How to get the most out of your outdoor space – Part 2

TINY OUTDOOR SPACES

This week we are focusing on making the tiniest unused outdoor area into an inviting space you can enjoy all year round.

Dealing with the tiniest spaces has its challenges…

Below are a few designer tips to help you get around the area constraints of small outdoor living.

Image credit: www.bo-laget.se

• Keep it simple…like the old saying goes, less is more! This means when designing your outdoor space make sure to maximize the useability of every square inch of your floor and wall. Do not clutter your floor with pot plant arrangements, tables, and other trinkets which can obstruct easy navigation of the space.
• If you like plants – go vertical and use the wall not the floor. In this example you can still achieve the softness and intimacy of plants by setting up a vertical wall or structure to grow vines and other plants on, all without compromising the vital floor space.
• The drawcard to any outdoor space is to make it a desirable destination for you to enjoy. You already enjoy the benefits of outdoor living, but you need to add functionality as another reason to use this space.
• Comfortable seating is a major drawcard of any small outdoor space. In this example the designer has used an L-shaped built-in timber bench that hugs the edge of the wall. It is wide enough for comfortable seating without confining the floor space too much. By adding some soft cushioning and outdoor blankets creates an outdoor oasis to enjoy year round.

Next up, this example shows the clear visual attraction to the outdoor space from the internal space of the house.

Image credit: icanlivewiththat.tumblr.com

All the design principles of the above example have been applied, in addition:
• Greenery/plants are growing on the wall. Candle decor is also mounted on the wall which frees up precious floor space.
• Using hanging lights/lanterns is another great tip for tiny spaces, whilst still creating ambience.
• There is functionality to this space, with the comfortable seating. You just feel drawn to this couch and relaxing with a magazine in hand. If you had the choice between indoor and outdoor living, I bet you would choose the outdoor option here. Definitely a win for outdoor living!
• A rug on the floor makes the area more cozy without comprimising vital floor space.
• Although there is a table in this example it does not detract or interfere with the navigation of the area. It is a great size and makes an interesting design statement. If I could eliminate one item it would be the folding chair in the foreground. It offers nothing to the space and I think it was used as a prop for the photo.

All in all these 2 examples are great examples to give you inspiration in turning your unused outdoor space, however small, into a desirable living destination.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

How to get the most out of your outdoor space – Part I

MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU’VE GOT

THE PROBLEM – You have a small outdoor space but don’t know how to maximise it’s functionality and worth…

– Do I improve this area for my lifestyle and wellbeing?
– Do I invest money in this area to get a good return from the sale of my home?

THE ANSWER – It’s totally up to you as the occupant or owner. In the case of the owner, you have paid a premium for every square inch of the property so it makes sense to use all the available space, including the outdoors.

If you are a renter, it is an opportunity to save money by growing your own herbs/veggies or creating an urban sanctuary to unwind from the stresses of everyday life.

We’ll show you how applying some clever design solutions to common outdoor design problems can transform an outdoor space from a neglected area into a functional space you’ll love.

PROBLEM

I have a large tree in my garden, but nothing grows underneath it. I want to keep the tree, but have no idea what to do with the space.

Advantages of keeping a mature tree in your garden:
– Provides a shady and cool spot to relax under
– Adds a natural look and feel to urban outdoor living
– Good for the environment

Disadvantages:
– What do I with the space under the tree?
– The grass will not grow due to low light and leaf drop
– Plants do not grow due to the tree sucking all the water and nutrients from the soil

SOLUTION

Image credit: casa.com.br

Build a floating deck underneath the tree to encourage functionality. This space can house a daybed or outdoor cushions and will be a great spot to relax and escape the heat of the day.

Plant a hardy lush looking plant at the base of tree that does not need much light or nutrients. Monsterias are used in this example to soften the edge of the deck.

Add some interest by installing a small water feature at the deck entry. The reflections and the play of the tree shadows on the surface on the water will have a calming effect. It also acts as a natural cooling system.

Using crushed granite or small 5mm gravel makes an ideal ground cover, allowing good drainage and an easy surface to sweep leaf debris off.

PROBLEM

I want to entertain and sit outside, but I have limited room.

