GARDEN DESIGNER THERESE ANDERSEN:

Many people think of the garden as something outside the house. But the best outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the home.

Start by looking out – quite literally.

What do you see from the kitchen counter, the sofa, or the window? These are the views that shape your experience of the garden for much of the year.

A well-designed garden is therefore planned as much from the inside out as from the outside in. Sightlines from the rooms you use most, levels that make it easy to step directly outdoors, and materials and colours that are repeated both inside and outside all help create a seamless transition. When the connection is seamless, both the house and the garden feel larger and more cohesive.

Also consider how the garden looks when you are not using it. Plants, structures, and materials should provide visual interest throughout the year, even when viewed from indoors.

Few materials are equally suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Slate is one of them, with surfaces that can be adapted to different applications – from naturally slip-resistant finishes outdoors to more refined and easy-to-clean finishes indoors. This makes it possible to create a cohesive design without adding extra maintenance.