Tag: garden design

Garden rooms design: romantic and atmospheric ideas

Garden rooms design: romantic and atmospheric ideas

Garden rooms can be seen as an extension of your summer house. Having a garden room on your property gives you endless possibilities – this structure is multifunctional and can be converted into anything you like. One great way to use this space is to organise the perfect place to spend time with your partner, because what can be more romantic than a cosy little room with a gorgeous view? Impress your significant other and show them how much you appreciate them with a date night in your own little getaway that you get to design yourself!

In this post, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your romantic garden room design project, so, let’s take a look at all the ways you can turn an ordinary room into a romantic oasis.

Colour scheme

This is the first thing you should focus on when planning out the interior, as the right colour scheme can really set the mood. Depending on your tastes and personal style, there are two ways you can colour-coordinate the space. Pastels are a safe option, you can’t go wrong with light shades and subtle colours. Pastel walls will make the room feel fresh and airy, especially if there’s lots of natural light. This colour scheme is youthful and modern, the colours can be limited to 2-3 shades of your choice.

Another option is taking a bold approach and going with a more niche design by using bright pink, red and fuchsia. Although this might sound risky, it’s not necessary to use all of these colours all over the garden room. A few accents here and there will make your garden room pop without making it overwhelming. For instance, neutral-coloured walls can be complimented by bright red armchairs or a cute pink coffee table. Remember, garden rooms aren’t connected to the main house, so you can make it as original as you want!

Accessories and furniture

A good, comfortable sofa is a must for all garden rooms, but is it really romantic if there are no bean bags? You may think that they belong in a teenager’s room, but actually you’ll be impressed at how cosy and comfortable they are. They come in every colour and fabric, so you can choose one that fits into your interior style.

Nothing says ‘cosy’ like a fluffy rug, especially if you have wooden floors. It will be a great addition to your lounge area and will keep your feet warm in the winter. Handmade rugs are very trendy now, and the best part of ordering a handmade rug is that you get to choose your own design.

If you really want to go full out, add a mini-fridge to your garden room so you can always enjoy a cool bottle of wine or champagne during your date night.

Add a playful side to your design by hanging an indoor swing. Swings are as durable as they are chic. Keep in mind that installing the swing needs to be done properly, or else it won’t be safe to use. If you have exposed beams in your garden room, installing the swing won’t be a problem, but if you can’t find a good place to hang the swings, there’s nothing to worry about – some of them come with swing stands; this way, you can enjoy your swing without having to demolish the ceiling.

After adding all the furniture, you can focus on the décor to tie the garden room together and complete the interior. Flowers and plants will liven up the interior and make the room as beautiful as your garden, especially climbing plants in pots hanging from the ceiling.

Remember that there’s no such thing as too many pillows. Decorative throw pillows, whether they’re colourful, fuzzy or with tassels and fun patterns really fill the space in the best way possible.

Since garden rooms are usually quite small, natural lighting is very important. Sheer flowing curtains that make the room more private, but still let in the sunlight.

A spa in the garden room

Having your own spa in the garden room will help you and your partner relax and treat yourselves. Set up a vanity with all your favourite face masks and creams, add hooks to hang some towels. You can even buy a towel steamer so you always have fresh warm towels.

Spas are full of pleasant smells, so aromatherapy is a key element. Two great ways to keep your garden room smelling delicious are aroma lamps and essential oil diffusers. They come in modern designs and are very easy to use. Scented candles are also a wonderful option. They will add romantic lighting and fill the air with their wonderful aroma.

Last but not least, lighting can either set the mood or completely kill it. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting, as it will make you feel as though you’re in an office building. Instead, try colourful fairy lights, small table lamps with warm light and, for the main lighting, you can install a lighting fixture with a dimmer switch.

A dreamy garden room that’s made with a few design tips and lots of love will make your significant other fall head over heels, so now that you know how to create the perfect romantic atmosphere, you can go right ahead and get started on your project!

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Five garden ideas to set your garden apart

Five garden ideas to set your garden apart | H is for Home

If you’re looking to renovate your garden and make it a beautiful place to hang out, here are some garden ideas to help you change things around. When designing your garden, you do it so that it works best for the space available, and thus it functions effectively for you. It may seem like an overwhelming or heavy-duty task to undertake, Outdoor Art Pros can help make it seem effortless.

Knowing what you’re looking for can be the hardest part, whether you want to plant a vegetable garden, or have a small, peaceful space to escape your stress, there are many ways you can create marvellous garden. Gardening can be calming in itself, so why not take some of these ideas and try them for yourself?

