For many homeowners searching for property for sale in London, a garden – no matter how big or small – is on the wish list.
In a recent survey carried out by Foxtons, 72 per cent of their clients said they would pay more for a home that had a garden. This “garden premium” means people are willing to pay more for outdoor space, even if it’s small and/or in need of some renovation or updating.
If you have an urban garden that is lacking in inspiration, there are a number of things you can add to give the space a makeover, regardless of size. You may want to add something like some spot lighting or a sound system, or go all out with the addition of furniture, paving and planters. Here, we take a look at five ideas that can give your city garden an instant injection of style and sophistication…
Free up floorspace
If you are working with a small urban garden, you may wish to utilize all the available square footage by removing planting and other items from the floor, and making better use of your walls. You can grow plants in windowsill planters or hanging baskets or even create a living wall, meaning your surroundings are enjoyable and all the floor space can be paved, decked or turfed over to allow you to input some seating.
Work with your walls
If you are one of many people who have a small courtyard garden, why not experiment with ways to spice up these outside walls? Recent studies have shown that in London, nearly one in four people with a garden devote some of that outside space to growing their own produce. Should you fancy turning your hand at this so-called “urban farming”, you can invest in some decorative planters to put the fruits of your labour on fashionable display. If that’s not your thing, why not create some decorations using bird cages, shelving, or even picture frames? You can create a vintage-inspired look by power washing the walls to expose any underlying brick, or you can paint in vibrant colours to go for something eclectic and exciting.
Why not try a water feature?
An easy way to add a touch of style to an urban garden, a water feature such as a mini fountain, pond or statue can add some serenity whilst acting as a focal point for your exterior decor.
Super seating
Whether you plan to use your outdoor space to entertain or as a haven in which to unwind, having some seating in place is key. You may want to opt for a patio set if there is the space, or if yours is a particularly small garden, you may wish to add a bench to the walls to create some limited seating. Fancy something a little more modern? You can use some oversized beanbags for seating, which work particularly well on artificial grass.
Fire pit
A small fire pit is a great way to bring people together during social evenings outside, and whether it’s in use or not, a stylish design will always capture attention. There are many small bowl-shaped and square spaces that are designed especially for use in small spaces, but before installing, make sure you check laws outlined by your local council to ensure you are doing so safely.
For more urban gardening ideas, visit our portfolio to get some inspiration!
