Garden makeover: a large plot transformed into a relaxing, modern space

After renovating their home, a garden makeover was next on the list for the owners of this 1950s house in Hampton, Middlesex. Luckily the garden was quite a big plot so there was plenty of room to think creatively to get the most out of the space. 

The bigger plan was to connect the house to the garden and make it a more sociable space that could be used all year round. The owners wanted to get away from the identikit look of a rectangular space with lawn and borders that they had inherited from the previous owners. Once the plans were agreed, the garden was cleared and work started.

Take a tour to find out how they did it. And don't miss our garden design ideas for more ways to transform your own space.

THE ORIGINAL SPACE AND HOW IT LOOKED BEFORE

The garden was a good size, measuring 30 x 15 metres. It was stocked with mature shrubs and trees, but the couple rarely ventured out past the patio seating area, which meant all that lovely space was going to waste. Beside the trees and shrubs there was no interesting planting to add colour and texture so the garden felt uniform and dull. It was disconnected from the house and they were keen to tap into its potential by creating more of an indoor-outdoor moment.

The owners were complete garden novices though, so wanted to enlist some help with the revamp. Luckily they knew the landscape gardener Simon Fraser and he stepped in to plot out everything on their wish list plus come up with some creative solutions and ideas of his own.

THE PLAN FOR THE REDESIGN

The main design theme on the wish list was to connect the house to the garden and make it a space that could be used all year round through a series of outdoor living space ideas. Different areas for socialising were needed, as well as a garden cabin that was to double up as garden office ideas and extra living space. 

The couple also wanted one of the best hot tubs for relaxing in, and more garden storage ideas. They were keen to introduce some interesting planting too while factoring in that the garden needed to be a low-maintenance space that looked good with minimum effort.

ADDING A MULTI-PURPOSE GARDEN ROOM

Once the plans were agreed, the garden was cleared then the garden cabin was built, which took five days including one day to lay the foundations. This stylish garden room doubles as a living space and home office, and is decorated with green accents to visually link with the garden beyond. It's now in constant use which is a great way of utilising space in the garden. It was from Green Retreats, who sorted out everything including the design, build and electrics.

You can find out about garden office planning permission in our guide. 

CREATING A SPA CORNER

The owners were keen to create a sense of holiday destination about their garden. They had been inspired by the hot tubs they saw on a trip to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and decided their own garden space needed one too. They chose a sleek natural wood design from Riviera Hot Tubs and added bamboos to screen the space and create garden privacy ideas. It was definitely the right decision in terms of fitting in with their desire to create a year-round garden as they use it in summer and winter alike – even at Christmas!

MAKING RELAXATION KEY

The inclusion of several different relaxation areas is the key to the laidback vibe in this garden. The sunloungers add a real poolside feel together with the bleached decking ideas. The accent colours tie in with the decoration theme in the interior of the house to add another design link. Oversized lanterns and garden lighting ideas add the finishing touch. Who wouldn't want to staycation here?

INCLUDING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN

A key element of the redesign were the dedicated outdoor kitchen ideas. Sleek and easy to keep clean, the kitchen area adds a real style statement to the look of the garden. White rendered breeze blocks that match the house were chosen to create a further seamless link between indoors and outdoors. The black garden fence ideas add a stylish contrast to create standout factor in the space. The couple also installed the  best pizza oven, which has been a big hit with family and friends.

Get all the expert advice you'll need on how to design an outdoor kitchen in our guide. 

THE PERFECT SPOT FOR INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

At the opposite side of the patio to the outdoor kitchen is the main entertaining space. With easy access from the house, it creates the perfect indoor-outdoor flow that the couple were after. Neutral paving ideas tie in with the modern colour scheme throughout the rest of the garden, while using large format tiles helps to enhance the feeling of space. A large garden parasol screens the dining area from the adjoining house in summer. 

OPTING FOR MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE PLANTING

The garden needed to be low maintenance so a series of raised beds were added, which are easier to look after than borders. The owners love Mediterranean gardens and chose planting to tie in with the holiday feeling they were trying to create. They wanted to learn how to grow ornamental grasses to add movement and texture, as well as masses of lavender for colour and fragrance. You can find out how to plant a lavender hedge in our guide. 

Thanks to the new landscaping ideas and beautiful planting, this once uninspiring plot is now a stunning space that's packed with low maintenance garden ideas to ensure it's easy to look after. We love it. 

More garden inspiration: 

• Patio gardening ideas: creative solutions for your space
• Modern garden ideas: the latest contemporary looks 
• She shed ideas: create your dream garden hideaway