Back to nature with geraniums. Design ideas with meadow feel, cottage romance and modern country living

A summer’s day in the countryside: a meadow feel with geraniums

Arranged casually in front of rolling fields, among meadow flowers or on a natural stone wall, geraniums offer a new way to enjoy country life.

These arrangements evoke the relaxed, unhurried, unspoilt atmosphere of a summer’s day in the countryside.

This table decoration, on the left , features bright red and white geraniums in simple glass vases against a backdrop of cornflowers, camomile, poppies and grasses.

The arrangement looks casual – which is exactly what makes it so charming. It demonstrates how well geraniums complement wild summer flowers.

Right: A picnic spot with wine, cheese and fruit nestles between big natural stones, catching the eye. The wicker basket filled with pink and white geraniums looks as if it has just been placed there, nestled perfectly among the stones.

This naturalistic display illustrates how geraniums flourish in natural environments, even in unusual places such as an old stone wall.

If you like a playful and nostalgic design, you’ll love the cottage style. Drawing inspiration from English country gardens, this look is characterised by an abundance of flowers, soft colours, and carefully curated details.

Old objects and vintage-style decorative items, such as the wagon-shaped planter, below left , can be upcycled to give cottage gardens and interiors a unique, nostalgic touch.

Left: These handmade, rustic plant stands, made using natural wood and decorative baskets make a stylish showcase for geraniums and bring lots of personality to this garden.

With a little knowhow, anyone can easily recreate this natural design. For each stand, three long branches are screwed to a section of tree trunk. Two branches are then fed through the basket’s handles, creating a stable and stylish home for lush, flowering geraniums.

Tip: Get someone else to help you with assembly, as this makes it easier to align the branches and ensure the basket is straight and stable

Right: Geraniums in pots going up a flight of steps are a charming and easy way to brighten up your home.

At the entrance to your house or in the garden, these colourful plants look great on steps. They look even better in weathered terracotta pots, emphasising the traditional cottage style.

A little imperfection is okay here: different pot shapes and heights, slightly offset placements, and a lively play of colours create an authentic rural-romantic impression and transform any staircase into a real showstopper.

Left: Lush blooms, playful touches and a hint of nostalgia – cottage gardens are all about romantic charm and creative ideas.

In old vintage-style birdcages or raffia bags hanging from long ribbons in the branches, colourful geraniums are transformed into suspended focal points.

These uniques upcycled displays make an interesting alternative to traditional hanging baskets.

Geraniums bring a touch of the countryside into your home. On windowsills or in the kitchen or living area, they provide natural touches in classic pots, woven baskets or rustic containers.

Teamed with wood, ceramics, fabric and other decorative touches, they create a harmonious setting that is both warm and tranquil – in keeping with the modern cottage style.

Geraniums bring a lively, natural element to this neat design. Whether in woven baskets, textured tubs or matching pots, their vibrant blooms provide a striking accent without disrupting the overall aesthetic.

Placed on the patio table or grouped together on the floor, they bring nature right into this outdoor living space. The result is a contemporary yet nature-inspired garden or patio look

Right: This stylish outdoor kitchen on a covered veranda represents modern country living at its best: it’s functional, close to nature and beautifully designed. Surrounded by aromatic herbs, tomatoes and other vegetables, geraniums — including edible scented varieties — provide a splash of colour and inspire creative cooking.

The combination of sturdy materials, clean lines and vibrant plants creates an ambience that is both rustic and contemporary; perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a natural country lifestyle but with a contemporary setting.

Left: To add a playful touch to a natural, modern aesthetic, this craft idea is a lovely addition: geraniums in brightly painted plastic pots are suspended below hot air balloons above a daybed in a conservatory.

The balloons are made by covering inflated balloons with newspaper and wallpaper paste, then painting them in bright colours, once dry.

Left: A geometric wooden structure with its distinctive metal connectors acts as an architectural design statement – clean, minimalist and decorative all at once.

Combined with hanging zinc watering cans planted with geraniums, it creates an exciting contrast between structure and playfulness. A creative idea for modern gardens with character.

The outdoor design on the right  demonstrates how nature and design can be effortlessly combined: a sleek concrete table is paired with natural materials such as wood, terracotta, and wicker.

A dark slatted wall in the background adds structure to the scene, emphasising the design’s architectural simplicity. The colours remain subdued, except for the geraniums which provide splashes of intense pink, salmon and red.

Alongside a palm tree, herbs and simple furniture, this creates a cohesive look with a touch of Mediterranean airiness. It’s a spot filled with tranquillity – without tipping over into rural sentimentality – and showcases how stylish modern country living can be.

The design concept continues in the adjoining garden. Geraniums and an olive tree are grouped together in elegant, grooved, wooden planters, creating a cohesive look.

The soft, natural tones of the planters mirror the colour scheme of the seating area, and the vibrant flowers and aromatic scents of the geraniums provide a vivid contrast to the lush greenery. A wooden footbridge subtly divides the space.