How to make the most out of a small garden

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Many people mistakenly believe that there's not much that can be done to improve the appearance of a tiny garden. However, whilst it is true that smaller outdoor spaces present more challenges than their larger counterparts, there are in fact plenty of ways to make the most out of a modestly-proportioned garden. All that's required is a bit of time, patience and creativity.

Plant vertically

If you're looking for a simple way to add some natural beauty into a small garden, without infringing on the already-limited ground area, consider hanging some plants vertically, up along the fencing boards or walls. These will help to draw the eye upwards and thus trick it into seeing the space as larger than it really is. Whilst you can use traditional hanging baskets or plant pots, recycled tin cans and other re-purposed containers are also quite easy to attach to a wall or fence and will help to reduce the overall cost of this project. Make sure to include plenty of flowering plants, as vivid-coloured blooms are great for brightening up a small, dark outdoor space.

Choose the right type of seating

One of the best parts of living in a property with a garden is being able to sit outside with a cup of coffee on a sunny morning, or enjoy some Al fresco dining with friends on a warm summer evening. You don't have to miss out on these simple pleasures just because your outdoor area is on the small side.

There are a couple of ways to integrate seating into a tiny garden; you can create an unobtrusive nook in the corner, with a cast-iron, bistro-style table and chair set or alternatively, you could opt for larger, foldable outdoor furniture, so that you can seat a few people outside during a barbecue or party, but can also easily store the set away when it's not needed.

When shopping for outdoor furniture sets, look for ones which are minimalistic in style, with sleek, clean lines. Bulky, ornately-designed chairs and tables can make a small garden feel cramped and claustrophobic.

Introduce pale tones

Even the tiniest garden will appear larger than it really is, if it is surrounded by pale-coloured fencing or walls. Painting the boundaries of your outdoor area a bright white or pastel shade will help to bounce around any natural or artificial lighting, and thus create the illusion of a much larger space. Hanging some decorative mirrors around the garden can further enhance this illusion, as they too will reflect the light. 

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4 August 2016

From Purely Decorative to Functional: A Furniture Blog

Choosing furniture is exciting, and it has many different facets. In some cases, you may simply want furniture that is purely decorative, such as a transitional table to hold a vase full of flowers in your hallway. In other cases, you may need furniture that is very functional such as a desk that has places to store files, a cork board for hanging memos and a work surface. Whether you are thinking about investing in functional or decorative furniture, you need tips to help you choose it and take care of it. This blog aims to fill that gap. I plan to include posts that look at furniture from a wide range of angles, and I hope these ideas help you.