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A nice patch of outdoor space is perfect for relaxing on warm days and entertaining friends and family on a weekend. And, despite the size of that patch, there are many creative ways to add style and ambience to your garden, even if it is erring on the small side. 

So, whether you have a small balcony garden, a townhouse courtyard, or a bijoux plot of grass at the back of your house, here’s some inspiration for getting the most out of your space and making it summer-ready! 

CREATIVE IDEAS FOR A SMALL GARDEN

1. Create an earthy, rustic vibe

Small gardens can be cosy and comforting, especially with the right decor and accessories. This boho chillout area has a natural, rustic feel using neutral-coloured garden furniture, a beautiful hessian outdoor rug and plenty of soft fabric cushions and blankets in light shades. The soft terracotta wall colour and linen drape complete the earthy, sun-drenched atmosphere.

Credit: Instagram - @the_little_welsh_casa

1. Create an earthy, rustic vibe

2. Add pops of colour brights

Got an old dining table and chairs that you have recently replaced inside your home? Great! Why not upcycle them using some brightly coloured paint in tropical summer shades? This rainbow-inspired table set-up is just perfect for enjoying a summertime BBQ with friends and family.

Credit: Instagram - @jessies_home_and_garden

Colours: Bahamas Breezes, Apricot Macaron, Alpine Forget-Me-Not, Frites, Wintergreen

2. Add pops of colour brights

3. Make a cosy, boho corner

Using a range of comfy seating options in the same area will add variety and interest to your small garden space. The wicker chairs and a large beanbag create an inviting setup on this decked garden, and the bright colour scheme instantly lets your mind drift off to Ibiza shores with its trendy, boho vibe.

Credit: Instagram - @aliceincolour

3. Make a cosy, boho corner

4. Introduce a boujie garden room

You don’t need a big garden to make space for a stunning garden room. This rustic-style cabin is just perfect for catching some shade and relaxing with your favourite summer novel. Plus, when the rain clouds come, it’s a great spot to curl up with a mug of tea and enjoy the sounds of splashing water pitter-pattering outside.

Credit: Instagram - @fiftyfourlane

4. Introduce a boujie garden room

Wild Mustard Seed

R119D

5. A taste of Marrakech

A soft peach and light terracotta colour scheme outdoors offers a Moroccan-infused charm, which is perfect for an informal alfresco lunch or lazy weekend brunch. Play with different shades of the same colour for depth and texture, and to perfect your calming atmosphere. 

Credit: Instagram - @rosie_and_the_little_beans

5. A taste of Marrakech

Rosy Pashmina

R121D

6. Chic shed

Even the smallest of sheds can be beautified with a lick of fresh paint and a few cute accessories. This vibrant blue shed definitely creates a focal point in this garden and looks even more homely with a cheerful slogan sign and tiny bird's nest attached to the front. 

Credit: Instagram - @jane_avison

6. Chic shed

Blue Grotto

R150C

7. Create a sleek space to sit

A palette of grey instantly creates a sophisticated and sleek appearance in your outdoor space. This inviting seating area fits neatly into the corner of the garden space, so as not to take up too much room. Here the space is well accessorised with a mini table, jute footstool and plush coordinating cushions. 

Credit: Instagram - @our.victorian.place

7. Create a sleek space to sit

Coal Tipple

R206A

8. Add romance with pastel shades

Give your garden shed a softer edge and a little romantic charm with a few coats of pastel pink paint. Perfectly balanced against a backdrop of charcoal fencing, this fairytale potting shed is complemented with tonal plant pots, decorative hearts and cute bunting. 

Credit: Instagram - @our_plant_loving_home

8. Add romance with pastel shades

P's and Q's

X6R21B

9. Offer some shade

Although we are all keen to soak up as much of the British sunshine as possible, there are occasions when it’s nice to enjoy a little shade. Fitting in a space-saving sunbrella or parasol will give just enough shade to cover a dining table or small seating area so you can take a break from the heat while you enjoy great times with friends and family. Then, when lunch is over, you can simply lower the covering down to let the rays through once again!

Credit: Instagram - @our_plant_loving_home

9. Offer some shade

Glass Houses

R287D

10. Brighten up your brickwork

Concrete walled patios and courtyards can be given an instant facelift with a little creativity and colour. A splash of yellow on these, otherwise grey, bricks is enough to brighten up the whole space, giving it a completely new lease of life. Combine with other brights such as fuschia pink and vibrant green for a happy carnival-themed outdoor interior. 

Credit:  Instagram - @rubys_rags_n_riches

10. Brighten up your brickwork

Brilliant Blooms

W23c

11. Maximise every corner

When garden space is at a premium, every inch should be utilised to maximise available footage. Creating a border around the circumference of your small garden or patio will allow you to introduce plants and flowers into the area without taking up too much space. While corner seating areas will leave room in the centre of your space without it feeling too overwhelming. 

Credit: Instagram - @pearlsandplaster

11. Maximise every corner

Sporty Pink

X29R64E

12. Let there be light

Having the right type of lighting in your garden can totally transform the ambience of your space. Hanging fairy lights and festoon lighting helps to create a magical atmosphere on balmy summer nights, while outdoor candle holders and hanging lanterns complete the fairytale-like appearance of your cosy seating area.

Credit: Instagram - @pearlsandplaster

12. Let there be light

Spring Gentian

X78R148C

13. Bring the indoors outside

During the summer months, your patio or courtyard can be doubled up as an extension of your lounge or living area. And, that doesn’t just mean having an outdoor sofa either. You can glam up your outdoor seating space with coffee tables, plush cushions, outdoor rugs and potted plants to bring a little bit of your indoor interior outdoors! 

Credit: Instagram - @thelittlebluehouse95

13. Bring the indoors outside

Twinkle Twinkle

X87R184B

COLOUR MATCH WITH VALSPAR 

Finding the perfect colours for your outdoor space is really important. That’s why we offer an easy colour-match facility to ensure you get exactly the right shade. Simply upload an image of a colour you love to our Photo Uploaded and we can colour match it in any of our B&Q stores to create your dream garden paint.

Need help choosing the right paint or colour?

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