Outdoor Kitchen & Lounge Area To the left of the patio doors is a cube fibreglass planter and bespoke storage shed clad with London Stone DesignBoard deck boards. To the right of this area is a powder coated aluminium water table beside a second cube fibreglass planter, placed to create a focal point from the house interior. The middle section of the roof garden features a vented powder coated aluminium pergola to provide shelter and shade in all weather. Two fibreglass planters installed down the left-hand side add colour and foliage. A large, low, bench/day bed constructed from DesignBoard decking at the far end of the pergola offers opportunity for seating and sunbathing, with space underneath to store a wooden sandpit on wheels. There is ample space towards the rear of the terrace for the client to add an L-shaped sofa at a later date. Tall fibreglass planters installed along the parapet on the rear boundary add further colour to the space. Family & Play Area The rear section of the garden has been extended by reclaiming land beyond the existing fence. This newly incorporated area will become a dedicated family zone, complete with a swing, trampoline, and plenty of space for additional play equipment. This thoughtful layout ensures the garden remains beautiful yet functional, appealing to both adults and children – a hallmark of ED Gardens’ approach to family garden design. Planting Scheme & Finishing Touches Throughout the garden, a combination of rendered concrete and fibreglass planters in elegant blue tones adds visual interest. These are finished with tile detailing that reflects the colours found in the client’s kitchen – subtle blues, oranges, and neutrals for a unified aesthetic. The planting scheme features a refreshing blend of purples, whites, and lime greens, with accents of yellow for contrast. Closer to the house, evergreen plants provide structure and year-round appeal, while herbaceous perennials towards the rear add texture and movement. A bespoke water feature runs through the garden, bringing a sense of calm and continuity that ties each area together beautifully. Before & After Before the redesign, the garden felt disjointed and underutilised – particularly the unused section beyond the fence. With ED Gardens’ expertise and bespoke design sketches, the space has been transformed into a contemporary family garden that blends style, comfort, and functionality. The before and after images illustrate this transformation, showcasing how thoughtful design can completely redefine an outdoor space.

Custom-made outdoor kitchen, incorporating BBQ, fridge, Pizza oven, sink and storage space. Pergola creating a light filled covered dining space Travertine paving complimenting the contemporary colour palette

Designed as a series of connected spaces, the layout moves from dining and cooking to a more intimate seating area, anchored by a curved bench and firepit. Floating steps have become a recurring element in our work — here they guide movement between levels while keeping the space open and uninterrupted. The curved bench softens the geometry, blending into the steps to create a transition that feels quiet and considered. Lighting is integrated throughout, allowing the garden to shift naturally into evening use. A space designed to be used as much at night as during the day.

This materially rich house is designed to make the most of its sub-tropical location. Privacy is maintained from the street through layers of screening and landscape that surround the cobbled forecourt. A scalloped and curved concrete form pushes out towards the street engaging with the neighbourhood with planting spilling down the textured wall. Once visitors pass beneath the planted concrete awning, the water views reveal themselves slowly as you pass through a series of living spaces. This house plan is arranged to encourage prevailing breezes to pass through interior spaces that are rich with natural light. Screening on the first floor shifts dynamically according to required function. Upper screen folds allow views to the sky and tree canopy, while lower folds reveal garden views while maintaining privacy.

A contemporary terraced garden with multiple functional levels to address the topography of the site was designed with this young family in mind. Bluestone paving interspersed lush gardens of sculptural plants and trees provide depth and interest. A burnished concrete BBQ and dining table provides and entertaining zone that flows from the interior of the home, with steppers leading to a flexible fire pit zone for cosy winter nights enjoyed on the cantilevered bench seat. The last level is for grabbing some sun and providing an elevated view of the garden.

Chris Snook and Emma Painter Interiors

© 2018 - Marco Lugli Fotografo Immobiliare

Image: Fine House Studio © 2017 Houzz

ph. Silvia Longhi

Photographer: Chris Warnes Stylist: Stephanie Powell

Shannon McGrath

A couple with two young children appointed FPA to refurbish a large semi detached Victorian house in Wimbledon Park. The property, arranged on four split levels, had already been extended in 2007 by the previous owners. The clients only wished to have the interiors updated to create a contemporary family room. However, FPA interpreted the brief as an opportunity also to refine the appearance of the existing side extension overlooking the patio and devise a new external family room, framed by red cedar clap boards, laid to suggest a chevron floor pattern. The refurbishment of the interior creates an internal contemporary family room at the lower ground floor by employing a simple, yet elegant, selection of materials as the instrument to redirect the focus of the house towards the patio and the garden: light coloured European Oak floor is paired with natural Oak and white lacquered panelling and Lava Stone to produce a calming and serene space. The solid corner of the extension is removed and a new sliding door set is put in to reduce the separation between inside and outside. Photo by Gianluca Maver

Pro Colour Photography