Garden pond

Small pond

If you have sufficient outside space, make the effort to install a small pond in your garden. It’s not the most common of garden features so, if done well, it can be very impressive. They may take a little more effort to maintain, but the enjoyment you’ll experience and the benefit to a range of wildlife make the extra work worthwhile.

Garden furinture set

Patios and tables

What better way to admire your garden than to have a little seating area for you and your loved ones to enjoy? With a small deck or paved patio area, you can be surrounded by your garden while enjoying it from a perfect vantage point. A paved or decked area can incorporate all manner of other facilities too, such as barbecues and pizza ovens.

Stone garden path

Laying a path

Laying a path from your house into the garden has a few different benefits. Walkways are a great way of encouraging guests to explore your outside space – they entice and lead the way. They’ll discover all its main attractions – and secret hidden corners too, if you want them to! Another advantage is that a pathway will dictate where one should step, so that you can avoid the accidental trampling of your beautiful plants & flowers.

If you don’t have a massive garden, it certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t make your little outside area into an oasis. A well-designed walkway is an excellent way to make the most your garden space, creating a garden ‘journey’ and adding interest to the space.

Overgrown balcony

Flowered railing

Do you have a balcony or patio with an eyesore of a railing? A brilliant way to spruce up your space is to disguise it with pretty flowers! You can’t go wrong with beautiful, blooming flowers everywhere. A great way to make use of an often neglected area of a garden is a flowered railing.

Garden wall fountain

Seating and a fountain area

We’ve looked at the positives of having a small seating area in your garden; this provides a sociable space where you can sit with friends & family to enjoy the weather and scenery. Perhaps consider a water feature such as a rivulet or fountain in this space. They work wonderfully as a focal point providing interest in the form of movement and sound.

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10 killer questions to guide your garden transformation project

10 killer questions to guide your garden transformation project | H is for Home

Let’s face it; a beautiful garden can create a far happier home life. The outside space will add a whole new dimension to the property, which is why a garden transformation should be one of the top upgrades on every home-owner’s agenda.

The great news about a garden upgrade is that a lot of the work will leave internal parts of the property untouched. As such, you’re under far less pressure to rush the project. Still, every home-owner will be desperate to find the best solution for their budget, tastes and personal requirements.

Thankfully, a little preparation goes a long way. Use the following questions for guidance, and you won’t go far wrong.

Wild flower garden with garden room

#1. What’s my budget?

Before starting any home upgrade, it’s imperative to consider your financial limitations. There’s nothing worse than stripping back the garden only to find you don’t have the funds needed to complete the subsequent upgrades. Therefore, budgeting and costings are essential to your plans.

The good news is that most garden upgrades are fairly affordable to complete. Even expensive luxuries like pools can be created via cheaper options like shipping containers. With a little research, you can soon discover which tasks are right for your garden.

Garden upgrades and home improvements are a good reason for remortgaging the home or borrowing money elsewhere. Either way, knowing how much capital is available, along with the costs of the proposed projects, builds the right foundation. Don’t forget it!

Great tit at a bird bath

#2. What are my primary objectives?

No two home-owners share identical tastes and requirements. Likewise, the size, shape and land of your garden could be vastly different to a neighbour’s. A deeper appreciation of the space, location and main aims of your project is vital. You need the garden to feel like home.

Some home-owners are focused solely on the aesthetic. In this case, you may look to beautify the area with the right choice of plants while also attracting wildlife with birdbaths, houses and feeders. Others may use the space for entertaining guests, working out or just relaxing.

There’s no single right or wrong solution, except the one that works for you. Of course, if you’re preparing the home for sale, it’ll be important to think about the latest trends. If planning to keep living at the property, though, you can focus solely on what suits your personal preferences.

Blue garden table and chairs on graveled patio

#3. Is the garden safe?

Regardless of what you wish to achieve with the garden, safety is paramount. Both conventional and contemporary garden spaces should make this a priority. If you have children or mobility issues, this factor can take on an even greater significance. However, it should be respected by all.

If you do have children, it’s crucial to ensure the layout offers good visibility to parents from the kitchen, conservatory and deck. Meanwhile, selecting a sturdier garden fence can stop potential hazards caused by high winds. Handrails and barriers for raised areas are great additions too.

Safety should not be limited to people, though. Ensuring that rainwater is diverted away from the property is another key task. Similarly, precautions may be needed to stop rodents and unwelcome critters entering the garden… and then on to the house Otherwise, they could cause damage to the soil or garden furniture.

Hanging basket of white flowers

#4. Will the space be effectively utilised?

