Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

I don’t want to get too ahead of myself here, what with Britain’s propensity for unpredictable weather, but I think it’s safe to say summer is here. My mind always turns to outdoor spaces at this time of year (check out a couple of past blog posts on this theme here and here) and what’s new in garden design.

Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, and I’ve seen some incredible spaces crop up on my feed. So today, rather than round up the trends like usual, I thought I’d simply provide you with some eye candy. Here we’ve collated a collection of really beautiful outdoor spaces to inspire your next garden renovation project.

• This beautiful patio area is a fantastic example of an outdoor ‘room’. I love the use of traditionally indoor details like the rugs, lamp and wall decoration. You can see more of this beautiful space (including close up details) on the Old Brand New blog.
• The tiled flooring of this courtyard patio is a very striking alternative to timber decking. The blue and white colour scheme is evocative of Mediterranean terraces and I love the metallic accents. All in all this is the kind of space I could happily waste entire days in.
• There’s really no denying the charms of a traditional English country garden with its intentionally overflowing flower borders, perfectly mown lawn and enviable summer house.
• You can do a lot with a little space, including growing your own produce, as this balcony shows. I like the minimalism of this space, it’s functional yet inviting. And being able to look out onto all that greenery must be really refreshing in an urban landscape.
• Who wouldn’t want to lounge on their own private roof terrace complete with designer furniture, stylish fire pit and views over the city? One can only dream…