Transforming a small, steeply sloped back garden into a functional and inviting space came with its own set of unique challenges. Careful terracing was required to create a balanced, accessible layout, while the design needed to maximise usable space by incorporating multiple sitting areas. The result is a stunning garden oasis that feels expansive and harmonious. To achieve this, the design team employed a diagonal layout grid, where each partition sits at a different level, creating a dynamic sense of depth and openness. The largest sitting area, located at the bottom of the slope, is a porcelain-paved patio seamlessly connected to the back entrance of the house. Midway up the terrace, a cosy lounging area offers a more secluded retreat, while the top level features a practical utility drying area. These levels are connected by sculptural steps crafted from staggered hardwood and metal mesh platforms, blending functionality with artistic flair. Lush evergreen planting adds softness to the structured design, creating an almost tropical atmosphere. The planting scheme enhances the garden's year-round appeal, providing a vibrant and tranquil backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the clean lines of the hardscaping. This thoughtfully designed garden demonstrates how even challenging terrain can be transformed into a versatile and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Modern urban garden incorporating planted gravel path, water feature and feature wall and a fabulous colour palette of greens, yellows and whites.
Inspiration for a small contemporary back formal raised pond in London with gravel.

A portico with reclaimed doors and mirror creates an illusion to a space beyond
Design ideas for a small world-inspired back private partial sun garden in London with gravel.

An urban oasis in East London. This space has been transformed into a lush garden perfect for indoor-outdoor living. This garden has been designed so that it is divided into 3 distinct areas, each surrounded by lush. abundant planting. closest to the house a dining patio with a large built in parasol for sunny and slightly rainy days, a second patio area with sofa and chairs offers a great space for coffee, working and drinks near the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area. The substantial built in benches at the rear of the garden offers a wonderful space for relaxing and entertaining with dappled shade from the overhead pergola and plants in summer and warmth of the fire pit on colder nights.

Photo of a small contemporary full sun garden wall in Madrid with a living wall and concrete paving.

Inspiration for a small classic back formal fully shaded garden in London with natural stone paving and a raised bed.

An eclectic mix of natural materials come together to create this stunningly secluded, split level garden sanctuary. The beautifully crafted pergola creates a wonderful seating area separated away from the main garden furniture, while the lawn area provides a place for canine companions to play. A perfect outdoor retreat for garden parties, barbeques and simply enjoying the summer weather. The Fossil Mint natural stone paving and new railway sleepers were supplied by ourselves. Photograph credit to Gwhizz Gardens.

Inspiration for a small world-inspired garden in London.

Des plantes en pots entourent l'espace repas
Photo of a small rural back xeriscape full sun garden for spring in Marseille with a rockery, gravel and a metal fence.

Pops of shocking pink appear through the garden in planter and the flowers of this Loropetalum chinensis
Small modern back partial sun garden for summer in London with a raised bed, brick paving and a wood fence.

Inspiration for a small modern back partial sun garden for summer in Other with a waterfall, decking and a wood fence.

Small contemporary back xeriscape full sun garden steps in Sussex with decking and a wood fence.

Raised Oak Beds with decorative grasses
Photo of a small mediterranean back partial sun garden for spring in Surrey with a raised bed and a wood fence.

This is an example of a small full sun garden in Nantes with a desert look.

This garden was overgrown and not used at all by the property owners. The homeowners wanted a contemporary courtyard that was family friendly and modern. To achieve this, materials were chosen to match the stylish interior of the house. Also by using lighter coloured material we were able to brighten up the garden. The printed porcelain paving gave a contemporary modern feel whilst introducing added interest. Cedar batten fencing was used to clad the boundaries to minimise the oppressive feel of the high boundaries and to introduce more light into the garden. The cedar timber floating bench now provides a place to sit and entertain. It is also the perfect height for the clients’ children to use as a play bench. To brighten up the dull and dark corner by the french doors, the original steps were clad in beautiful blue and grey encaustic tiles to add much needed colour and interest in an area that had been previously neglected. This contemporary courtyard is now bright and welcoming and used by the property owners and their children on a daily basis.

Inspiration for a small mediterranean front formal full sun garden for summer in Rome.

Lidia Zitara
Small beach style xeriscape full sun garden for summer in Catania-Palermo with gravel.

A fun project featuring a contemporary deck nestled in the canopy of the woods below, two modern style sheds for storage and an injection of fun with a pirate ship, a hidden sand pit and a play systems with slides into the woods below.

GRAB Photography
Design ideas for a small contemporary back formal fully shaded garden for summer in Perth with a living wall and natural stone paving.