designer Chris
Moss. Photograph by Marcus Harper
End Wall Ideas:
Canny Design Australia
Or something fun...Adagio Outdoor
Swing by Francesco Rota
water feature and lighting. Lighting should not
it is important that they do not jar. “Clients
be over looked in any decorative scheme inside
or out. If your outside space is truly limited,
often underestimate the importance of linking
inside to out. Particularly in the UK where the
clever thinking is required and this is where a
professional can help.
weather isn’t great we spend most of our time
viewing the garden from inside. Planting
around the house anchors the house to the
A HARMONIOUS DESIGN
NEEDS TO HAVE CONTINUITY
IN STYLE AND IN THE COLOURS
YOU USE, LINKING THE INDOOR
AND OUTDOOR AREAS
site, it also allows for it to be seen from inside.
Colours can be linked to the interior scheme,”
You will need to check with your local
council to see if you need planning permission
to extend. Budget will also play its part. A
harmonious design needs to have continuity
in style and in the colours you use, linking the
indoor and outdoor areas. Allowing your
exterior views to guide your colour choice
inside, as well as the ‘look and feel’ of your
home in combination with your functional
needs are all important factors in creating
harmony. Your personality should also shine
through, you must feel comfortable in your
own home.
Matching your inside and outside space
does not need to involve a literal reflection but
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Anji Connell TW.indd 39
said Andrew Duff, RHS show garden judge
and director of the garden design faculty at
Inchbald School of Design.
Award winning Interior Designer Yasmin
Chopin takes this further: “Our physical and
mental wellbeing is dependent on our
environment; what we see, touch, smell and
hear. Each aspect must be considered in
design to create harmony in our home.
Interiors cannot be thought of in isolation and
it is essential to understand a property, for
example, knowledge of its history and how it
sits in context with its neighbours. What lies
beyond, in the visible landscape through the
windows and what we experience as we enter
and leave a property all have a palpable effect
on our expectations, mood and consequently
our relationship with the property. A designer’s
role is to make the experience as enjoyable
and positive as possible.”
Push out balcony
ABOUT ANJI CONNELL
Internationally recognised
Interior Architect and
Landscape Designer Anji
Connell is a detail obsessed Inchbald Graduate, and
has been collaborating with artisans and craftsmen
to create bespoke and unique interiors for a
discerning clientele since 1986. Anji is a stylist,
feature writer and lover of ‘all thing’s art and design’.
www.anjiconnellinteriordesignacid.com
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