Millie Mackintosh has transformed her patio into a Mediterranean-inspired paradise – and we're absolutely loving the blue-sky, summer-ready aesthetic.
With many of us shelving plans for a summer holiday abroad this year, the trend for creating an at-home holiday vibe outdoors is soaring.
Read more: How to create an outdoor cinema in your back garden
Millie and her husband Hugo Taylor teamed up with the experts at Wayfair to create the joyful new space.
She said: 'We moved in a few months ago to a completely empty canvas and focused mainly on interiors at the beginning. With the arrival of summer it was the ideal time to make over the outdoor space and Wayfair had exactly what we were looking for.
'We wanted our patio to feel relaxed and like an extension of our kitchen where we spend most of our time. The Mediterranean feel helps us escape city living, and the lounge seating is perfect for sunny days and entertaining.'
And what was the inspiration for the Mediterranean feel? 'I’ve spent so many special moments on the Greek Islands over the years - the Mediterranean style
accents,wall plates lemon trees and pink Bougainvillea truly transport me to that destination,' says Millie.
'Having a holiday feel at home instantly lifts my mood! I love the waterproof
blue and white rug it transforms the look, brings everything together and gives the area an indoor/outdoor feel to help us maximise on space.'
Along with a rising trend for creating our own feeling of an exotic getaway at home is another trend for growing our own produce in our back gardens or balconies.
Millie says: 'I’ve always wanted my own herb garden but as our outdoor space is quite compact, a traditional floor layout wouldn't have been possible.'
'Having the herbs wall mounted is so handy as I love cooking, especially anything Italian and it also adds so much greenery to the space. Spaghetti Vongole is a favourite in our home. We also love to host themed nights; such as Greek or Spanish so we will need to grow an array of herbs.'
The look also perfectly feeds into the trend for creating a living wall in your outdoor space.
Other interiors styles Millie loves is mixing timeless looks with seasonal style. She says: 'I’m a big fan of modern meets old, with a classic spin. I think it is important to prioritise lots of natural of light and I love beautiful, unique prints and simple monochrome accents peppered throughout the house. You don’t really need a big budget to make a big impact.'
One of her favourite places to sit in the new patio area is the stylish hanging chair, where she'll often sit and feed her daughter Sienna.
Want to get the Millie Mackintosh patio look? Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, has some top tips:
White wonder
White-washed stucco walls create a beautiful backdrop for Millie’s gorgeous Grecian getaway. Reminiscent of serene Santorini, a bright white foundation bounces light while helping to make Millie’s medley of Mediterranean finds really pop.
In the detail
Wall-mounted platesemblazoned with classic Mediterranean detailing are the perfect pick for a wall with authentic interest. Clustered in a trio, each plate reflects the sunshine yellows and cobalt blues that are so typical of a sizzling summer palette from the Greek isles.
Fabulous fauxs
You don’t need to live in the Mediterranean to enjoy the lush loveliness of blossom-laden plants. On Millie’s terrace a zesty faux lemon treeand a flowering bougainvilleaadd sunshine style and a pop of colour, easily and affordably.
Go geo
A bold outdoor rugin a bright blue colourway and quintessential geometric print forms the perfect foundation for Millie’s bold terrace look. The perfect balance of style and structure, it makes a great base piece for a gorgeously Grecian look.
Swing in style
A hanging egg chair in relaxed rattan is the perfect perch for new mum Millie. Featuring plush cushions and gorgeous wicker detailing, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a sundowner and would work double duty as an ideal alfresco nursing chair too.
Related: At home with Lorraine Kelly – where she talks trends and reveals her favourite room in the new house
Sitting pretty
A low sectional sofa is a great pick if you’re looking to flirt with destination style outdoor design. Comfortable yet versatile, it can be styled up with colourful cushions in true Med style or taken down a notch if you prefer a more understated look.
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