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5 Creative Design Tips to Maximize Your Small Garden Space

  • Writer: Sarah Kay
    Sarah Kay
  • Apr 24
  • 2 min read

Outdoor space in London is limited, with most gardens being small and often overlooked. Here are some of my tips to help create the illusion of space and privacy in a compact garden.


1. Links to the Architecture or Interior

Connecting elements in your garden to the architecture or interior of the house can foster a sense of seamless transition to the outdoors. This might involve using similar bricks or colors inspired by a part of the interior.


The red brick paths and reclaimed tile patio colours were chosen to complement the red brick exterior and front door colour in my E9 Romantic Garden
The red brick paths and reclaimed tile patio colours were chosen to complement the red brick exterior and front door colour in my E9 Romantic Garden
The black metal and wooden features in my E10 New Orleans Style garden were selected to complement the Crittal style kitchen doors.
The black metal and wooden features in my E10 New Orleans Style garden were selected to complement the Crittal style kitchen doors.

2. Hide the Boundaries

Adding climbers and flower beds filled with plants at the front of the boundaries can conceal them, giving the illusion of a larger garden. Trees can obscure neighboring windows, enhancing privacy.


  1. The boundaries in my N5 Secluded Family Garden are covered with climbers and pleached trees to create a sense of space and seclusion
    The boundaries in my N5 Secluded Family Garden are covered with climbers and pleached trees to create a sense of space and seclusion

    3. Use of Mirrors

    Mirrors are a smart visual tool; when positioned correctly, they can give the impression of a larger garden through reflections.


    This large metal edged mirror is perfectly placed in my E5 Courtyard to create the illusion of space.
    This large metal edged mirror is perfectly placed in my E5 Courtyard to create the illusion of space.

    4. Utilise all the space, even the awkward bits.

    Utilise awkward corners or side returns to create extra seating areas or shaded nooks.


    The awkward side return in my E12 New Orleans Style garden has been transforms with a black wooden pergola, festoon lights and a perfectly placed bench
    The awkward side return in my E12 New Orleans Style garden has been transforms with a black wooden pergola, festoon lights and a perfectly placed bench

    5. Bring the planting into the centre of the garden

    Arranging a garden at a 45-degree angle or establishing beds that cut across the garden introduces an intriguing flow and can help to conceal certain elements, giving the impression of a larger space.


    Designed on 45 degree angle, my E8 Urban Sanctuary Garden brings the planting into the centre, enhancing the views from the kitchen and within the garden
    Designed on 45 degree angle, my E8 Urban Sanctuary Garden brings the planting into the centre, enhancing the views from the kitchen and within the garden

    Bringing a flower bed across the gardens means the gate and bin and bike stores can be partly obscured by a multi stem Birch in my E9 Romantic Garden
    Bringing a flower bed across the gardens means the gate and bin and bike stores can be partly obscured by a multi stem Birch in my E9 Romantic Garden

    If you need help redesigning your London garden, please contact me for a consultation.

 
 
 

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