Outdoor space is at a premium in the city centre. But with a bit of imagination you can make a little go a long way, as Louise Palfreyman found out when she visited a penthouse apartment in Sheepcote Street.
 Karine Hauser was able to cast an expert eye over her roof terrace when she moved into a penthouse apartment in Liberty Place. As the managing director of her own interior design company, Hauser Design, she knows a thing or two about good taste. Swiss-born Karine has been at her new Crosby pad for two months and loves all the benefits that city living brings. An outdoor terrace was really important to her when she was looking around, as she knows how cramped urban life can be. Now she has found her perfect space, Karine is really enjoying experimenting with her own ideas, which is refreshing for someone who works largely with other people's every day.
 CityLiving popped along to steal inspiration, and enjoy a late morning glass of wine admiring the views over the city. Karine has blended much of her European heritage with her love of English interior design in the approach to her work. "I grew up in Geneva and there you find that tastes can be a little contrived, whereas in England interior design is unique and I love it. "Here you can be daring." The apartment is still awaiting its final transformation as Karine has only just moved in, but with summer upon us the roof terrace had to be tackled so she can get on with entertaining guests. A spacious U-shaped area, it was a blank space when she arrived. She said: "I really wanted the outdoor space because an apartment can be quite claustrophobic if there is nothing at all. "Plus I've got two cats, Peggy and Caz, who are settling in brilliantly."
 Karine is planning to do 'something quite traditional' to the interior of her apartment. As we talked, some location people from Dalziel and Pascoe arrived to check it out as a possible set - glam or what! "It won't be your typical loft," Karine said. "I like traditional shapes, and find when I'm working, naturally, I am led by clients' tastes and style. "Here I can do what I want." The roof terrace reflects Karine's love of form and order. It's a beautifully symmetrical space, with neat little rows of lavender and box hedges punctuated by palms and a superb water feature that one of the cats, bizarrely for a feline, loves to hide behind. Raised beds allow the planting to really shine, and add structure and form to the whole area. Karine enlisted the help of Xternal Dimensions, who worked with her to achieve what is a classical, clean look. "I wanted a mix of colours and scents, so you get the greens and purples of the lavender. "I also wanted a structural background so if I wanted to bring in a quirky chair or organic statue, such pieces would get the emphasis they deserved. "Having a backdrop like this allows you to introduce strong pieces on the terrace, plus I really like symmetry, so that's what I went for. "The guys from Xternal Dimensions were great - they didn't impose anything on me, just went ahead and did it." Karine has achieved a calm and uncluttered space for outdoor living and will no doubt be spending some quality time in her little oasis high above Birmingham. If you are restricted on space, try the following clever tricks to make the most of what you've got: Scented lavender, or any herbs like thyme, sage or mint work well in small spaces, and smell lovely too. Palms are great for making clean, architectural statements. A water feature soothes the stress of city living, and helps mute the hum of traffic. Keep your space uncluttered to allow outdoor sculptures and furniture to shine. Don't go for too many pots or over complex planting in a small space - it will seem claustrophobic. | 
With over 550 city centre stores, each categorised by location and specialty, our shopping directory will help you make the most of your trip into the city.
We also have all the details of the latest offers and events at your favourite city stores.