Outdoor Living: Great Garden Design Ideas

Garden design can be a challenge, particularly if you have a blank canvas to work with. However, there are unlimited things you can do with any plot, as these inspiring outdoor living design ideas show.

A contemporary patio area in London

Entertaining is a key requirement for many people looking to make the most of their garden. This example shows how the size of the garden has been used to inspire geometric lines that work well with hedges, trees and even the table and chairs provided. It ensures a sparkling retreat in a busy part of London. There is also plenty of opportunity to add further planting later on if desired.

A modern minimalist garden in London

Upkeep can be a bugbear of the casual gardener and not a passion. This solution makes the most of light-coloured patio slabs to provide a cool and refreshing area to enjoy. The modern seating is completed with a bright array of cushions, while casual planting, mainly in pots, softens the overall appearance to make it more appealing. It is a small area but the design makes the most of every inch, providing lots to look at and a feeling of cosiness rather than having too much going on.

A Knightsbridge flat is decked out to the nines

This space is modern and natural thanks to the huge amount of wood that has gone into the decking area. Two glass panels open up the room below, bringing in plenty of light, while a series of steps lead down to another smaller area complete with potted plants. This is perhaps one of the most modern garden design ideas we’ve seen, and ideal for the space provided. Indeed, the lack of planting on the upper level means the area looks even bigger, yet there is the opportunity to introduce more plants in pots if desired.

Formal landscaping in a well thought out design

The presence of the brick wall, the steps, the huge slabs and the unusual fencing might have made this space seem too sparse. Yet it is softened considerably by the addition of small hedges, an acer to the left and trees growing further along past the modern statue. Garden designs that do not introduce a lawned area can work extremely well when planting is taken into consideration as it has been here. This design manages to introduce a real feeling of cosiness into the long and relatively thin space.

Sophisticated, split-level garden design

There is plenty going on in this garden, which must surely be one of the prerequisites for great garden designs. The area is neatly divided into sections, with the curved wall and steps breaking up the entire garden. The upper level has a seating area and a built-in fire while the lower area leads you through the space by way of a winding path. Small lawn areas lead back into planted areas, making the overall effect very cosy and appealing – and definitely one to enjoy a barbecue in.