SOLUTION

Image credit: archi-techtonics.com

Maximise your outdoor space by using all available floor space for the foundation of a generously sized table and comfortable chairs.

The mistake people often make is opting for a smaller sized table setting so as not to take up too much space, however this defeats the purpose as it does not offer a suitable sized entertaining space. Why go outside and sit around a cramped table when you can sit more comfortably inside?

The answer is what the outside has to offer. In summer months it is cooler, more ambient and natural to be entertaining outside rather than inside with the airconditioning switched on.

This example uses a generous sized table and offers a variety of seating positions – plenty of room to entertain.

If you want added greenery and plants and have no room on the floor, look towards the fence or boundary fence lines. Decorate or clad a tired fence with slatted wood or dry stone.

To create a greening affect drape the plants down the wall for a natural look. It will soften an otherwise hardsurface area.

Candleabra and uplights strategically placed will add further ambience to your entertaining area.

We hope you found the above design solutions for small outdoor spaces inspiring…stay tuned for Part II next week!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Innovative ideas outdoors this spring

You do not have to be governed by what you are familiar with. It is always rewarding and refreshing to see innovative direction in landscape design.

Here are a few examples that do just that. From left to right…

THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

1. Functionality – This brilliant design incorporates timber seating within the construction of the deck. For quiet times these chairs can be used to sit in and relax. For the party season these chairs can easily be reclined back into the deck for added standing area. A great seating solution for small space gardens.

2. Floor treatment – This image shows a typical tree covered outdoor space. However the addition of the bright hexagon shaped paving changes the whole dynamics of this space.

3. Wall treatment – Walling is an intrinsical part to any indoor or outdoor space. So why not make a statement out of it. In this example axe split hardwood has been used in a dystack pattern to create this amazing look.

Image credits L to R: dkgardendesign.co.uk, kimettile.com, anderssonwise.com

USE COLOUR TO MAKE A STATEMENT

1. Paint existing structures – Paint walls, floors or even in this case stairs to add a pop of colour to your outdoor space.

2. Introduce colour by painting your terrocotta pots. In this example the pots add impact to a bland wall. This could have looked even more impressive if the potted colour had a red or white flowering plant to add contrast.

3. The ultimate pool deck. By painting each alternating timber decking board a different colour (in this case yellow and white) creates a fantastic look against the soft blue hue of the the pool water. The curved edges of the deck platform contains the colour within, without losing its vibrancy. What a great summer idea!

Image credits: agedandgilded.typepad.com, basketbike.tumblr.com, labanane.com

TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A DESTINATION

1. Although this outdoor space is small in size, the designer Amir Schlezinger has cleverly combined all the elements into an inviting space to relax or entertain in. Pockets of garden poke through the square paving and a beautifully underlit timber seat frames the back of the garden. This example is an inspiration to all those people with a small inner city courtyard garden.

2. By erecting a shade structure and arranging comfortable outdoor furniture you can make your unused backyard into an outdoor oasis this spring. Add interest by using bright cushions and oversized hanging lights like this example.

3. Again a small inner city courtyard with heaps of character. Although this space has a pool all the components work in this garden. From the covered outdoor dining area, to the pool area, every detail has been meticulously thought over by the designer Matthew Cantwell. Planting above the rendered wall softens the area as well as the cascading jasmine over the back wall. Every square inch has been utilised even with the roof of the garage been converted into a tropical getaway. The floating stairs reflecting in the pool are an artpiece in themselves.

We hope these standout gardens and landscape ideas give you plenty of inspiration this spring!

Image credits: mylandscapes.co.uk, mollywoodgardendesign.com, secretgardens.com.au

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Small space backyards

Many people underestimate the potential of the small space at the rear of their house.

The examples shared below are all small space gardens on a rectangular plot of land approximately  5 – 10m2 in size and illustrate how through clever landscape design and a little imagination, small space gardens can have no boundaries.

THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

This garden cleverly disguises the lands straight edge by installing curved garden elements within the boundaries.

The curvature of the fence, garden edge and decking is a clever technique which tricks you into thinking the space is bigger than it really is. The free form design appears boundless and unrestricted.

