Relaxing in style: How to design the perfect outdoor space

There’s no doubt that the aesthetic appeal of a property can be enhanced enormously by the care taken with laying out its setting. Some designers think that overly fussy landscaping can detract from the impact made by a property. However, when it comes to new-builds, particularly in rural locations, there’s scope to do something really imaginative and distinctive with the outdoor space.

This can be done in a number of ways. The use of available space and the effectiveness of perspective are really important. The position of the driveway, the view on approach, the siting of the gardens and the garage, and their relationship with the house can all have huge impact.

The best designers give a great deal of thought to the outside spaces of their projects.  Through the use of eyeline and perspective, one view will reveal one aspect of the garden, another angle another. Through design, you can draw the observer’s eye to certain features, as visual surprises and vivid settings. 

Practical and beautiful

Whatever the size of garden, long and narrow, wide and open, there are many different features that can enhance your outdoor space. Lawns are always a pleasant outside space and offer an area for relaxation and games. They can be a lot of work to maintain.

Trees too can enhance a garden, but they too must be maintained and not allowed to overtake their plot, the garden and eventually the view and light from your house.  Well-placed trees can reduce glare or offer shade and the more unusual varieties available can really set off a garden. If you’re not keen on sweeping up leaves every autumn, don’t choose deciduous varieties that shed.  Lawns and trees will also attract insects and wildlife to your surroundings.

Wide open space

Patios and paved areas can also be used to divide up the garden and partitions, such as dwarf walls and trellis, can be used imaginatively to compartmentalise garden space. This will allow you a more private place away from the open area. It can create shelter from the wind and also provide a suntrap. A pergola can have the same function, and can be timbered or open to the elements, with trailing plants.

Screening your garden into ‘rooms’ can make all the difference to how much you use the garden, as a space you enjoy spending time in.

Relaxing in style

You can also use decking, patios and steps to create different levels. If you have an uneven or sloping garden, moving from one decking level to another – up and down the garden – can add a sense of excitement, with separate dining spaces and furniture.

Boundaries can be marked with walls, fences and hedges, which themselves can be made into features. An imaginative addition to include are living walls and edible walls, which are essentially vertical allotments. The materials you use for all aspects of your outdoor space will make all the difference to its success.

You can include a pond as the focal point of the garden – relaxing by water is lovely – and water features, troughs and fountains add life to their surroundings.

There are so many unusual products and material on the market now that there’s no excuse for letting your garden be boring.