Contemporary Garden Transformation
Location:
Norfolk, EnglandDate
November 2023This recent garden design was completed for a beautiful garden in the heart of Norfolk, UK. Within this well-maintained garden is a spacious central lawn, a charming children’s play area at the garden’s rear, and a carefully positioned patio by the bifold lounge doors. Despite its current charm and practical layout, the garden awaits a modern transformation. This starts with understanding the unique preferences and aspirations of its owners.
The brief is for a combination of traditional and modern design elements. Enthusiasts of entertaining, the outdoor dining space should accommodate up to 12 people with additional secluded social areas away from the house. These are to be set within an exciting design of meandering pathways within a structured layout. A well-considered lighting plan should highlight focal points and statement planting whilst gently illuminating social areas. The design should equally respect the traditional architecture and materials of the house ensuring a sympathetic link between the garden and its surroundings.
Conceptual Vision
The vision was clear – to create a timeless yet dynamic outdoor haven. The design is an intricate dance between straight lines and graceful curves where classic elements are merged with contemporary twists. The balance of clean and elegant design principles with playful elements imparts a bright and breezy ambiance, avoiding stark minimalism.
The core of our design revolves around a series of defined and well-linked social areas set within simple yet contrasting greenery to provide a sense of unity. Focal areas are strategically placed to capture attention while hidden corners invite exploration.
Soft Landscaping
To create a captivating garden retreat, the vision was a mix of cottage planting and vibrant vegetation with contrasting textures and shapes. Perennial beds with Clematis, Paeonia, and Lavandula define social spaces, adding low-maintenance elegance. In contrast small, elegant trees like Cercis siliquastrum and Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’ provide a secluded retreat. Climbing plants add privacy and vertical interest while fragrant and colourful groundcovers line meandering pathways. The colour scheme, a careful blend of purples, blues, greens, and whites, is designed to ensure a cohesive, low-maintenance landscape, that merges contemporary and traditional styles.
The design envisions a captivating journey, where every turn reveals a new layer of interest. It unfolds as a series of interconnected functional spaces, from the inviting patio area by the bifolding doors to secluded corners offering moments of privacy and reflection. Each area is carefully curated to serve specific purposes, providing the owners with an array of options for relaxation, entertainment, and quiet contemplation.