By Cynthia Wihardja
As the sun begins to warm Bath and Somerset, we start spending more time outdoors. Gardens, no longer regarded as separate from the home, are places to relax, entertain and express personal style.
Whether your home is a Georgian townhouse in Bath, a Somerset cottage or a contemporary property, weathered garden pieces can bring character in a way newer items often cannot. Aged stone, worn paint and patinated metal all sit beautifully outdoors, and pieces with visible wear are often the most appealing.
In Bath especially, pairs of urns and planters can look particularly at home. That is no accident. Georgian taste was shaped by a love of symmetry, proportion and carefully framed views, with gardens complimenting the house itself. It is one reason why matching planters, antique stone ornaments and balanced layouts still work so well in Georgian homes.
Changing lifestyles also influence garden decor. With more people now living in smaller homes, smaller garden pieces have become increasingly popular because they add character without overwhelming the space. A well-placed bird bath, sundial or antique stone feature can create a focal point and give even a modest courtyard or compact garden a sense of age and individuality.
I have been collecting smaller, more unique pieces for the shop. As I write this article, I am waiting for a bird bath, a sundial, a vintage planter and some staddle stones to arrive. These are the kinds of items that can quietly transform a garden, adding texture, interest and a sense of history.
We are turning our own 18th century courtyard at the furniture shop into a garden gallery. Come and see it for yourself.
Beau Nash Antiques
Antique Shop in Bath
28 and 31 Brock St, BA1 2
beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; www.antiquesilver.shop
07535137808 @beaunashbath