The best 4 design tips for a stunning outdoor space

cosy garden fire pit

Throughout the warmer months, gardens are definitely the go to space to escape and relax in. And there’s nothing better than having a stunning space to retreat to when you feel the urge to be in the great outdoors. So, creating the ideal space for you is a worthy endeavour!

Here at Savoy Timber, we’ve compiled our favourite four garden design ideas to use as inspiration for your next garden makeover. Whether you’re considering new timber decking, a total revamp, or you’re just looking for a few ways to enhance what you’re already working with, we’ve got the answers.

1.Build the perfect garden path system

One of the first things to consider when rearranging your garden is foot traffic, and how people are going to be getting around. One good way to add structure and organisation to your space is to control the flow of foot traffic with the use of clearly defined garden paths . This will give people easy access to all the beautiful areas of your garden, any dangers of trampling on your lawn or over your flower beds in the process!

Not all paths have to be created with landscaping either. You can create your own pathways by simply structuring your garden furniture in such a way that clearly indicates a walkway. Or if you’d prefer, you can create walkways with plants like creeping time or lavender for a more colourful or natural approach. This is the perfect choice if you prefer the charm and whimsy of cottage-style gardens.

2. Create a stunning focal point for your garden

Everyone loves a beautiful garden, but it’s important to create yourself an equally beautiful and comfortable space to enjoy the view from! And that’s where a focal point comes in. This is where you can really inject some personal style into your garden space. It can be anything you like; some great examples include a pond or fountain, sculptures, breathtaking floral or hedge arrangements. You may want to add a bench to this area, too, so you can sit and enjoy all your hard work.

Equally, if you’re looking towards your patio for your focal point, some patio ideas include a curated outdoor seating area, a veranda or beautiful raised beds. A particular favourite of ours is to create an extension of the living room out on some timber decking is a particular favourite of ours. It offers all the comfort of home with a more rustic and outdoorsy feel. The perfect combination, if you ask us! Some comfy garden furniture paired with some cushions and throws under a veranda will be a hit at any gathering. This way you can enjoy your garden in rain or shine too.

3. Cultivate garden texture with plants

When it comes to adding texture to the garden, plants are often not considered. A few flowers or even beds here and there for added colour is a staple feature in many gardens, but actually using them to elevate the look of your space is a great (and often inexpensive) way to take your home garden design prowess up a level.

The basic principles of using plants for texture combine the look of fine, medium and coarse plants to give it that ‘designed’ feel. If you’re looking to build a bold spectacle in your garden, larger, coarser plants are the way to go – rhubarb, rhododendrons or really any plant with large leaves will be great for this. Similarly, if you’re looking to create a more natural and free-feeling garden, stick to finer plants with smaller leaves and petals like baby’s breath, asters or geranium. These delicate smaller flowers will help you create a lighter, airier approach to florals which can help make your garden appear larger. If you have no soil in your garden, this look can be easily replicated in raised beds on your patio or composite decking for example.

4. Keep things cosy with garden heating

Sitting out in your garden shouldn’t just be a daytime activity. In fact, some of the most beautiful times to view your garden can be after sundown when the garden lights come on. Being in the garden at sunset, dusk or even at night can bring a different vibe entirely to the space and can be equally as enjoyable as the daytime. However, living in the UK, it can become quite chilly at night – so what better way to eliminate that problem than with garden heating?

Often, when people think of garden heating their mind goes straight to fire pits, log burners or chimineas, all of which are brilliant at creating warm and cosy atmospheres in the garden or on the patio, but they can pose a few problems when you take timber and composite decking into account. There are a few workarounds, but if you’re looking for some timber and composite decking friendly options, we’d recommend stand heaters, hanging heaters (for verandas), wall mounted heaters or tabletop fire pits. All of these choices will provide you with the warmth you need to enjoy your garden no matter the time of day or night.

Heaters serve a greater purpose than just providing warmth though. Fires and chimineas especially can become a key design feature in your garden, they can also become a great place to gather to enjoy the company of your friends and family, toast a marshmallow – as well as keeping you warm and cosy!

Now you’ve heard our favourite backyard garden ideas, perhaps you’ve taken away some inspiration for a couple of home garden ideas of your own! And if you’re in need of any timber or composite decking to complement your new garden additions, you’re in exactly the right place.

Founded in 1952, we’ve made a name for ourselves supplying great quality doors, decking, worktops, timber and more here at Savoy Timber – and all at affordable everyday prices. We can offer a cut-to-size service, and our friendly team are happy to offer you advice and guidance with your purchase. So, whether youre looking for something specific, or you just need a bit of DIY advice, feel free to get in touch with our experts on 0333 272 7985. Were always here to help!