OUTDOOR SPACES in homes have always fascinated me. the more they look like an indoor space the more exciting it gets. Confusing the mind whether “am I really outside?”

This concept really got to me even more during my travels to Bali. The way architecture represents interior space that is just open to the elements. I still remember feeling slightly uncomfortable during my first couple of nights sleeping in a bedroom that virtually had no walls. I became aware of every sound of the leaves and surrounding nocturnal creatures that in my imagination where all out there staring at me through the darkness. In turn, this experience has though me a great deal of a lot on how to bring the external into your home and vice versa.



In Malta we are blessed with some beautiful courtyards that can really facilitate the introduction of an outdoor space right into the center of our homes. Especially in the old townhouses or farmhouses one can benefit from an almost indoor garden by carefully choosing the right plants, garden furniture and integrate clever lighting into the courtyard. When the interior space wraps around the courtyard it can almost act as the feature of the home. A live wall art that can be seen from any angle of the house.

Vertical gardens are another treatment that definitely has my vote. For the green fingered enthusiast these features just look divine. I have introduced this concept in a London apartment that we are presently working on in Mayfair. The lack of outdoor space made me think of introducing it indoors. Contributing in also giving the apartment further height by taking the eye right up to the top of where it begins, down to the ground. Many people tend not to be very practical when it comes to maintaining indoor plants. However these vertical gardens do come with a variety of ‘auto’ care systems that make the maintenance free client stand a chance in getting it right.



Terraces and patios can also be a space that must not be underestimated. The potential of these spaces is unlimited. Given the right amount of coverage and the choice of outdoor furniture, these spaces can practically feel as though you are still indoors. There is such a choice of beautiful outdoor furniture to choose from that do not feel as though its meant to sit outside and take all the elements. And this is exactly the type I gravitate to. Its what contributes in giving your outdoor space the indoor treatment it deserves.

Use a comfortable armchair or sofa that one can get snug into and read a book without having to break your back on an ‘outdoors’ wooden piece of furniture. Give it a more ornate touch by using scatter cushions. Maybe also introduce some hanging outdoor drapes or sheer fabric.

Creating an outdoor kitchen also works wonders on outdoor spaces. We are blessed with good weather all the way up to November. It is almost more beneficial using these spaces right now than in the heavy heat of August. You actually get more use of your outdoor space if its well planned towards the start and end of the summer season.



Outdoor kitchens can be fully equipped with BBQs, pizza ovens, grills, fridge, wash sink and the list goes on. You mention it and it can be incorporated. These can be planned in your garden, terrace, roof garden or any outdoor space that one has to work with.

I also find that the type of flooring chosen is a contributing factor in giving the outdoors an indoors feel. The use of outdoor floor boards that look less than decking give the feel of a parquet flooring that has been extended to the exterior of your home. These may be in a synthetic outdoor materials or else the harder way of using real wood. Keeping in mind that this comes with its down side of maintenance.

Outdoor fireplaces and firepits seal the deal. The concept of having a fireplace outdoors extends the time in which this space may be used. Not to mention the ambiance it creates. The feeling is as though one is in someone’s living room where walls and ceilings are not to be seen. It was once my pride and joy designing an outdoors dining hut that incorporated a ten seater dining table flanked by a sofa and armchairs all huddled around a fireplace. This space ended up being used in the spring and autumn months too. The perfect family gathering space with a feeling of being indoors, but really and truly being outdoors.

About Tanti Interiors
At Tanti Interiors, we offer professional interior design in Malta and overseas and pride ourselves in having worked on some of the most exclusive homes and commercial properties. Backed up by almost twenty years of experience we have built up a name on trust and knowledge on how to get it right.