Transforming a Surrey Garden: A Contemporary Family-Friendly Makeover
When it comes to garden renovations, creating a space that balances both functionality and beauty can be a challenge—especially for a busy family with no prior gardening experience. For our latest project in West End, Surrey, we were given a brief to transform a tired garden into two distinct zones: one for relaxation and entertaining, and another for sports, catering to a keen golfer and two football-loving sons. The clients desired a clean, contemporary design that was also low-maintenance, fitting their busy lifestyles.
Here’s how we brought their vision to life, creating a space that truly reflects their needs and style.
The Plan: Dividing and Defining the Space
To achieve the desired outcome, we divided the garden into two main areas. The first area was designed to be a relaxing and inviting spot for entertaining guests, while the second was reserved for sports activities. The goal was to ensure both zones were seamlessly integrated into the overall design while maintaining their distinct purposes.
Creating the Entertaining Area: Cozy and Contemporary
For the entertaining area, we envisioned a stylish, welcoming space that could be enjoyed all year round. A fire pit became the focal point, offering warmth and ambiance for those cooler evenings, while the surrounding raised beds were filled with lush foliage to create a green, tranquil environment. The sound of a carefully placed water feature adds a soothing touch, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere.
To maintain the contemporary feel, we selected warm, neutral sandstone paving, which keeps the area feeling light and spacious. High trees along the garden’s border add privacy and frame the space beautifully, while also providing a natural backdrop. A custom-built barbecue in the same style as the raised planters became another key feature, making the area perfect for gatherings with family and friends.
Adding Versatility with a Pergola
To provide even more versatility, we installed a simple, lightweight aluminium pergola with louvred roof panels. This feature allows the clients to control the amount of sunlight or shade over their dining area, making it usable in all weather conditions. Whether they’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet meal outdoors, the pergola ensures comfort and functionality.
The Sports Area: A Space for Play
Recognising the family’s enthusiasm for sports, we designed the second area of the garden as a dedicated active zone, tailored to meet their energetic lifestyle. This part of the garden is devoted to the family’s passion for football and golf, providing a generous open space that invites playful activities and friendly competitions. With two football-loving sons and a keen golfer in the family, we wanted to ensure that the design would accommodate their diverse interests while maintaining the overall harmony of the garden.
To keep the area low-maintenance and clutter-free, we added a sleek, modern shed to store all the sporting equipment. This shed not only serves a practical purpose but also complements the garden’s overall aesthetic, with its design matching the clean lines and contemporary style of the other elements.
Embracing Low-Maintenance Planting
Given that neither client had much gardening experience, we focused on creating a low-maintenance garden that would remain beautiful with minimal effort. The raised beds keep the planting areas contained, avoiding clutter while still showcasing vibrant foliage. We opted for a simple colour palette dominated by green foliage, with accents of white and purple hues that bloom throughout the summer, maintaining a cohesive and modern look.
The plants chosen are hardy and require little attention, ensuring that the garden remains lush and attractive without demanding constant care. The combination of structured planting, raised beds, and carefully selected materials keeps the garden looking clean and contemporary.
A Garden for All Seasons
By thoughtfully designing two distinct areas within the garden, we created a versatile outdoor space that caters to every member of the family. The entertaining area offers a stylish yet cozy setting for relaxation and socializing, while the sports zone provides ample space for the family to indulge in their favorite activities. The use of warm materials, clean lines, and smart features like the pergola ensures that the garden feels modern, functional, and inviting all year round.
This garden renovation project in West End, Surrey, has transformed a once-neglected space into a contemporary haven that the whole family can enjoy. With its balance of beauty, functionality, and ease of maintenance, this garden truly reflects the clients’ vision—a place to relax, entertain, and play, all within the comfort of their own home.
READ MORE