I like your house! I think smaller yards are easier to turn into a welcoming, beautiful feature than big ones. You can maximize the impact resulting from decisions you make and money you spend. I recommend embarking on a lengthy exploration of photos (which it looks like you already have). Pick out details that you like from each and take notes. I've isolated photos tagged as outdoor/yard/modern/narrow: http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/outdoor/narrow-yard- Before you embark on your exploration, come up with solid answers to the following 3 items: 1. Who will be using the outdoor space, and how will they use it? 2. Name three to five keywords that describe how you (and other household members) want to feel when you look at or use your outdoor space. 3. Your budget.

I do like Sven's idea of the blue palm ( chamaerops Humilis cerifera ), but maybe not in a pot as they do get very large. It would have to go in place of the tree as they can reach heights of 3 m x 2m wide. However, it would look nice with your front door, but maybe in a stone circle. You can't really put honeysuckle ( lonicera ), in the borders unless it's against the fence and you run wires for it, but i think your fence is probably too low. Lilac in white and pink or mauve would be better Depending on variety again, they're prolific growers, but will cover a fence in no time and smell fabulous. I'd have a stone circle in the middle and then a curved bed at the front with some higher plants, foxgloves, Iris, Japanese Anemonies etc at the back for height, some giant double pink poppies, weigela, candytuft to break it all up and get some white in amongst the pinks, purples and blues. All would look lovely with grey stone and your front door. All of the pics are of my own plants, I'd like to take credit for our garden, but it's my wife's domain, she's passionate about her plants and loves Pink, white, blue, purple, mauve etcWigela

MATH, isn't the lovely panelling the open living room door? I agree put the coats elsewhere, but even if you do get rid of all of them, I'd still put some hooks on the other side where there is a recess so they don't obscure sight lines so much. Empty hooks are useful for visitors coats , or if you are going in and out all day and don't want to be putting your coat away constantly. I'd be tempted to hang coats low and have a shelf above them, with a mirror above the shelf.

Hi there, Looks like you have a nice space to work with there! Certainly no problems to extend the patio and maybe even creating an additional seating area. Adding a firepit is a great idea as it creates a cozy and relaxing space and also extends the time that you can use your seating area for (as it brings in light and warmth). I offer a range of affordable online garden design services that you can choose from. Please do get in touch if you want to find out more! I would be very glad to help! Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs www.therootedconceptgardendesign.co.uk