Outdoor Garden Rooms

Outdoor garden rooms are just as important as any other room in the French house, with a natural and seamless flow from the house to the garden.

The garden room doesn’t have to be a summerhouse, it can be any sheltered area; a verandah, terrace, pergola, or even under your favorite tree in the garden, as long as the walkway from the house harmoniously flows towards it.

The outdoor area should be just as inviting as any room in the house, as well as being comfortable and practical.

Although one should be surrounded by beautiful objects to be admired, like potted plants, garden structures, furniture and lighting, the focus is more on relaxation and comfort.

Needless to say, french country outdoor furniture is not plastic, but rather furniture made of wood, wicker or wrought iron, with antique cast iron benches and chairs being a firm favorite. Cushions are simple and comfy in checks, stripes or soft florals – no bright neon colors.

Flowerpots are preferably hand thrown terracotta, or wooden containers either tub shaped or straight sided.

Eating outside is given just as much respect as eating indoors, therefore proper linen tablecloths and napkins are used - no plastic tablecloths to be seen on the French Country table! Serving dishes are probably terracotta or wooden. Plates and glasses are simple but true. There could also be white enamel pitchers and coffee pots. To complete the setting are jugs or glass vases of fresh flowers, preferably from the garden, placed on the table.

Lighting, if needed, is both practical and decorative. You will find hurricane lamps of different sizes and heights. Tea lights placed in various glass or punched tin containers are used as background lighting, either on the ground or suspended from above.

• Wrought iron table and chairs either painted a very dark green or soft, pale shades. Doesn’t matter if it is old and a bit rusted
• Best linen for the table
• Comfy squishy cushions in various sizes
• Hammock or day bed with plump cushions
• Lots of candles and lanterns
• Attractive garden structures, like obelisks, birdbath or statue etc.
• Terracotta flower pots or stone urns and jars
• Wrought iron plant racks

• Don’t oil wooden furniture but leave to age gently
• Paint wicker furniture a pale shade of blue, green or gray and leave to weather and fade
• Avoid anything plastic