New build home , small garden
Diane Johnson
9 years ago
Moved into new build house unfortunately garden was basically just clay soil 
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
Karen W
9 years agoDiane Johnson
9 years agoRelated Discussions
New build house decoration
Comments (6)Our first house was a lot like yours, so I know what you're stuggling with. If you do want to change the wood finish (I assume its on window frames, doors and skirting boards?) be prepared for a hell of a lot of work. Its not simply a case of a quick paint job, it will all need sanding down evenly, then the right undercoat, etc. Unless you can do this or get down professionally, I would leave well alone. You do need to counter all that brown and not so much with just light colours - that way tends to just lead to a very light/dark slightly stark nineties look. As a professional designer (now, many years later, after art school etc) I would say, introduce colour. Cath Kidston would be an excellant way to go, also Pip Studios. I have seen her bright fabric curtains put in rooms with dark windows and they tend to then look retro rather than just old fashioned. Have a look on ebay for fabrics or curtains readymade. Collect pictures, think about the feel you're after, make a few moodboards, borrow or buy Cath Kidston books to get initial ideas. If you are imaginative, you are sure to make a much more creative scheme than starting from scratch with white paint. Use what you have already to work from and make something far more individual that still looks like its meant to all be together. Good luck!...See MoreNeed advice on trees/plants to screen our garden -new build next door.
Comments (5)I would look at a standard laurel. Something like this will cost around £120 each for a decent size. You should plant these every 120cm-150cm. Don't forget that you can add height by building a raised border around the perimeter. You could also look at Photinia Red Robin. But get them professionally pruned each year as photinias will get very straggly if you just trim the outside branches as you need to take out some of the centre wood to promote thicker growth....See MoreIn need of interiors tricks for small new build!
Comments (6)A small thought...when purchasing your sofa,ask if the seat cushion can be made as one single piece. People are simply happier sharing when no one is sitting on the crack. (tee hee) I also prefer tightback sofas in small spaces and lower arms. Less bulk and less barrier' fools the eye. Congratulations on your new digs!Ps-always,always,always measure before purchasing anything. Yes,very basic advice but so often forgotten ...as endless threads here show....See MoreNew Build Garden Design Help
Comments (1)Hi there, Pleached trees are a great way to add high up screening without taking too much space and so living space for a good underplanting for pops of colour and year around inteterest. When choosing the underplanting though, you should be aware that the trees tend to suck up a lot of water from the soil and so the conditions in the bed will tend to be on the dry side (potentially shady as well depending on the bed depth - cant really tell because of the snow in the picture), so you should choose the planting accordingly. I offer online garden design services (in person in and around Twickenham/Richmond area) including planting plans and would love to help you with this! Please have a look at my website and get in touch if interested. www.therootedconceptgardendesign.co.uk All the best, Deborah deborahbiasoli@gmail.com 07548105456...See More
minnie101
9 years agoDiane Johnson
9 years agoI like the idea. Of a relaxing place to sit out ,not sure if I want grass or maybe just paving stones pebbles etc do want plants though lavender things that last maybe some plants that look good in winter reds etc borders pots etc , total novice at gardening !
Diane Johnson
9 years agominnie101
9 years agoDiane Johnson
9 years agominnie101
9 years agoYou didn't mention the shed! I did the same as you and planting was 2nd stage. How about something like this from the micro gardener? Pave in front of the back door and In front off the shed with gravel in between. Leave either side of the shed as soil for plants/tree later. Paint the shed and have a couple of chairs out in front. When you have the cash add a big urn or similar in the centre of the gravel and add some climbers up the fence. Either plant your existing plants to the side of the gravel now or add big planters later. Bistro table on the patio and some big potted plants or olive tree when budget allows.
Diane Johnson
9 years ago
Pam Hill