Whether you have a modest garden space or a huge plot of land, it’s vital that you make it work harder. Fail to do this, and you’ll never truly be satisfied. Sectioning the garden so that there are designated areas for different activities is great for the organisation. Embrace it!

Tricking the eyes into perceiving the space to be bigger than it is is very useful. Adding French doors essentially combines living spaces with the patio or deck. This single project transforms the vibe of your garden, adding a sense of luxury and style while making the place feel bigger too.

If the area is limited, you can erect hanging baskets to beautify the surroundings without losing space. Likewise, the kitchen window ledge can be used for growing herbs. With a little creative thinking, even a small garden can thrive.

Wooden garden furniture set

#5. Does the garden provide comfort?

A winning backyard can facilitate many activities. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that relaxation and comfort are among the best. There’s nothing quite like a lazy Sunday on your swinging lounger while listening to some tunes and drinking a cold beer or wine.

Choosing the right rattan furniture is crucial for providing comfort. Meanwhile, you should consider an overhead canopy to protect you from the heat. If the backyard is your place to break away from the stresses of modern life, the addition of spiritual ornaments may also prove to be useful.

If the garden doesn’t leave you feeling relaxed and comfortable, you won’t use it. Sadly, that would render any upgrade work futile. For the sake of your budget as well as your ongoing love of the property, adding personal touches to increase your satisfaction is vital.

Sun deck area of a garden

#6. Will I get enough usage?

The aforementioned idea of actually using the garden is a key ingredient in the recipe for success. Otherwise, you’ll be better off upgrading another part of the property. While BBQ stoves, furniture, and plants are all crucial, the effort should not end there.

Time spent in the garden with your family can be magical. So, you should naturally want to extend this by using patio heaters and lighting. Why let the sun dictate when you can or can’t use the space? An evening in the garden has got to be better than watching the latest TV talent show.

Simple adjustments focused on increasing the duration of your enjoyment can only have a positive impact. If you are in the process of redesigning your garden spaces, gaining the maximum function out of them is essential. Get this right, and the upgrade work will feel worthwhile.

Garden veg plot

#7. Are the features eco-friendly?

The need to take social responsibility is greater than ever, and your garden is the perfect place to start. Not all additions need to focus on green attributes. Still, a little conscious effort goes a long way to creating a garden that leaves you feeling guilt-free.

Dedicating a space to grow fruit and vegetables in the garden is an ideal solution. It can be supported further through the use of solar lights, the use of natural materials for decorations, and a compost. Even if you don’t incorporate all of those features, positive results will show.

The rewards aren’t restricted to helping the planet and aiding your mindset. Some of those tasks can encourage a healthier lifestyle while others reduce financial waste. Keep this in mind when designing your garden. Smarter choices will be made for your health, wealth, and surroundings.

Door of a garden shed

#8. Is there enough storage?

It’s easy to underestimate how many possessions are used in the garden. In reality, we use hundreds of items for gardening tasks, playing games, entertainment, and maintenance tasks. Without ample storage, they can leave the garden looking unloved. Or ruin your garage.

First and foremost, you must find a garden shed or storage facility that can satisfy your needs. Additional storage can be created in hidden spaces by the side of the building or through a garden ottoman on the deck. Meanwhile, a BBQ pit rather than a free-standing one can work wonders too.

The garden upgrade project is the perfect time to take stock of existing garden products too. Anything that isn’t needed can be trashed, sold, or donated to charity. This will save valuable space, which instantly reduces your need for storage facilities. Perfect.

Garden with double-door garage

#9. Will it be vulnerable?

Given that the garden is an open space that is protected only by your perimeter fencing, you must also pay attention to the security. There’s little purpose in adding expensive items to your garden if somebody is going to steal them. Insurance is useful, but prevention is the best form of protection.

Security features may include CCTV cameras and alarm systems. Motion-detecting lights are a valuable addition too. Anti-climb paint and spiked fencing can also prevent many threats. Perhaps most importantly, any hugely valuable items should be kept out of sight to reduce temptation.

Improving the security facilities should be supported by extra safety features. This includes those that account for adverse weather. Knowing that your garden is in great health and suitably protected can offer added peace of mind. In turn, this should enable you to seek far greater enjoyment.

Blue lawn mower

#10. What about maintenance?

Creating the perfect garden space isn’t easy. So, when you finally achieve your objectives, it’s vital that the results are here to stay. Take a step back to consider the future maintenance during the planning phases, and it’ll pay dividends in the long run. This is crucial for stress-free living.

