A personal retreat in the green: May Silja’s makeover of her garden cottage terrace
Amid green hedges and fragrant flowers in a cosy garden allotment, May Silja Andersen Holm has created her very own summer sanctuary. Here, it’s easy to breathe a little deeper, put down the phone, and truly enjoy the moment. And with a newly made-over terrace, the setting for summer living is now even more beautiful and functional.
With an eye for aesthetics and a flair for detail, May has transformed her terrace into a vibrant and personal outdoor space – with room for cooking, dinner gatherings, and quiet relaxation in the shade.
☀️ A dining space for four – with personality
To gather family and friends around the table, May chose two white Florine tables. The square design creates a fluid and flexible setup that saves space while offering a light and airy feel. The marble-like surface adds an elegant, almost French touch – balancing the modern with the classic.
Instead of opting for a matching set, May created her own mix: the Claire bench and Eloise chair in green stripes sit alongside the dotted Estelle chair. A quirky, playful combination that adds colour and personality – making the dining area truly one of a kind.
🌿 Green tones that blend with nature
To tie everything together and provide shade on warm summer days, May chose the Sally parasol in dusty green. The soft colour complements the green patterns and brings nature onto the terrace – while also highlighting the contrast with the house’s black facade, creating a calm and balanced overall impression.
🔥 Small terrace – big grilling space
Even with limited space, there’s still room for outdoor cooking. With the compact Dora grill table, May has created a sleek grilling station with space for both prep and serving. Dora is perfect for small outdoor areas and adds a touch of functional design to summer’s culinary moments.
May’s garden terrace is a wonderful example of how a few thoughtful choices and a personal mix of furniture and textiles can create an outdoor space that feels both homely and inspiring. A place where summer unfolds – in peace, colour, and togetherness.
👉 Get May’s recipe for grilled salmon with sweet potato, goat cheese, and caramelised onions right here – perfect for a summer evening on the terrace.