~ This is a featured post.~
Spending time
outside in the fresh air and sunshine is good for our physical health and
mental wellbeing. If you are lucky enough to have outside space at home, it
makes sense to make the most of it. With the right approach to design, you can
create a space where you can relax, entertain, and put your stamp on. No matter
where you live or the type of outside space available to you, there are plenty
of creative ways to turn it from dead space to living space. Whether you have a
little or a lot, this article features seven ways you can make the most of it.
1. Build a garden room
Lots of people are finding the easiest way to create usable space in their garden is to transform it into a room of its own. By adding fencing or building brick walls, lighting, heaters, and a covered area with comfortable seating, you will create a whole new room for yourself with the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine. Add your own finishing touches with paint, flowers, and accessories.
2. Install decking
Installing decking is a simple yet effective way to turn a rough or untidy garden into a smart space for relaxation and entertaining guests. Experienced deck builders will be able to assess your outside space and how you plan to use the decking, recommending the right materials and design to suit your requirements and your budget.
3. Lay artificial grass
If your garden is lacking in grass, is heavily shaded, or you are not keen on the idea of maintaining real grass, artificial grass could be the ideal solution. It appears to be bright and full of life, but it does not require maintenance. Artificial grass provides an even and tidy look with all the vibrancy of a real lawn.
4. Create privacy with vertical plants
People who live in properties that are overlooked by neighbors can increase the amount of privacy they have by planting fast-growing vertical plants and living walls. This is also a great solution for people with small gardens as you can still enjoy plants and flowers without taking up valuable ground space.
5. Break the space up into zones
A clever design technique that can create the illusion of more space and give your garden more versatility is to divide the area into zones. With trellis, fencing, plants, a water feature, decking, and a seating area, you can create multiple zones, each of which can be used for different purposes. Be careful, however, not to crowd the space with too many zones, a lot of furniture, or accessories.
6. Be clever with mirrors
Just as with interior design, placing mirrors in the right way, e.g., on walls or fencing, can give the illusion of more space. You may be able to make a garden appear and feel wider or longer.
7. Plant a garden on your windowsill
Homes without outside space are at a disadvantage, but it is still possible to bring the natural world indoors. All you need is a windowsill where you can place some pots and/or a window box, and you can plant flowers, herbs, and small fruits. Click here for more on creating an edible window box.