Blurring the Boundaries | The Rise of Indoor-Outdoor Living in Luxury Design
Once a hallmark of sunny climates like California or the Côte d’Azur, the indoor-outdoor living movement is now going global—and designers in the UK are taking note.
From Mayfair rooftops to countryside orangery conversions, homeowners and hoteliers alike are embracing a new design ethos: seamless living. It’s no longer about where one space ends and another begins. It’s about flow, connection, and sensory experience—indoors and out.
At Valley & Laurel, we curate American luxury furniture collections that defy the traditional boundaries of space. Brands like PALECEK and Baker McGuire are leading the charge with materials and silhouettes that speak the same language—whether they’re bathed in sunlight or candlelight.
Why Indoor-Outdoor Living Is Taking Off
UK clients are increasingly prioritising liveable luxury—spaces that feel expansive, fresh, and aligned with nature. Advances in architecture (like sliding glass walls, garden rooms, and covered patios) are making it easier than ever to merge interior and exterior zones.
But it’s more than just a structural shift. It’s a lifestyle evolution:
Wellness and biophilic design are shaping how we furnish our homes
Texture-rich, natural materials like rattan, cane, and solid teak offer continuity between environments
Luxury clients want one aesthetic vision, not two separate schemes
“Designing a house with two moods—one for the garden, one for the lounge—feels outdated,” notes designer Henry Prideaux. “The most elegant homes feel connected from the inside out.”
Materials That Move Seamlessly Between Worlds
Historically, indoor and outdoor furniture came with clear distinctions. Outdoor meant weatherproof, wipe-clean, and often lacking soul. Today? Those boundaries are beautifully blurred.
Rattan & Cane
Long loved for patios and pool houses, rattan is now everywhere. In 2025, designers are placing rattan lounge chairs, woven console tables, and cane-fronted nightstands into living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways—embracing their natural charm and visual softness.
Inspiration: Albion Lounge Chair, Trinity Cocktail Table – both by McGuire
Stone & Bronze
Honed stone surfaces like Honey Onyx and bronze frames add structure and elegance that read as refined indoors and resilient outdoors. These tactile finishes pair beautifully with soft linens and moody woods.
Inspiration: Calypso Side Table by Barbara Barry for Baker
Solid Woods with Natural Grains
American brands like PALECEK elevate oak and walnut into pieces that feel warm and grounding, whether paired with an interior plaster wall or set against a terrace garden.
Inspiration: Cinch Dining Table, Clean Line End Table
How to Style Indoor-Outdoor with Intention
Our partner designers who have mastered this art typically consider the following:
Anchor both zones with repeated textures or tones—for example, use cane or bronze in both the conservatory and kitchen.
Choose adaptable silhouettes: low-profile lounge chairs, round dining tables, and modular consoles feel just as natural outdoors.
Layer with organic fabrics (linen, bouclé, or textured weaves) to soften natural materials.
“Think of the entire home as one canvas,” says designer Charu Gandhi. “The goal is cohesion—not coordination.”
Ready to Bring American Luxury Into Your Design Projects?
As the exclusive UK home of luxury iconic American brands, Valley and Laurel bridges continents for your convenience. Contact us via email on info@valleyandlaurel.com or open a trade account today.