Darren Kennedy asks Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke for a few tips on the outdoor design
Florence Bistro Set, € 99.99, available from Woodies.ie.ie available
Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke
Darren Kennedy
Small garden? No problem. With the right tricks in your (green) sleeves, even the smallest terrace or the balcony can be transformed into an adult, glamorous retreat outdoors. Regardless of whether you strive for a room to relax with a book or talk about summer drinks, it is about working more intelligently with what you have. To help, I turned to Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke to achieve his top tips on the stylish effect on the most compact rooms.
It may sound contrary, but bigger is really better in a small room, says Burke. “Oversized pots and planters create a feeling of scale and durability,” he explains. “They act as a visual anchor and reduce disorder, in contrast to many small pots, which can change into a room.” Go for classic materials such as terracotta, stone or ceramics for an adult, elegant feeling.
One of the simplest ways to increase your outdoor aesthetics is the color reluctance. “Stick to two or three main tones and layers in white and greens to keep things calm,” advises Burke. “Too many fighting colors can feel more chaotic than curated.” Think of tonal and timeless than tropical overload.
Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke
To keep things interesting, layers in different textures. “Soft outdoor pillow, woven litters and natural materials such as stone or metal give wealth and contrast.” Even your planting can bring in a structural variety – imagine the top elegance of ferns next to the feather -drawn branches of a Japanese maple. “The texture adds visual interest without taking more space.”
Large plants in the back, in the middle of the middle and floor covering on the front of the front recommends this “plant hierarchy” to create depth and structure. “Avoid sudden highlights. Use transition plants to guide the eye and create a river.”
Don't be afraid of furniture either – just be strategic. “A bistro table and chairs or a compact bank can create a designated zone for morning coffee or evening shoes.”
When the sun goes down, your garden is not must. “Lighting is the secret of the glamor outdoors,” says Burke. Mix string lights, solar lanterns and headlights for fuel or characteristics. “Wall -mounted lights give sophistication and make a tiny room layer and luxurious.”
An outstanding feature – a water basin, a statement pot or climbing rose on a border wall – can give your space a feeling of design and intention. “One focus anchors the garden and gives the eye to rest somewhere.”
Even if you work with just a few square meters, you can transform your small space outdoors into a stylish sanctuary – one that feels like an effortless expansion of your house and a personal escape from everyday life.