Image credit: gardendesign.com

I HAVE NO ROOM FOR A POOL

The next example proves this notion is false. The clean lines between inside and outside living are blurred by the installation of a pool.

Keeping the colours of the pool steppers and aluminium wall panels of the house cohesive, this pool area looks very much a part of the house. The installation of the timber platform overhanging the pool and the mature frangipani tree help to soften the area.

The designer has definitely utilised every square inch of this small space successfully.

Image credit: ong-ong.com

CREATING YOUR OWN URBAN OASIS

For the urban dwellers who feel confined in their city properties, this example is a breath of fresh air.

Timber flooring and decking adds to the charm of this urban garden escape. Earthy, moss coloured pots filled with texture rich plants are used to curve the path, giving an illusion of space.

Layered planting of larger plant species behind these pots gives the garden a sense of perspective and mimics nature. The garden gives the impression it goes on and on.

Image credit: member.tripod.com

DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL SPACE BACKYARDS

Use curves in the design to make the area feel unrestricted and therefore bigger.

Utilise every square inch of land you have. Be clever in disguising existing fencing or boundaries. Use vertical gardens, decorative timber screens or hedging plants to soften boundaries without making the area appear smaller. Simply painting your fence a dark colour will help give the illusion of more space, by making the fence disappear into the landscape.

Use layered planting techniques to add perspective and depth to the garden. Plant small plants towards the front and medium to larger screening plants towards the back.

Watch this space! The Small Garden’s online store is coming soon.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Keep it simple

This week we show you 3 small outdoor areas which use simple design elements to turn the space into something really unique proving often, less is more.

LIVING ART

No matter how small a space when designing a house, consider incorporating a design element to link the inside with the out. In this example the designer has used an oversized window with an outlook to a small outdoor area planted with large cactus plants. Such a simple idea, yet it looks so effective. The sculptural qualities of these plants create a living piece of art which can be admired from the indoors or out.

Image credit: referans.wordpress.com

POTTED GRASS

If your flooring and walling elements outside are neutral or somewhat bland, you can introduce some striking design elements to lift the space. This outdoor area does just that. A retro wireframe chair has been used as a sculptural piece.  It is anchored in its surrounds by a single pot, planted with green grass. Who would have thought grass alone could look so design chic!

Image credit: freshdirt.sunset.com

PLAY WITH SCALE

Continuing the indoor / outdoor link, why not create impact in your hallway or front entrance by inviting the outside in.  Normally large scale pots and plants would be left for the outdoors. Introducing a large scale pot into an interior environment makes not only a unique “pot plant” but a great focal point to admire.

Image credit: stua.com

Watch this space! The Small Garden’s online store is coming soon.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Small Space Gardens we Love

Introducing the very first of our regular posts on small space gardens we love.

Every now and then we will share with you a selection of urban gardens, courtyards, balconies, rooftops and patios that we find inspiring and hope it in turn provides you with some inspiration in transforming your small urban space into a garden you love.

Just because it’s the end of the summer holidays it doesn’t mean you can’t bring the holidays home with you. Vibrant garden accessories and furniture can brighten up your urban outdoor space, so it feels like summer holidays all year round.

Image credit: superkitina.wordpress.com

THE URBAN RETREAT

You can create your own lush sanctuary to escape the city grind in any small space. Choosing interesting plants based on form and texture, not only looks great but can provide privacy and shading solutions. Add some colourful cushions and a matching rug for comfort and you’ll have no excuse for not relaxing at home.

Image credit: style-file.com

BUT I HAVE A SMALL UNUSUALLY SHAPED COURTYARD…

Here’s proof that clever garden design and the right choice of colour palette can transform even the most awkward shaped area into an inviting outdoor space.

Image credit: desiretoinspire.net

BUDGET SAVVY

There is no need to spend a fortune in creating your urban retreat.

Some simple tips include taking the time to tidy up can make all the difference. Cut back overgrown shrubs and sweep up leaf debris.

Up-cycle your old outdoor setting with a lick of paint or pick up a brightly coloured hammock, which is not only a cheap addition to your outdoor area, but gives you a great spot to sit back and relax with a cup of tea and a good book.

Image credit: silive.com

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.