Extending your home can be an exciting adventure, providing you with extra space and a fresh look. But what about your garden? Enhancing your outdoor space to complement your new home addition can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, adding to the overall appeal and value of your property. Here are 14 fresh garden ideas to help you get started.
1- Harmonise Your Home
If you want your garden to compliment your new extension, consider the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Statement glazing like large sliding or bifold doors can blur the boundaries, creating a seamless transition. Using similar materials inside and out can further enhance this effect, such as using the same floor for kitchen and garden patio, or by incorporating natural stone or woods found inside, in your garden. You might also want to consider other factors like colour, furnishings and architectural shaping.
2- Make Environmental Choices
You can make eco-friendly choices in your garden as well as your home. Start by selecting wildlife-friendly plants, such as those rich in pollen that support bees and other insects. Planting a tree is another excellent way to make a positive environmental impact. Trees provide habitat for wildlife, improve air quality and offer shade; even a small tree can make a big difference in creating a greener space.
Opt for sustainable and locally sourced materials to reduce your carbon footprint. Modern composite decking boards made from recycled plastics are a great choice, lasting longer than traditional timbers. Salvaged materials from recycling companies or individual sellers are a great way to save money while promoting recycling and waste reduction. You might also want to consider installing a rainwater harvesting system to reduce your dependence on water mains and lower your energy bills.
3- Plant Locally and Seasonally
A diverse range of flowers and shrubs can add colour and texture to your garden throughout the year. Consider the blooming seasons and what plants flourish in your local environment to ensure there’s something always in bloom, encouraging the natural native ecosystem. Group plants with similar needs together and use a mix of heights and colour for visual interest.
4- Use Complementary Materials
Get creative with your materials in the garden to compliment your home. If your kitchen has an industrial theme, consider where you might bring this into your outdoor space with a touch of metal or concrete, either through architectural design or by decoration. If your home adopts are more natural or Scandi style, choose woods and soft materials, and consider rattan furnishings or features.
5- Create a Private Nook
A cosy nook in the garden can be the perfect retreat for reading, relaxing or sunbathing. It could be a hidden bench surrounded by lush greenery, a hammock under a tree or a small patio area with comfortable chairs. Add décor elements like cushions, throws and potted plants to make it inviting and personal.
6- Install an Outdoor Kitchen
For those who love to entertain, an outdoor kitchen can be a fantastic addition, and a very popular trend. Include a grill, sink and countertop space for food prep. A fridge and storage cabinets can make it even more functional. Consider how your design compliments not just your extension but the rest of your garden – you could consider a natural theme with earth tones and natural colours, for example.
7- Add Alfresco Dining
Whether you choose to build an outdoor kitchen or not, outdoor dining space is the perfect way to make use of your garden, especially in the warmer months. Think about if you want to create a patio for this designated area and where you want this to be, taking into account the sun and when people are most likely to sit there. Consider the type of furniture you want and how it complements the rest of the garden and your home.
And remember to consider shade. Even with the UK’s inconsistent weather, this summer has proved that we can still get some unexpected heatwaves. So, buy an umbrella or better yet, consider a pergola, either one you can take down or a permanent addition – these are perfect for supporting climbing plants and adding vertical interest.
8- Create Outdoor Living Space
If you don’t have the space for an outdoor dining set or want to create different zones for a multifunctional garden, every garden needs some seating space. Create a nook with a bench and some cushions or invest in a sofa and chairs set for socialising with family or guests and relaxing. Make sure outdoor furniture is comfortable and weather resistant.
9- Build a Garden Room
There are so many options when it comes to building a garden room, and it’s a great way of creating a private and personal space away from the hustle and bustle of your home. A garden room can serve as a versatile space, whether that’s an office, a gym or a cosy retreat. Design it to reflect the style of your new extension for a cohesive look. Glass walls can create a light and airy feel and mirror any glazing in the rest of your home.
10- Introduce Water Features
Water features are a fun and playful addition to any garden and a chance to get creative and make something unique. They can also encourage biodiversity and maintain a functional ecosystem in your garden as wildlife can use the water. And there’s a wide range of features you could go for, such as ponds, fountains and streams. Water features can promote cleaner air and give your garden a peaceful feel.
11- Level Up
Create interest in your garden by playing with heights and installing different levels. Build a sunken area for a sociable seating space or even a firepit. You could play around with raised flowerbeds or trick the eye with a water feature. If you’re garden naturally multi-levelled, add stairs for interest.
12- Install Outdoor Lighting
Good lighting can transform your garden, making it an inviting space that’s also usable at night. Use a mixture of ambient, task and accent lighting to highlight key features and frame different areas. String fairy lights or lanterns to create a warm atmosphere or introduce spotlights or pathway lighting to showcase architectural elements or particular plants. Make sure to source solar-powered lights to make the most of the natural resources and save money on energy and battery costs.
13- Design a Pathway
Pathways are a great way of guiding you through the garden, creating separate zones and connecting different areas. Gravel, stepping stones and brick are all great options and can help to fill out the space without the maintenance of a lawn. You can get creative with your shaping, size and even lighting.
14- Consider Décor
Just as you would plan the layout, colour scheme and décor of the inside of your house, apply the same principles to your garden. Select a cohesive palette of plants, outdoor furniture and soft furnishings that complements your home. Incorporate decorative elements such as garden rugs, art, cushions or even mirrors to inject some personality and comfort. By introducing interior design concepts in your garden, you can create a harmonious outdoor space that blends indoor with outdoor.
Giving your garden a refresh can create the perfect outdoor space to compliment your home. Whether you’re looking to entertain, relax or simply enjoy nature, create a garden that’s both functional and beautiful. Remember to consider your habits, your home’s architectural style and the natural environment to get the most out of your garden renovation. With thoughtful design, your garden can become a stunning extension of your home that provides positivity and value.
