FEATURE: OUTDOOR LIVING


GEORGE CLARKE’S TOP TIPS FOR CREATING SEAMLESS INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING


With garden party season on the horizon, Express Bi-Folding Doors and TV architect George Clarke reveal the design tricks that will transform any home for better summer entertaining.


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s the days get longer and the summer holidays approach, homeowners across the UK are turning their attention to


alfresco dining, garden gatherings and making the most of warmer weather. According to TV architect and home renovation expert George Clarke, now is the perfect time to embrace indoor-outdoor living and there are some simple design upgrades that can make a big difference. Working alongside the team at Express Bi-Folding Doors, George Clarke shares his ultimate summer-ready home tips to help homeowners maximise space, light


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George Clarke’s top tips for indoor-outdoor living...


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Express Bi-Folding Doors is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke aluminium glazing solutions. With over a decade of expertise, the company specialises in premium bi-folding doors, sliding doors, rooflights, windows, and bespoke glass structures that transform homes and commercial spaces alike. Proudly British-made and expertly crafted in their state-of-the-art Leeds facility, Express products combine contemporary design with industry-leading engineering. From concept to completion, the


18 DIY WEEK MAY 2025


Let the light flood in with wide-opening doors. Bi-fold or sliding doors are one of the smartest investments for homes with gardens, patios or balconies. Not only do they allow light to pour


BRITISH-MADE EXPRESS BI-FOLDING DOORS


company offers a complete end- to-end service, helping customers create bright, open-plan living spaces that seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors. Visit www.expressbifolds.co.uk for more details.


into your space, but they also give you that instant connection to the outdoors perfect for spontaneous BBQs or chilled summer evenings with the family.


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Make open-plan work harder. Summer is all about flow from kitchen to living room


to garden. Think about how you can declutter or reconfigure your ground floor to remove blockages between zones. Open-plan layouts naturally lend themselves to entertaining, and clever furniture placement can keep things feeling seamless.


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Pergolas and covered spaces are the new summer essential. A pergola instantly makes a


garden feel like an extension of your home. George has recently shared his love for pergolas, and it’s easy to see why they’re trending. Not only do they add architectural interest to your garden, but they also provide crucial shade and weather protection, meaning your plans don’t need to be cancelled if the British weather turns!


Connect with nature through materials and textures. To really blur the line between indoors and outdoors, George recommends using natural textures like wood, stone and linen throughout your space including furniture, soft furnishings and flooring. Bi-fold and sliding doors with slimline frames and large glass panels help create that uninterrupted, nature-connected aesthetic.


Make your space entertainment-ready. Think ahead for those upcoming bank holidays. From built-in BBQs and outdoor dining tables to modular seating and integrated lighting, now is the time to prep your space for guests. Doors that open right out onto the garden create a fluid party zone that feels both practical and luxurious.


Think multifunctional when it comes to furniture. For both inside and outside


zones, George advises choosing modular furniture that can flex with your needs like stackable chairs, foldaway tables, or indoor-outdoor rugs that blur the boundaries between living spaces. This keeps everything feeling relaxed and guest-friendly.


Bring greenery indoors. You don’t need a huge garden to embrace that indoor-outdoor feel. Houseplants, potted herbs, or even vertical planters can help create a sense of nature flowing through your home. Use matching pots or complementary greenery to visually link your indoor and outdoor spaces, making the transition between zones feel effortless.


Update your lighting for golden hour and beyond. Don’t let the fun stop when the sun goes down. Whether it’s festoon lights in the garden or dimmable wall lighting inside, warm ambient lighting helps carry the mood from day to evening and creates a magical summer setting.


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