Garden
Built-in perches so you aren't all trapped round the table! Having space for guests to spread out and form their own breakaway conversations can make for a relaxing get-together. Even if your garden is on the smaller side, you might be surprised at how flexible a compact space can be, as this design by Pippa Schofield Garden Design illustrates. Think about spots that work as casual perches for when you have a group of people over; steps and the edges of built-in planters can work well here. Where possible, try to have at least a spot for eating and a separate area for lounging – even tiny versions – with shade and full sun taken into account to maximise the functionality of each.
The chill-out zone at the back of the garden includes more than just a seating and dining area. Below the wooden awning is also a barbecue space with built-in storage for bikes behind it. There’s also a beautiful water feature made of split-face slate tiling. “It’s quite rustic and raw,” says Burrage. “And instead of going down a flat panel, the water falls over rivets so you can see the droplets clearer.” Mahogany was used to make the awning. It has a warm tone, but will gradually take on a greyer hue as it ages.
Frame your seating Rather than thinking of your borders and the rest of your garden as two separate entities, why not meld the two by bring your border out into the lawn space and tucking a seating area back into it? This example shows how effective extending a border out in a gentle sweep can be. It wraps around the seating area, enclosing it and creating a shady spot from which to enjoy the garden.
Circular seating area. A lot of people shy away from mixing different types of paving, but one type alone can sometimes be too overpowering, even in a small space. Breaking up large areas of paving, either by changing the pattern or introducing another product that marries well with the first, can become a design feature in its own right. Paving can guide you to another area, help you change direction or introduce a new element to the hard landscaping. When buying paving, make sure you know that natural stone has many variations of colour and each piece could be different, so do some research and, if possible, get more than one sample to bring back and try at home.
Stick a wooden bench - anywhere!
Lounging spot
Pretty patio!
Woodland seating area with wall/seating/steps
pergola over dining area
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