Garden design hotline #8:

Katrina, senior designer at Earth Designs, went to visit a client in Homerton, East London, where a Hackney garden design was required. They had carried out extensive renovations to the house, and with bifold doors on the back of the property, they were now looking to create a spectacular backdrop.

The sketch for the Hackney garden design

Changing levels

The client had lowered the house’s ground floor level below that of the garden, where a retaining wall faced the kitchen. Katrina suggested integrated bench seats with a flip-top lid to accommodate some of the storage. The existing split in levels was kept as it was a nice proportional split across the space.

Garden storage solutions

As well as the flip-top bench seats, Katrina suggested that they use a folding table and chairs that could be stored on the garden wall when not in use. At the back of the garden, a huge imposing wall formed the boundary. Katrina proposed creating a clean line for a backdrop and turn this boundary into a large storage cupboard. Timber slatted doors would hide shallow cupboards suitable for storing a bike as well as excess household stuff.

Bold and bright

Graffiti art can make a dull garden wall explode with colour

Katrina suggested that the existing breeze-block wall along one length of the garden be painted a dark grey, as well as the brick wall on the opposite side. This would help to create a more unified vision. For the lower-terrace brick wall, a mounted outdoor canvas or piece of commissioned graffiti would add a punchy splash of colour, with fibreglass planters housing phormiums positioned in front. The client could then accessorise the space with pieces of statement furniture and a fire pit.

Build works are due to start on this garden in April 2018. To follow its progress please visit ‘Hackney Garden Design ‘ on our Facebook page or dig deeper and look at the Pinterest board

If you live in London or the south-east of England book your free garden design consultation now by contacting Katrina and Matt on 01702 597587 or email us at info@earthdesigns.co.uk.