For a lesson on how to create a charming indoor/outdoor dining area for summer nights, we take you to a small backyard in London’s Crofton Park neighborhood. There food writer Mina Holland and musician Freddie Denham-Webb have created an oasis in the city—complete with an American-style Big Green Egg grill.
What prompted the American barbecue invasion? “We’re on a street of what I figure were quite experimental Victorian houses. Ours is a purpose-built maisonette, and opposite there are cleverly laid-out cottages. It feels like it was a bit of a testing ground for small-space living,” Holland told The Modern House.
Here’s everything you need to get the look:
See more of the house’s interiors on Remodelista.
Exterior & Facade
Dulux has a collection of exterior paints resistant to UV rays and tailored to the surface you plan to paint. For brick, see the range of rainproof Dulux Paint Mixing Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paints.
Farrow & Ball’s exterior paints are available in both eggshell and gloss finishes.
Lighting
Garden Shed
Paint the shed to match the house, as Mina Holland did, to give the garden a cohesive look.
Fence
For more stylish fence panels, see 10 Easy Pieces: Privacy Fence Panels.
Furnishings
The table seats sits comfortably. Says Holland: “We have a lot of friends over, but we tend not to invite more than four at a time, so there’s six of us. That might change in summer because the garden feels like we have an extra room.”
Are you furnishing an outdoor space? See:
- Steal This Look: The Ultimate Summery Outdoor Kitchen
- Steal This Look: A Summery Bellport, NY, Porch, by Elizabeth Roberts
- Two for One: A Courtyard Connects Old and New in a San Francisco Home by Architect Ryan Leidner
N.B.: This story is an update; the original post ran on April 27, 2021, and is reappearing here as part of our Summer from the Archive issue.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the outdoor dining table in the London patio?
The outdoor dining table is from the retailer IKEA.
What type of outdoor seating is used in the London patio?
The outdoor seating is a combination of wooden benches and folding metal chairs.
Where can I purchase the wooden benches and folding metal chairs for my backyard?
The wooden benches and folding metal chairs can be found at various outdoor furniture retailers or online marketplaces.
What type of flooring is used on the London patio?
The flooring on the London patio is made of affordable concrete paving slabs.
Where can I buy concrete paving slabs for my outdoor space?
Concrete paving slabs can be purchased at local home improvement stores or online retailers that specialize in outdoor materials.
What kind of outdoor lighting is installed in the London patio?
The outdoor lighting in the London patio consists of simple string lights.
Where can I find similar string lights for my backyard?
You can find string lights at home goods stores, hardware stores, or online retailers that sell outdoor lighting.
How can I create a similar greenery wall like the one featured in the London patio?
To create a greenery wall, you can use a combination of potted plants, trellises, and wall-mounted plant holders.
Where can I purchase the plant holders and trellises for my greenery wall?
Plant holders and trellises can be found at garden centers, home improvement stores, or online retailers specializing in gardening supplies.
Can I recreate this budget backyard dining patio in a different location?
Yes, you can recreate this patio design in any location by sourcing similar furniture and decor items that fit your budget and available space.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation