'Interior landscape design' – blending home & garden

Commentary by Marianne Tiegen, Marien Tiegen Interiors

For Marianne Tiegen, interiors and gardens are never separate. 

Her work is rooted in what could be described as 'interior landscape design', where the home and its outdoor environment are conceived as one continuous, living space. 

Her design journey began not with interiors, but with floristry and gardens:

Antique planters, natural fabrics, and bespoke furniture are used outdoors with the same level of care as interiors, while plants and seasonal elements are brought inside to reinforce this connection.

How spaces are lived in

And this philosophy extends to how spaces are lived in.

Terraces and gardens are designed as outdoor rooms, fully furnished and styled, where daily life can unfold naturally.

At the same time, interiors are softened by nature through textiles, light, and organic materials. 

In a time when boundaries between living, working, and resting are evolving, Marianne Tiegen’s work reflects a broader shift toward homes that are more fluid, grounded, and deeply connected to their environment.

The designer outlines the key principles you follow to create a truly seamless transition between these spaces:

A central principle is that the home and garden are never treated as separate entities, but as part of the same living landscape. 

This approach begins from the earliest stages of a project, where mood boards for interiors always include plants and outdoor references to ensure continuity between spaces. 

Consistency is reinforced through materials, colours, and objects that appear both inside and outside, such as terracotta pots, seasonal plant arrangements, or naturally dyed textiles. 

Fabric also plays a key role, with plant-dyed upholstery and natural materials helping to extend the presence of nature into interiors. 

Rather than relying on a single project example, this integration is embedded in the overall methodology, where every space is designed to feel like an extension of its surrounding environment, creating a seamless and intuitive transition between indoors and outdoors.

Emerging trends

Marianne Tiegen outlines some emerging trends or shifts in how people utilise and perceive their outdoor environments:

Outdoor spaces are now approached with the same level of care and intention as interiors. 

Rather than being secondary or purely functional, they are curated environments where furniture, materials, and styling are thoughtfully considered. 

There is also a growing emphasis on creating outdoor areas that feel ready for everyday living, such as dining spaces designed for spontaneous use, with seasonal arrangements and table settings that reflect the surrounding landscape. 

Another important shift is the blending of eras and styles, pairing antique garden furniture with contemporary pieces to create more layered and personal environments. 

This reflects a broader move toward outdoor spaces that are not only functional but expressive and connected to the identity of the home.

When designing your outdoor space, what should you consider?

The designer reflects on what considerations to prioritize regarding material selection, durability, and sustainability:

Material selection focuses on natural, durable, and often reclaimed elements. 

Antique and existing materials are favoured, as they offer longevity and reduce the need for new production. 

When new pieces are introduced, they are often made from natural, biodegradable materials. 

Durability is addressed through thoughtful use of materials and treatments. 

For example, natural fabrics may be adapted for outdoor use with water-repellent solutions, allowing them to maintain their aesthetic qualities while performing in exterior conditions. 

Sustainability is an integral part of the process, with careful sourcing ensuring that materials are chosen responsibly and with respect for the environment. 

The balance comes from selecting materials that are both visually coherent and capable of aging naturally over time.

Ensuring a project maintains a unique identity while reflecting your design philosophy

Marianne Tiegen suggests that the defining approach here is the use of contrast and layering, combining antique and contemporary pieces to create spaces that feel rich and personal. 

Materials, textures, and colours are carefully balanced, with attention to placement, asymmetry, and proportion.

Inspiration is drawn directly from nature and the surrounding landscape. 

Each project begins with an understanding of its specific environment, including local flora and regional characteristics, ensuring that the design feels naturally integrated into its context. 

There is no fixed formula – each space is shaped by its location, its materials, and the interaction between elements.

What remains consistent is the intention to create harmony, where the mix of eras, textures, and influences results in a space that feels both unique and connected to its environment.

About Marianne Tiegen Interiors

Marianne Tiegen Interiors aspires to create soulful places that enrich people’s lives and make them feel in harmony with their home, wherever 'home' is. 

Based in Switzerland , France and California, the design firm takes on interior design projects, small and large, residential and hospitality, in Europe and beyond.

"At the heart of our practice is the idea that by creating spaces infused with art and nature, we can have a positive impact on people’s sense of wellbeing," says Marianne Tiegen. 

"All our projects start with a deep understanding of our clients’ lifestyles and aspirations – these open conversations never cease to inspire us and ensure that the spaces we create are alive, unique and personal."

For more design inspiration and tips, visit Marianne Tiegen Interiors

Story by: Trendsideas