In France, there are 13 million gardens, plus 7 million balconies and terraces.*
Sophie Ferjani is full of ideas and full of energy to improve our environment. This decoration specialist does not design the interior without the exterior. The furniture of the house has its place in the garden and the terrace is lit like a living room. The essential : durable materials that resist time, the vagaries of the climate but also fashion. For Sophie Ferjani, it is fundamental to design the home as a whole. Think about the orientation of the house, where will it be hot in summer, cool in winter, where will I pass, where will I stand… Articulate the living areas in relation to each other. Sophie Ferjani invites us onto her terrace, in the shade of the parasol, and gives us all her tips for setting up a friendly and pleasant outdoor space.
(*Source: Promojardins association, February 2023)
What do you think is a successful exterior design?
Sophie Ferjani: a successful exterior is first and foremost a place adapted to our ways of living! It’s when we no longer make a difference between outside and inside. To do this, the garden must be designed as a real living space. Our aspirations are the same wherever we are. For example, if you like very bright living rooms, you will want the terrace to be well lit. We will then install street lamps and light garlands and why not motion detectors which illuminate the crossing points. If you like cooking and entertaining, you’ll love a summer kitchen. There are pre-designed modules, very easy to assemble.
As in fashion or interior design, are there any trends to spot and follow?
Sophie Ferjani: Of course ! Luckily, these trends evolve and change less quickly than in fashion. They last more than just one season. But for my part, I encourage everyone to follow their own tastes rather than the trends of the moment.
We imagine that it is easier to set up an outdoor space, that there are fewer constraints than inside…
Sophie Ferjani …And we are wrong! We are not necessarily freer when we touch the garden. If you want to make adjustments – create a terrace, dig a pond, dress the facade – you will need to request authorization from the town hall. Some houses are in classified areas and will even suffer from bans. In general, even if only to paint the shutters, it is necessary to respect the Local Urban Planning Plan (PLU) and to make a declaration of work. And then, as far as the layout of the garden itself is concerned, we must take into account the climate, the nature of the terrain, the environment…
How do you go about imagining the installation of an outdoor space?
Sophie Ferjani: it is fundamental to design the home as a whole. Think about the orientation of the house, where will it be hot in summer, cool in winter, where will I pass, where will I stand… Articulate the living areas in relation to each other. The location of the kitchen in the house can determine where we go to have lunch outside, for example. Sometimes, before thinking about furnishings or accessories, you have to re-imagine the space. Terrace a sloping ground, add a few steps or a low wall… To do this, professional help is a real asset.
And what about the decor choices?
Sophie Ferjani: what matters is having a durable foundation. Durable outdoor furniture of a relatively neutral style allows you to change the decor from one year to the next as you wish. Household linens, cushions, dishes can be changed easily, sometimes just with a few accessories.
For you, what are the three essential elements in a garden?
Sophie Ferjani: First of all, the shade sail. I think about it spontaneously because obviously I live in the South! But when we want to be outside, we hope that there will be sunshine… and therefore, that we will need create shade without losing the benefit of light. The advantage of the sail or a pretty canvas is that they can be stretched between stakes or using the facade of the house, or even by playing with a tree in the garden.
Afterwards, do not neglect lighting. It’s my hobby! Because we also enjoy the terrace and the garden at night. And a guinguette garland even has an effect in broad daylight! There are also more and more models nomadic lamps which can be recharged and which can be carried around as needed. To avoid running out of battery, I always recommend, when carrying out work, to provide exterior electrical outlets…
Finally, I take particular care in choosing the seats, so that they are comfortable and soft. Personally, I like natural materials, rattan, fiber. But you have to pay attention to how these materials age depending on the climate of your region. Rattan can turn gray in the light, metal rust in humidity…
In recent seasons, we have seen the development of treated outdoor textiles, water-repellent and resistant, for cushions or rugs, for example. Good or bad idea ?
Sophie Ferjani: anything that can accessorize and personalize a space is a good idea! Cushions and rugs bring color, style, shapes. But you have to choose them carefully. These new materials are generally solid, treated so as not to rot or mold but they are not always resistant to UV rays from the sun and the moon and the colors sometimes end up fading…
We also find more and more decorative objects designed for living outside.
Sophie Ferjani: It’s true. Vases, candle holders, wall decorations… But let’s not be purists: often what goes inside will also go outside! Don’t hesitate to take things out. In the garden, an armchair, a side table, decorative accessories often add style.
Do you have any tips or good tips for furnishing and accessorizing your garden?
Sophie Ferjani: rather than buying too much for the exterior, dare to take certain items out of the house, exactly. And, for the expensive pieces you dream of, don’t hesitate to make end of season sales. It’s always better to invest in quality. Finding sustainable brands at a reasonable price is possible. Finally, you must not give in to all temptations and avoid impulse purchases that end up irremediably in the cellar, garage or attic!
Exactly, what should you do with all your outdoor furniture during the winter?
Sophie Ferjani: It’s important to winterize it if you want it to last and for the materials to age as well as possible. The ideal is to move everything under cover, in a storage room, a piece of garage… In the absence of dedicated space, there is today tarpaulins of all sizes to cover tables, chairs, armchairs. And then, what a pleasure to bring it all out again in spring!
Discover Sophie Ferjani’s online store: la-selection.fr/
And his interior design firm: la-selection.fr/pages/architecture-interiore