Creative Ways To Elevate Your Outdoor Space
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The sun is shining and summer is finally here! For many of us, warmer climes mean spending more time outside and enjoying long, hazy days in the garden. If your outdoor space isn’t quite the oasis you dream of, fear not! In this helpful guide, we’ll share some top tips to elevate your garden design.
Creating a seating area
One of the best things about the summer months is being able to soak up the sunshine in the comfort of your back garden. Whether you have a bijou yard or a large garden, creating a seating area is a brilliant way to make the most of sunny days and warm, light evenings. There are all kinds of styles and themes to choose from and you can customise the design to suit the size and vibe of your outdoor area. Opt for a chic outdoor sofa set and a dining table, go for a relaxed feel with hammocks, beanbags and oversized floor cushions, or channel a retro seaside look with old-school striped deckchairs. Benches and rustic picnic tables are ideal for country cottage gardens while hanging teardrop or egg chairs work perfectly in modern, low-maintenance yards.
I created a designated seating area outside my kitchen doors by zoning the space with an outdoor rug and modern, beige garden chairs.
Take your time to browse products, measure the space carefully and think about the ambience, as well as the aesthetics. Are you keen to create a tranquil spot to retreat to with a cup of tea or a good book, or would you prefer a social area where friends and family can gather over a glass of wine or a cool beer? It’s worth comparing prices if you see benches, tables, chairs, sofas or patio sets that you love. You can often find cheaper versions of designer products online. It’s also beneficial to scour buy-and-sell sites and consider upcycling if you have old furniture lying around.
This potting table was built out of wood from a discarded delivery crate. It was an inexpensive way to create a calming area in my garden to garden.
These chunky garden benches were built from discarded railway sleepers.
Adding different zones
Many of us use our gardens for a diverse range of activities. From chilling out and hanging out with friends to doing exercise, getting creative, playing with the kids and entertaining, our gardens have to cater to different functions. Creating different zones is a fantastic way to design a versatile outdoor space. You can section off parts using different materials, colours or themes, or add different levels. Consider options like adding a patio or a decking area, using a lower level for your kids to play and an upper level to entertain and relax and utilising different materials, including gravel, paving and turf.
We had this raised decking area built over our turf to create an area to relax and dine.
When choosing materials for your garden, consider aesthetics and practicality. If you have kids, for example, you’ll need to make sure that the surface is even and suitable for playing so they can run around without you having to worry about safety. It’s also wise to think about longevity, durability and maintenance if you have pets or children, or you live in an area that is susceptible to unpredictable weather. Check out solutions like aluminium decking from websites like the Clear Amber Shop. You can mix and match materials in different areas to design a child and adult-friendly garden or use the same materials throughout. Browse online galleries, get some quotes and take inspiration from places you’ve visited or garden designs you’ve seen in magazines or on social media.
We chose composite deck as a durable, non-rot and non-slip alternative to traditional timber boards.
Turning heads with a new focal point
One of the simplest and most effective ways to elevate your garden design and make your outdoor area unique is to add a new focal point. This is a particularly good idea if you want to transform the look of your yard or garden without embarking upon a full-scale makeover. The aim is to utilise one statement-making feature or structure to turn heads and create a new look. Depending on the theme of the garden and your individual style, you may want to add a pergola adorned with creeping and climbing plants, a water feature, a hot tub, a statue or sculpture, a colourful wall or patio mosaic, a fire pit, or a cosmopolitan al fresco cocktail bar. Look for inspiration in design magazines or use ideas you’ve seen in holiday resorts, trendy hotels bars and restaurants or garden centres.
We added a metal pergola with a large corner sofa on our raised deck to make it the key focal point for our garden.
Planting
Planting trees, shrubs, flowers and plants is a quick and easy way to add instant freshness and vibrancy to any outdoor space. From secluded yards to sprawling gardens that stretch into meadows or undulating hills, you can add vibrant green hues and splashes of colour. There are two main options to consider when it comes to planting. You can either plant flowers and trees in the ground or use containers, create flower beds or add raised beds to create different levels, or scatter planters around patios, decking areas and mezzanines. Choose containers that complement the style of your garden - wicker baskets and wooden crates are perfect for quaint cottage gardens with wildflowers and hanging baskets while ceramics are ideal for channelling a Mediterranean vibe. Potted trees are an excellent addition to urban yards and contemporary outdoor entertaining spaces.
I add Acer trees to shady, dark corners of my garden to brighten them up. Acers work well in areas of little sunlight and can be planted in large pots.
Before planting, be sure first to clear and prepare your chosen area. You want to eliminate weeds, tree stumps, and roots. Even tree stumps that may look dead can still compete with your new plants for water and nutrients. Plus, their presence will not make your outdoor space aesthetically pleasing. Consider working with a tree removal company to clear dying trees and stumps and prepare your space for your new plants.
Accessories
If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to create a more stylish garden this summer, investing in accessories is a fabulous idea. You can buy all kinds of accessories for outdoor spaces, including rugs, cushions, blankets, lanterns, string lights, vases, planters and LED candles. Adding details will enable you to carry themes or introduce new trends or different colours without spending a fortune. You can also use finishing touches to personalise your design and cater to your requirements. If you enjoy al fresco evenings, for example, keep warm and make the most of the space with throws, outdoor cushions and lighting.
I love to add festoons, candles and portable lights when hosting alfresco in the summer months at home.
It’s that time of year again when most of us like to get out into the garden as much as possible. If your outdoor space needs some TLC, or it looks a little drab or dull, don’t panic. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or devote every spare minute to gardening or landscaping to achieve amazing results. There are some very simple, creative ways to elevate your garden design. Consider options like creating a seating area, adding different zones and using plants, flowers and trees to enhance vibrancy. Shop for accessories and think about adding a statement-making focal point.