In Mood Board Ideas

Palm Springs-inspired outdoor furniture for small gardens

Palm Springs-inspired outdoor furniture for small spaces

Oh, sweet summer! Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the Sun on an outdoor sofa or hammock? I bet you agree. But you have to realise two things. First, the weather in Britain is broken. Two, most urban gardens are minuscule.

No need to panic though. Just because your outside space is tiny doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Have you had enough of “bistro” dining sets and tatty beach chairs? I got the solution for you.

Inspired by the finest mid-century modern architecture of Palms Springs. This mood board focuses on outdoor furniture for small spaces. And it’s 100% British weatherproof, too.

The space: small wet gardens

Most of us who live in urban areas are lucky to have a patch of land to call a garden. I blame the Victorians and their narrow terraced houses! Speculative developers built them for the working classes throughout the 19th Century. Their aim was to divide each plot of land into as many houses as possible.

And they succeeded. This resulted in the typical narrow garden you know. Some are square and compact. Others are longer and awkward. Most are exposed to all your neighbours. Yes, you can put a two-metre fence up, but Mrs Evans can still see you from her window.

STYLE TIP: Decorate your garden the same way you would do any other room. Plan the layout around your needs, source suitable furniture and finish it off with accessories.

Let’s not forget weather is an issue here — permanently. Cardiff is, year after year, awarded the honour to be the UK’s rainiest city. And the UK is pretty wet in the summer already. Weatherproof furniture is a must. So it can be left outside all year round without being damaged. If it’s easy to store, even better.

The inspiration: Southern California vibes

Palm Springs is a famous desert resort city in California. Located in the trendy Coachella Valley, not far from where the festival takes place. Despite its modest population — the size of Canterbury — it became a hub for design. Some of the greatest examples of American mid-century modern architecture are here.

Ah, those typical ranch houses, motels and palm tree-filled streets. Most of the original buildings and features have survived the ever-changing trends. The whole place is like a time capsule of 20th-century goodness. Life in Palm Springs is good (at least on the outside).

American mid-century modern is relaxed and informal. Influenced by Brazilian and Scandinavian designers of the time. The organic nature and openness of the style are also brought to the outdoor spaces. Let’s have a look and discover how you can bring the essence of Palm Springs to your garden.

The mood board: Palm Springs-inspired outdoor furniture for small gardens

Palm Springs-inspired outdoor furniture for small spaces - mood board

The ultimate look would be a round Saarinen dining table, Bertoia chairs and a mid-century Sun shade. But we’re talking about £5,500 worth of outdoor furniture… exposed to the British summer. No, thanks.

I’ve selected the following stylish pieces for you. Including classic designs and contemporary touches. And if a seagull poops on them, you won’t be crying your eyes out.

1. Vegetal chairs (Vitra)

Designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Inspired by the organic shapes of trees and plants. Good to know that you can stack up to three. Available in various colours, but “cactus” wins for me.

2. Terrazzo round table (HAY)

Made with a terrazzo base and galvanised powder-coated steel body. This solid table will be the epicentre of outdoor entertaining. A compact and durable piece, with a curious contrast of materials.

3. Recycled cotton rug (Rug Solid)

According to the manufacturer, it’s “made from remnants from the fashion industry. You may even be able to spot tiny details from famous fashion brands if you are lucky.” Anyway, it’s washable!

4. Hardoy Butterfly chair (The Conran Shop)

The splurge piece of the lot. The iconic Argentinian BKF chair. Designed by Jorge Ferrari, Antonio Bonet and Juan Kurchan in the 1930s. The stainless steel frame and acrylic seat cover are waterproof.

5. Indra side table (MADE)

A little side table with massive personality. The geometric tiled top adds a contemporary twist with white marble and concrete. And it’s easy to maintain! Just wipe down and go.

6. Unic blanket 1 (Canett)

You will need a warm cosy blanket when the sun goes down. And if it’s this one from Danish brand Canett even better! It comes in a soft cream colour and it’s made of 100% wool.

7. Linear cushion (Nomess Copenhagen)

This green cushion is made of cotton and polyester. But it has an elegant and delicate feel to it. A refreshing contrast against the metal and plastic furniture. The funny thing is polyester is a plastic.

8. Onega planters (Wayfair)

Add a splash of greenery with a collection of planters in different sizes. The Onega range is made of fibreglass, and that makes the pots frost-proof. The smooth semi-gloss finish is easy to clean too.

9. Fallen fruits fire pit (Wayfair)

And when the blanket is not enough, you can burn a few logs in this fire pit. It’s on the small side (59 cm diameter) and the classic bowl shape was a popular mid-century choice. Made of heavy cast iron.

What do you think?

Are you going for any specific style in your garden? Do you have a favourite piece of outdoor furniture for small spaces? Let me know in the comments below!

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Juan Sandiego

I’m an Interiors & Wellbeing Coach with a passion for design and the science of happiness. I help home renovators create their ideal home and lifestyle so they can live happy and stress-free. Want to try it? Book your free session today.

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14 Comments

  1. Caroline
    7 years ago

    I really like this look, especially the butterfly chair! Perfect for a fresh, modern garden. Our garden is a challenge to say the least, it’s quite a good size but split into four levels on a steep hill ? We’re planning to create a terrace at the top next summer, so this is great inspiration!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Caroline! The butterfly chair is beautiful. If you do a quick Google search you may find original vintage models (which are often cheaper for some reason). Split-level gardens are so charming! Like a giant shelving unit displaying all your favourite plants. Bring on next summer!

      Reply
  2. Meera
    7 years ago

    Gorgeous moodboard! This would make a stunning outdoor space! The butterfly chair with the waterproof cover is a beautiful choice and pairs so nicely with the Vitra chairs. ?

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for popping by, Meera! The Butterfly chair is such an icon. They also have a leather version (but not suitable for outdoors). Simple yet clever design.

      Reply
  3. Heidi
    7 years ago

    Haha the weather round here is definitely ‘broken’!! Fab moodboard – love that recycled rug and the plant pots might have to make their way into my own Victorian slice of Cardiff garden! Great post x

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks, Heidi! Glad you liked it. This is pretty much inspiration for summer 2018 now… ?

      Reply
  4. Hollie (MiaFleur)
    7 years ago

    Palm Springs is the perfect inspo for outdoor living. Regardless of the climate, this look will make you feel like you’re on holiday (almost!). I’ve never been too sold on butterfly chairs for interiors, but it really works in a garden space actually!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Hollie! I see what you mean about butterfly chairs. There’s a limit in terms of cosiness. I love the fact this one is waterproof though.

      Reply
  5. Athina
    7 years ago

    Love all of your choices Juan, I think Palm Spring is like Hollie says, the perfect inspiration. Plus being a London dweller small spaces are a plenty so it’s good to see that we can make a lot out of a small space!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Athina! There’s so much potential even in the smallest gardens/patios. Looking forward to next summer now ?

      Reply
  6. Jenny Kakoudakis
    7 years ago

    I really like the Made table ( and most of their furniture anyway). I have pondered long about copying the look but unless the sun is out I am currently staying indoors. If Only more sun, if only! Nevertheless, we also have a home in Greece so have to send this moodboard over !

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Jenny! I can see the mood board happening in Greece. All white with blue skies. I’ll try to recreate it here next summer (wish me luck!)

      Reply
  7. luxury white bedding
    6 years ago

    Love all of your choices Juan, I think Palm Spring is like Hollie says, the perfect inspiration.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment! There’s definitely going to be more mood boards with Palm Springs inspiration 🙂

      Reply

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