Keiblum's suggestion saves an extension and could be built on. if the play space is no longer needed then that means the room uses can return to living, kitchen and dining. my thoughts run to keeping the doors to the patio bbq area, run the kitchen down that wall (and honestly I don't know how long or how many cabinets that could be), use your Ikea island and see if any you could make use of the under stair area for utility area (something like a European laundry) or maybe the fridge ? The fridge might be better in the cabinet run though. Add another set of doors where the kitchen sink once overlooked the garden and use this area as your dining. You might even find yiu have space for more informal seating. In doing this you will be able to connect your bbq area to the kitchen and find yourself using this area as an outdoor dining room, giving rise to possibilities of further development of this space to use rather than it be a walk through. Another thought is if the layout was swapped as described you might be able to explore gaining more outlook by adding a full length window into the wall between the two sets of doors, or even removing the wall completely and glazing it to become full glass right across the rear wall, but without changing the footprint? Putting in another set of french doors might be the more reasonable option if the kitchen is swapped, but Kieblem's suggestion makes great use of the available materials .

Hi Danny, I think that overall, this rough shape that you have already established (an area for patio outside the house, a lawn with a path down the middle to a second - possibly seating? - area) looks good for a modern formal design for a garden of your shape. I don't really know the measurements, but from the pictures it seems that the patio area outside the house seems a bit on the small side. I would make it a bit bigger so that you can put some seating provision in it, maybe with a fire bowl (since as I understand it this is a shady area?). You also need space for planting to make this garden come alive. I would create planting areas around the seating areas and also along the lawn area. I didn't really understand where the change in level is (and hence where you want to put the retaining wall), but I would possibly plant along that retaining wall as well. I would go for an elegant planting scheme with grasses and discrete whites and maybe cool blues and possibly use some box balls or something similar to line the borders, so that the planting also has a modern look to go with the design. If you need any further help, I offer a range of online affordable garden design services - from sketches and planting plans only to garden plans with planting plans and 3D visuals add ons. I would be very happy to help with a tailored solution for you lovely space! Good luck with your garden, Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs

Hello, thanks for reading this - I'm in need of some help! We have a back courtyard area that has so much potential and wanting to plan the next step. It's south facing and is a lovely little suntrap but was all paved over when we moved in. We would love it to be a lush little sanctuary to relax in and have been making a start - we have now taken off paving slabs and ready to add top soil and plants to the sections pictured. The big dilemma is whether or not to remove the walls of those sections. Are there any good structural/drainage reasons not to remove them? We feel the angles don't make sense and it would be nicer if we created banks with the earth instead to create softer lines for flower beds. All comments/thoughts to help us decide are much appreciated! Thanks.

You’ve got a great space with loads of potential. One idea: divide it into three zones, kids' play area on the right, seating/chill zone on the left, and planting along the back or edges. Use bark, rubber tiles, or artificial grass for the play area, and repurpose the playhouse and toy car. add solar path lights, string lights on the fence, and spotlights near seating or planting for a warm evening vibe. A winding path with stepping stones adds structure and fun. go for low-maintenance shrubs or climbers along the fence, or use planters if you prefer not to dig. Keep the shed area in mind for a future office, consider pre-running electric now.