Size isn’t everything, right?
Or at least that’s what they say. But what if your garden is more ‘postage’ than ‘palatial’?
Don’t worry. There are still loads of ways to transform your space. Armed with our clever design hacks (and composite decking!), not only can you trick the eye into believing your garden is bigger than it really is, but you can also turn a cramped space into a veritable garden of paradise.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.
1. Get smart with chevrons
Chevrons are everywhere at the moment – internal flooring, bathroom tiles, kitchens. It’s an on-trend look but one that also works brilliantly in small areas with the V shaping leading the eye in to create the illusion of more space.
You can build a chevron pattern with patio stone, but by far the quickest and most effective method is to use composite decking. Easy to handle and position, using composite boards over stone or traditional wood will make light work of the task at hand.
2. Be savvy with seating
Furniture can make or break a small garden. Add too much or choose the wrong type and the result will feel cramped and cluttered.
If you’re short on space, our best advice is to build your seating in. With a little thought, decking areas can be designed to include multifunctional seating. By this we mean benches that double as balustrades to mark boundaries, that include under-seat storage (perfect for housing all those garden essentials), or that have an open top to use as a planter.
Three possible uses from one convenient seat – it’s got garden space-saver written all over it!
3. Lose your borders
If space is tight but you’re still keen to include grass in your garden design, then it’s worth forgoing borders.
Instead, introduce pots of colourful plants around the garden. The advantage of this is that you can change the contents of these whenever you like, allowing you to introduce new colours and textures when the mood takes you.
4. Use colour to your advantage
You’ve heard the phrase bigger and brighter – and it’s true! Using colour in your garden is a great way to add depth and interest.
And it’s not just your blooms where you can get colourful. Coloured garden fencing or decking is also a great idea. And by using composite – which never requires painting – you avoid having to squeeze into tight spots to tackle awkward maintenance jobs.
If you want to create a seamless look, try matching the colour of your composite decking with your fence panels. This creates flow and cohesion while preventing your fencing from feeling like a restrictive barrier.
Opting for brown tones will look more natural, helping your garden to blend into its surroundings and feel less enclosed.
In reality, shades such as black are too overpowering in a confined space – and risk making your garden feel dark and confined. If you’re keen on a more modern look, grey is a great compromise – contemporary yet not too oppressive in a compact area.
5. Zone
Think you’ve not got enough space to bother zoning your garden? Think again. In many cases, it’s actually more important to organise space in a small garden as it helps to instil a sense of calm and order.
Create hidden areas using composite decking, trellis or walls of foliage, and you’ll give your garden an extra dimension. Not being able to see everything in one go, will give the impression of your garden being bigger than it really is.
6. Create privacy
Although not always true, small gardens are often hemmed in – surrounded by other properties with overlooking windows. Creating privacy, will help your outside area to feel secluded rather than small, and offer you respite from prying eyes.
A great way to do this is to use trees. Whilst initially you may think this will just take up valuable space, it’s a great trick. Yes, trees are large, but they go up before they go out, and can create an excellent natural canopy of privacy without actually impeding too much on the available space. Entwine the overhanging branches with fairy lights and you’ll have a pretty and private haven.
Not got time to wait for a tree to grow…or the spare cash to finance planting one that’s already well established? Then building a shelter can be an excellent alternative.
Composite decking boards works brilliantly for this, mimicking the privacy afforded by branches but with the added bonus of keeping the rain off you. It also means that if your home is as dinky as your garden, you’ll have an extra space to escape to, regardless of the weather.
7. Add a water feature
Okay, so if space is at a premium, taking up room for a water feature may seem a bit bonkers. But it’s not – it’s a great idea!
A water feature doesn’t need to be huge – a small trickle will do – but the sound and sense of movement it creates will help to make your space feel more free-flowing and spacious.
Good things come in small packages
With no minimum order on composite decking from Modern Garden, good things really do come in small packages.
Whether you want five composite decking boards or 500, you can be confident of great quality decking at a great price.
Don’t forget, we also offer composite decking in a choice of sizes, 2.4m and 4m. Ordering the smaller length may help to prevent waste and make installation more straightforward if you’re working in a tight spot.
View our composite decking range now, or for further advice and information about fitting composite decking in a small garden or outside space, talk to the team. We’d love to help!