Design Inspiration

Summer Design Trends for Outdoor Spaces

The best design tips for this summer

By Clay Imports

Summer is upon us, and it's the perfect time to make some renovations! This year is all about coming back to nature and reviving retro styles with bold, multifunctional furniture and even bolder color choices. While paint is an obvious choice to add colorful touches, we can also transform any space with the proper tiles. We're here to help you find your next favorite design!

New neutral colors

2024 design trends are moving away from high contrasts and straight lines, embracing more natural lines and shades. Nature-inspired tile styles, with an emphasis on textured tiles and organic colors, are taking the spotlight, especially for outdoor spaces. Beiges, washed-off oranges, and creams are popular choices for both solid-colored and relief tiles.

The key is to complement these natural tones with a contrasting color that is noticeable without taking over the spotlight. Vibrant colors like aquamarine green, ocean blue, and coral take center stage. Inspired by nature, these tones bring energy and freshness to any space. Combined with soft neutrals such as beige or light gray, they create balanced and welcoming environments.

Waterline tiles for a pool

Of course, we cannot have a great summer day without a pool! The design choices and trends can also be transferred to our pools and fountains, taking us away from the classic little aqua tiles in favor of bold designs. The installation of these tiles, however, will need a more delicate approach, so don’t forget to take a look at our guide to these special tiles.

Natural items for an ecological design

Items made of natural clay are the perfect complement to the nature-inspired design trends of 2024 and one of the most essential are planters. Our Oaxaca planters have beautiful earthy tones and unique textures that will harmonize beautifully with your exterior design choices, adding warmth and authenticity to any space. These pieces not only ground the bold colors but also enrich the natural lines and shades available in your space, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

Thanks to our connection with Mexico, we appreciate a summer day in the best chair available. Equipales like ours, made from natural and vegan leather, are an excellent addition to the nature-inspired design trends of 2024. These traditional Mexican chairs offer a blend of rustic charm and modern sustainability, perfectly complementing the earthy tones and textured tiles. Their handcrafted quality and unique style add a touch of authenticity and cultural richness to any space.

Terracotta tiles for a summer renovation

Finally, we cannot talk about tiles without mentioning the ones we have perfectioned. Saltillo tiles are excellent choices for creating stunning exterior spaces and with this return to nature philosophy, they are becoming more popular. With their rich red and orange tones, Saltillo tiles come in a variety of shapes and they are a fantastic handmade piece that celebrates the handmade craft that all natural products are praised for.

Photo Douglas Friedman | MML Hospitality and Bunkhouse Group | Sealed Terracotta Paver

Handmade tiles exhibit natural variations, which are inherent traits of natural materials like Terracotta. These variations in color, texture and sheen are not defects but rather a natural part of the product. We highly recommend ordering samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.

For interior applications, we offer both satin and matte sealed tiles, each providing distinct benefits. Satin sealed tiles have a slight sheen that adds a subtle elegance and makes them easier to clean, as the sealant repels water and stains. Matte sealed tiles offer a more understated, natural look, blending seamlessly with the outdoor environment.

But gloss is the most durable sealer option and our recommended sealer for exterior use. These shiny, polished tiles are stain and water resistant and a popular choice for a rustic, traditional design aesthetic like Spanish Revival. If you want to know more about our pre sealed Saltillo tiles, take a look at our sealer and texture options.

Design North Arrow Studio | Heritage House Project | Photography Jeremy Doddridge

As tile experts, we truly understand the importance of taking good care of your tiles. That's why we recommend taking a look at our Clay Care products. These maintenance items have been carefully tested with our products, and they are designed to preserve your tiles' beauty, ensuring their longevity and durability.

Conclusion

As we see, the design trends of 2024 focus on bringing nature into our homes. Bold, multifunctional furniture, and nature-inspired color palettes play a pivotal role in achieving this aesthetic, as well as the materials they are made of. Tiles, especially terracotta, offer a perfect canvas for this transformation, adding warmth and texture to both indoor and outdoor spaces. By harmonizing these elements, you can create a cohesive, stylish, and nature-inspired home that reflects the trends of 2024.

If you want to know more about 2024 design trends, we have a full scope on this year's interior design and we also have discussed how the color of the year can help you improve your next design. And remember, if you have any questions or require more information, reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com