Muddy Stilettos


<p>The era of the giant greige patio may finally be drawing to a close. Don&#8217;t panic – we&#8217;re not suggesting you rip up that expensive porcelain terrace and replace it with a riot of rainbow mosaic. But the smartest gardens of 2026 are finding clever ways to inject colour, texture and personality into outdoor spaces, using tiles in all the places you might not expect. It&#8217;s a trend we&#8217;re seeing firsthand at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/herobrown_muddy/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The House That Muddy Built</a>, our renovation project with <a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claybrook Studio</a>, whose beautifully crafted stone, porcelain and decorative tiles prove that tiles aren&#8217;t just for floors and bathrooms. You&#8217;ll find them in Banbury, Shoreditch, Chelsea, Dulwich and a new showroom&#8217;s opening in Harrogate later this month.</p>



<p>Instead, designers are using them to create standout moments outdoors – from tiled dining tables worthy of a boutique hotel in Mallorca to built-in benches wrapped in glossy olive-green ceramics and courtyard corners that feel straight out of southern Spain (without the Ryanair baggage allowance). The secret is using colour and pattern thoughtfully rather than paving every inch. The result? Gardens with warmth, character and plenty of personality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tiled-bench-seat">The tiled bench seat</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1.png" alt="Claybrook outdoor tiles tiled bench" class="wp-image-140695" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Tile bench <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUS1K5mCFd6/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@five_oh_five_design</a> | Instagram</figcaption></figure>



<p>A built-in bench is already a garden winner. Add handmade-look terracotta, sage green or deep blue tiles, and suddenly you&#8217;ve got a design feature that looks like it belongs in a chic Mediterranean hotel. Glossy <a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk/fellini-pianta-gloss.html#gallery6267" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zellige-style tiles</a> are particularly popular for 2026, bringing texture, colour and a lovely handcrafted feel. Plus, unlike outdoor cushions, they won&#8217;t need rescuing every time the British weather remembers it&#8217;s British.</p>



<p><strong>Plant with:</strong> Soft, airy plants that balance the hard lines of the tiling and help create that relaxed Mediterranean vibe.</p>



<div class="wp-block-create-block-muddy-shopping" data-title-side="right" data-block-type="4"><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/giant-tuscan-olive-tree-olea-europa-mediterranean-olive-tree-xxxl-large-specimen-circa-250-300cm-tall?queryID=fe945c0182e6437efaf8555de8b9f33e&amp;objectID=64471&amp;indexName=magento2_default_products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Olive-tree.jpg" alt="Olive tree 2M"/></div><h6>Olive tree, 200cm – 250cm</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£199.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/lavandula-angustifolia-english-lavender-pack-of-6-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2.jpg" alt="English lavender"/></div><h6>English lavender x 12</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£19.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/nepeta-fasennii-dwarf-cat-mint?queryID=8f9fd0e09fc339f2141640be5565f4cd&amp;objectID=16621&amp;indexName=magento2_default_products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nepeta.jpg" alt="Nepeta"/></div><h6>Nepeta (catmint)</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£8.95</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/p10121-verbena-bonariensis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Verbena-Bonesarius.jpg" alt="Verbena Bonesarius"/></div><h6>Verbena bonariensis, 100cm &#8211; 150cm</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£9.95</p></a></div></div>



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<p><strong>Muddy tip:</strong> Keep the surrounding paving neutral. <a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk/dijon-porcelain-limestone-60x60-2cm-outdoor.html#gallery13574" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warm limestone-effect porcelain</a> allows colourful tiles to become the star of the show.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-outdoor-kitchen-gets-a-glow-up">The outdoor kitchen gets a glow-up</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2.png" alt="Claybrook tiles outdoor kitchen tiles inspiration" class="wp-image-140696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>For years, outdoor kitchens have looked suspiciously like industrial storage units with a barbecue attached. Not anymore. The newest designs are taking their cue from luxury hotels and Mediterranean villas, using colourful tiles (we&#8217;re obsessed with the <a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk/discotheque-divine.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discoteque Divine</a> collection) to transform outdoor kitchens into proper pieces of garden furniture. Think olive-green splashbacks, rich terracotta cabinetry fronts and deep blue tiled islands that feel more &#8220;boutique retreat&#8221; than &#8220;Dad&#8217;s BBQ corner&#8221;. The look works particularly well when paired with natural stone worktops, timber accents and <a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk/harbourstone-southwold-20-2x30-4.html#gallery14854" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm-toned paving</a>, like Harbourstone Southwold.</p>



<p><strong>Plant with:</strong> The sweet spot is a combination that softens the structure and creates a lush backdrop that feels established rather than newly installed.</p>



