Small Space, Big Impact
Project Year: 2025
Location: Sleaford, Lincolnshire
Time to Complete: 3 weeks
The Brief
This project focused on creating a stylish, practical garden that would make the most of the available outdoor space while providing different areas for relaxing and entertaining.
The aim was to create a contemporary design that complemented the property, with a generous outdoor dining area, a separate seating space for enjoying the sunshine and a central lawn to maintain an open, spacious feel. Privacy was an important consideration, particularly within the seating areas, while the planting needed to introduce colour, texture and interest without making the garden feel overcrowded.
The design also needed to incorporate a sheltered entertaining area that could be enjoyed in different weather conditions, allowing the clients to make greater use of their garden throughout the year. Our approach was to combine attractive paving, contemporary garden structures, carefully positioned planting and practical pathways to create a cohesive outdoor space where every area had a purpose.
The Design
One of the main features of this garden is the contemporary, dark-framed pergola, which provides a defined outdoor dining space.
Positioned on a generous paved terrace, the pergola creates an attractive extension of the home, offering a comfortable setting for family meals, social gatherings and everyday outdoor living.
The clean lines of the structure complement the contemporary style of the garden, while the grey paving provides a practical and attractive surface. The clients' choice of rattan dining furniture completes the space, creating a welcoming area where they can entertain family and friends. The pergola also introduces height and architectural interest, helping to define the dining area without enclosing it or interrupting the views across the garden.
At the opposite end of the garden, we created a second seating area designed to provide a quieter space for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. This paved terrace is framed by contemporary horizontal timber screening, creating an attractive backdrop while providing additional privacy from neighbouring properties. The warm tones of the timber contrast beautifully with the natural stone paving, giving the space a modern yet welcoming appearance.
Timber raised planting beds have been incorporated along the edges, introducing structure and softening the boundaries.
A small ornamental tree provides height and interest, while the surrounding planting adds colour and texture without overwhelming the seating area. The clients' wooden reclining chairs complete this peaceful corner, making it an inviting place to sit with a morning coffee, read a book or simply enjoy the garden.
Although the garden incorporates two separate seating areas, it was important that they felt connected rather than disjointed.
A central lawn provides an attractive green space between the terraces, balancing the hard landscaping and helping the garden retain an open appearance.
Stepping stones have been incorporated through the lawn, creating a practical and visually interesting route between the different areas. Their simple, linear arrangement complements the contemporary design while encouraging movement through the garden.
The surrounding paving and neatly defined lawn edges help establish a clean, structured appearance, ensuring the different materials work together harmoniously. This thoughtful layout makes the most of the available space, providing several opportunities to enjoy the garden without making it feel overcrowded.
Planting plays an important role in balancing the clean lines of the paving, pergola and timber screening.
The borders combine a variety of flowering perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs, introducing different heights, textures and seasonal colour. The planting along the boundary helps soften the fencing, while the raised timber beds create additional opportunities for greenery and visual interest. A small ornamental tree provides a focal point within the more intimate seating area, adding height without dominating the garden. The combination of natural materials, soft planting and structured landscaping creates a welcoming outdoor environment that feels contemporary but not overly formal. As the planting matures, it will further soften the garden's boundaries and bring additional colour and character to the space.
One of the strengths of this design is its flexibility. The sheltered dining terrace provides a sociable setting for entertaining, while the more secluded seating area offers somewhere to relax away from the main activity of the garden. The central lawn creates a sense of openness and provides an attractive outlook from both seating areas. The different spaces are linked by consistent materials and a carefully considered layout, ensuring the garden feels balanced and cohesive. Whether enjoying a quiet coffee in the sunshine or hosting an outdoor meal with family and friends, the garden provides a setting for a variety of occasions.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a relatively modest outdoor space into a beautiful and versatile garden. The contemporary pergola, attractive paved terraces, timber screening and carefully positioned planting work together to create a stylish outdoor environment that complements the home. The two seating areas offer different experiences, while the central lawn and stepping-stone pathway ensure the garden remains open, practical and visually appealing. The combination of natural stone, warm timber, modern structures and colourful planting creates a balanced design that will continue to develop as the garden matures.
The result is a welcoming, contemporary garden that offers the perfect balance between relaxation and entertaining.
A thoughtfully designed outdoor space where modern style, comfort and practical living come together.