From Garden to Ground Floor: Outdoor-Inspired Tile Ideas
How to bring summer calm indoors with earthy tones and natural textures
When the sun finally shows up, there’s something about being outdoors that makes us want to bottle up the feeling. But why stop at garden furniture and a BBQ? One of the most effective (and lasting) ways to bring the outdoors in is through your flooring and wall finishes—namely, tiles.
This summer, we’re seeing more and more renovators look for ways to connect their interiors with the natural world. And you don’t need a full extension or bi-fold doors to do it. From subtle stone-effect porcelain to wood-look planks that run from hallway to patio, it’s about choosing finishes that flow, feel calm, and work year-round.
So how do you bring the outside in—without stepping too far into rustic or overly themed territory? Let’s walk through a few clever ideas.
1. Choose earthy, nature-led tones
Soft sand, taupe, terracotta and warm grey tiles have a quiet sophistication about them. They echo tones found in nature—without screaming "countryside farmhouse". These shades also reflect light beautifully, making them perfect for bright, open-plan spaces or garden rooms.
Where to use:
Hallways for a welcoming, warm entrance
Kitchens that open onto patios or decks
Bathrooms in need of a calm, spa-like feel
2. Go for texture, not gloss
Nature isn’t shiny. When you want to create that outdoorsy feeling inside, textured finishes will do a lot of heavy lifting. Think subtle stone-effect porcelain, split-face mosaics or honed tiles with a gentle matt finish.
This not only softens the overall look but also makes spaces feel more tactile and grounded. Ideal if you want a break from ultra-slick interiors.
Top pick:
Our sustainably and ethically sourced mother of pearl mosaics in natural tones give that shimmer of sunlight without feeling artificial.
3. Blend indoor and outdoor zones
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, patio or terrace, consider using the same tile style inside and out to extend the feel of your home (look up: Inside Out category in our shop for inspiration). Many of our porcelain ranges come in both indoor and outdoor finishes—meaning you can literally walk out from your kitchen or conservatory onto a matching terrace.
It’s a clever way to make smaller homes feel bigger and blur the line between interior and exterior spaces.
Bonus: Porcelain is durable, low-maintenance and weatherproof. It’s a win-win for British weather.
4. Use tiles to frame outdoor views
Even if you’re in a flat or townhouse, tile choices can draw attention to your windows, balconies or garden views. Light stone or clay-toned tiles help frame the outside world without distracting from it. In darker homes, tiles in soft cream or travertine tones can reflect natural light and lift the whole space.
Final thought…
The best thing about using outdoor-inspired tiles indoors? They’re timeless. While trends come and go, nature is always in style. Whether you’re planning a full ground-floor refurb or just want to update your hallway or utility space, there’s a tile out there that brings a little bit of the outside in.
Feeling inspired?
Browse earthy-toned and stone-effect tiles on www.megatiles.com and start planning your own outdoor-in escape—without even stepping on a plane.
And who knows? The next time you open the back door, your flooring might just do the talking.