<div class="wp-block-create-block-muddy-shopping" data-title-side="right" data-block-type="4"><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://tidd.ly/4v26kcI" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-1.jpg" alt="BAY TREE"/></div><h6>Bay tree</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£45</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/agapanthus-africanus-albus/classid.196/sku.RH30001737/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Agapanthus.jpg" alt="Agapanthus"/></div><h6>Agapanthus africanus &#8216;Albus&#8217;</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">From £11.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/p10160-salvia-nemerosa-x-superba-rose-queen-salvia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3.jpg" alt="SALVIA"/></div><h6>Salvia nemerosa x superba Pink</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£7.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/star-jasmin-fragrant-evergreen-trachelospermum-climber" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4.jpg" alt="Star Jasmine"/></div><h6>Star Jasmine, 80cm &#8211; 100cm</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£29.99</p></a></div></div>



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<p><strong>Muddy tip:</strong> A tiled splashback is a great way to embrace colour without committing to an entire outdoor kitchen clad in pattern. Think accent wall rather than a full maximalist makeover.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-med-style-courtyard">The Med-style courtyard</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Body.jpg" alt="Checkerboard patio" class="wp-image-140701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Body.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Body-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Body-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Body-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>Small gardens and courtyards are becoming some of the most exciting spaces to design. Why? Because they&#8217;re the perfect place to be a little bolder. Checkerboard layouts, patterned tiles, decorative borders and colourful feature walls are all making a comeback. The modern version feels much more refined than the busy mosaics of the early 2000s, favouring warm terracotta, creamy limestone shades and faded Mediterranean colours. Check out the Concreta collection</p>



<p>A small courtyard can suddenly feel like an outdoor room – ideal for a morning coffee, an evening aperitif or pretending you&#8217;re in Provence while actually sitting in Buckinghamshire.</p>



<p><strong>Plant it with:</strong> Lots of pots, plenty of greenery and a slightly relaxed, collected-over-time feel. The key is layering. </p>



<div class="wp-block-create-block-muddy-shopping" data-title-side="right" data-block-type="4"><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.thenorfolkolivetreecompany.co.uk/product/multi-stem-olive-tree-218/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-1.jpg" alt="Norfolk Olive Tree Company multi stem olive tree"/></div><h6>Multi-stem olive tree 2.7m</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£950</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.palmandolive.co.uk/product-page/citrus-lemon-trees" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2-2.jpg" alt="Citrus lemon tree"/></div><h6>Citrus lemon tree 150cm</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£299.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/xxl-giant-phoenix-canariensis-canary-island-date-palm-large-patio-palm-trees-approx-180-220cm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Olive-tree-2.jpg" alt="Canary date palm"/></div><h6>Canary Island Date Palm 180cm – 22cm</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£129.97</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/erigeron-karvinskianus/classid.2000013202/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1.jpg" alt="ERIGERON"/></div><h6>Erigeron</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">From £5.24</p></a></div></div>



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<p><strong>Muddy tip:</strong> Courtyards are the perfect place to experiment with pattern. The smaller scale means you can afford to be braver without overwhelming the entire garden.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiled-dining-tables-are-an-unexpected-obsession">Tiled dining tables are an unexpected obsession </h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3.png" alt="CLAYBROOK TILES TILED OUTDOOR DINING TABLE" class="wp-image-140697" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>Forget the standard teak dining set. One of the most stylish garden upgrades for 2026 is a tiled outdoor table. Often built using rendered blockwork or masonry bases topped with colourful tiles, they instantly become a focal point for outdoor entertaining. Mediterranean blues, earthy terracottas and sage greens are particularly popular, while checkerboard and geometric patterns add a playful twist. We&#8217;re loving the <a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk/vintage-vibes-sand.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vintage Vibes tile in Sand</a> from Claybrook for this garden upgrade, paired with </p>



<p>Unlike timber furniture, they age beautifully and require very little maintenance – music to the ears of anyone who&#8217;s spent three bank holiday weekends sanding garden furniture.  </p>



<p><strong>Plant it with:</strong> Softer planting choices create a relaxed, alfresco dining atmosphere and look glorious spilling around the edges of the entertaining space.</p>



<div class="wp-block-create-block-muddy-shopping" data-title-side="right" data-block-type="4"><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/hydrangea-paniculata-limelight" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3-2.jpg" alt="HYDRANGEA LIMELIGHT"/></div><h6>Hygrangea Limelight 1.5m</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£59.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/erigeron-karvinskianus/classid.2000013202/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-1.jpg" alt="ERIGERON"/></div><h6>Erigeron</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">From £5.24</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/dahlia-cafe-au-lait" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dahlia-Cafe-au-Lait.jpg" alt="Dahlia Cafe au Lait"/></div><h6>Dahlia Café au Lait</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£1.99</p></a></div><div class="shopping-item-card"><a href="https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/cosmos-bipinnatus-apricotta" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="product-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-2.jpg" alt="Comos Apricotta"/></div><h6>Cosmos bipinnatus Apricotta</h6><p class="shopping-item-card--brand"></p><p class="shopping-item-card--price">£3.99</p></a></div></div>



<p><strong>Muddy tip:</strong> Keep chairs simple and understated. Let the table do the talking.</p>



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Tiling patio perfection: Why 2026 is all about colourful outdoor tiles

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