Spring is in the air, which means entertaining season.
And as the warm weather approaches, styling experts at furniture store Temple & Webster have noticed one thing: the rise of ‘Connected Spaces’.
This essential idea and design approach blurs the aesthetic boundary between indoors and outdoors, so that your home feels like one continuous space.
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Rather than having specifically “indoor” and “outdoor” items, shoppers are looking for furniture that can be adapted into various different parts of the house.
So how does this manifest in terms of what shoppers are actually buying?
Temple & Webster data shows searches for large outdoor rugs (+104 per cent) and outdoor couches (+72 per cent) are surging.
Director of Insights and Trends at Temple & Webster Lucy Sutherland tells Best Picks:
“Connected spaces are all about visual continuity between the indoors and out, whether that is through colour, materials or style.
“Outdoor furniture is no longer just about function and durability, and indoor furniture is no longer confined to aesthetics.
“We’re now seeing versatile pieces that look beautiful, withstand the elements, and move easily between indoor and outdoor zones, making compact homes feel expansive and perfect for entertaining.”
Lucy sites one of the main reasons why this trend is taking off is because smaller homes, apartments and compact urban living is on the rise — so people have to make the most of their space.
“Smaller homes have sparked the need for connected spaces,” she says.
“But our growing appreciation for the outdoors and our need to socialise and relax at home has made connected living a mainstream trend, not just a luxury.”
So what are the biggest sellers at Temple & Webster in this category?
Right now, it’s all about Outdoor Festoon Lights ($99.99).
Lucy says they offer an “effortless way to set the mood, turning backyards, courtyards or balconies into exciting extensions of the home”.
Others are loving the ultra-stylish Seaforth Sun Lounger ($749), which is perfect for indoor/outdoor living.
Or even the three-seater Piper Outdoor Sofa ($1,499) — which would look as stunning in the house as it does outside.
The Palmira Outdoor Dining Table ($999) is the piece I have my eye on.
The pill-shaped dining table features a ceramic top that offers an attractive marble pattern with the benefits of durability, scratch resistance, and effortless upkeep without the drawbacks of real marble.
To shop from Temple & Webster, head here now.
Lucy Sutherland’s top tips for making the most of your home
- Keep it seamless: Stick to similar-toned colours across furniture and decor to keep it seamless and visually connect zones.
- Layer from the ground up: Outdoor rugs in tones similar to the indoor floor colour add warmth and continuity.
- Repeat accents: Use the same accent colours or patterns in both spaces for continuous flow.
- Maximise flow: Ensure large pieces don’t block movement between indoors and outdoors.
- Add greenery and light: Plants and layered lighting extend the living space and set the mood for entertaining.