A wide range of ideas can be incorporated to keep maintenance to a minimum. Artificial lawns are arguably the best solution. Meanwhile, opting for evergreen plants that require little care can make your life a little easier. Robust furniture should also feature high on your agenda.

It’s very hard to love your garden when maintenance consumes all of your time. When you take the right precautions and invest in the best materials for cleaning and general care, the rewards last a lifetime. If you want to produce the very best results, this step is a crucial finale.

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Beautiful garden upgrades you may not have considered

Beautiful garden upgrades you may not have considered | H is for Home

Our outdoor spaces can be sanctuaries, social areas or a great places for our children to play and get exercise. Many of us remember running around a family garden when we were younger, getting a tan in the summer and throwing snowballs in the winter. If you’re lucky enough to own a garden that you can access at any time, then it’s an excellent idea to take advantage of this. There are real benefits to enjoying fresh air at some point during the day. A garden upgrade might be just the thing to tempt you outside. Not everybody is green-fingered, of course, but there are other options on offer – whether through your own efforts or by calling in a professional gardener or landscape designer.

Garden room

Garden rooms

Garden buildings can be used for numerous purposes – a home office, craft room, DIY workshop, study or potting shed. Sometimes people buy them to use as a multi-purpose, outdoor living base for the warmer months; somewhere to cook, entertain visitors or use as a kids’ play area. In fact, getting the children involved in decorating your garden space might be an idea that you want to explore. If you’re able to identify a suitable space outdoors for a garden room, you may be able to have that coveted, tucked-away office. Also, having an office in your garden could boost the success of your business, ensuring that you have a place to concentrate and a space where you can achieve an effective work/life balance. It’s something that many business owners claim they couldn’t do without once they’ve experienced it. It can be an investment that brings you high returns in the future.

Artificial grass

Artificial grass

Artificial grass is a little bit Marmite; gardeners and home-owners can be conflicted about this particular one. But there’s no denying the fact that many people have chosen this route and are more than happy with the results. The amount of money and time that you save choosing artificial grass is well worth the initial outlay and effort. When this new technology first came onto the market, many people were sceptical, but it’s now a much more common landscaping choice. Many people have been converted… it’s a material that’s clean, hard wearing and virtually maintenance free. It can save you lots of time, allowing you to enjoy your garden without the effort of weeding and mowing. I’s also great for the elderly and disabled who can’t quite so easily manage their garden. It’s interesting to note that the artificial grass on the market can last for up to 15 years, and most come with a guarantee covering that length of time.

Dragon water feature

Water features

You may think that fountains are only for those of us with plenty of spare cash to burn, but there is a range of options from to suit every budget. From simple, miniature water features to the more extravagant statues with fountains attached, you can easily find something that will suit you and your outdoor space. They add real interest – both visually and audibly. It’s important to relax and unwind – and the beautiful sound of running water is a special thing for us to experience.We work hard to be in the position to own our own gardens, so why not add a little luxury and interest to them?

Plants being grown in pots and containers

Vegetation

When we think of a garden, we often think of beautiful flowers and shrubs located there. Obviously, these are features that enhance our gardens massively. Still, we don’t always know where to start with plants and flowers, but luckily with resources such as the internet and local garden centres, we should be able to create something unique for our gardens. It’s important to remember that different plants require different growing conditions – and also they’ll be in bloom at different times of the year. To ensure that your garden has ample flowers on display for as much of the year as possible, you may choose to hire professional help – whether through a garden designer or landscape gardener. They’ll know all the ins and outs of the gardening year and will be able to create that special place for you.

You could even take an online course to help you understand garden design, landscaping, plants and flowers… all the aspects that will help you enhance your garden dramatically. Many people have created long-term careers just through an initial hobby interest in gardening and learning about the topic.

Tree with pink blossom

Trees

Most of us love trees – walking through woodland or a park filled with beautiful trees can really help us de-stress. Tree-lined streets and avenues have a calming effect, bringing a bit of nature into the urban environment. And how wonderful to be able to open the back door and spend time sitting under your own tree? If you aren’t a gardener or don’t have green fingers, don’t worry. A tree pretty much takes care of itself and can be an excellent addition to your garden. Choose a suitable tree for the space available, give it the initial care it needs… then sit back and enjoy watching it grow and observing all the wildlife that it attracts.

So, whether you want a completely fresh garden design, a new garden building, new planting schemes or just some artificial grass – a garden upgrade is undoubtedly going to improve your chances of enjoying your time in your outdoor space and increase your home’s appeal when it comes to selling… and anything that can get you outside breathing fresh air and exercise is, of course, a great thing!

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