Tranquillity Awaits

Marc Piechocki, Director of Landscape Design firm I-Echo and BITA member, spots the latest trends for your garden this year

For many people this past 12 months, their garden has been functioning as a holiday destination. With staycations being thrust upon us, gardens have become even more important for families as a place to relax and decompress, but also as a place to socialise and build on relationships – whether with members of the household, neighbours, or a few friends.

The garden functions as an oasis surrounding your home and transporting your mind away from the dayto-day humdrum. It’s become the view from your new office window, the place for lazy lunches, and where the family goes to get some fresh air and a bit of space.

Of course, those that have invested in their gardens over the years with time and care (and yes, money) will probably have a better view than those who haven’t; bare ground and struggling flower beds can be more of a source of consternation than relaxation. But now most of us are experiencing free time at the weekends, and we can plan while looking out of our new office windows; there has never been a better time to invest in your garden.

Making the garden an extension of your home

Styling in gardens has had a gradual shift over the last 6 years, and most now combine traditional and contemporary elements of garden design to interesting results. Clean contemporary lines blend with traditional elements, including more rustic and natural materials and planting styles. A stunning trend that we have seen is combining modern porcelain for paving in conjunction with raw oak pergolas. The result provides a beautiful example of how crisp, sharp edges can combine with warmer natural materials, resulting in a modern, yet relaxing space. In the same vein, people are also incorporating natural stone cladding with crisp modern render, resulting in a similar and just as delightful space.

One of the biggest changes to gardens in recent years, is the increasing trend for people to want to use them almost as an extension of the home. They require absolute escapism, tranquillity, and luxury, whilst having all the comforts of home. These carefully thought-out places function on multiple levels, being a place of relaxation, family space, entertainment, dining and more. Due to the unpredictable nature of the weather around the British Isles, it is also becoming essential in many homes that gardens functions in any weather, and at any time of day.

WE HAVE BEEN DESIGNING SOME INCREDIBLE SPACES THIS YEAR, AND THERE ARE EVERAL ITEMS THAT ARE AT THE TOP OF EVERYONE’S WISH LIST FOR 2021:

Firepits:

Firepits in the garden have always been popular but new piped gas fire tables are the hassle-free solution for enjoying a warm garden, all year round. Installing these within a cosy sunken area surrounded by comfy built-in sofas, will create a sheltered nook to entertain all your friends.

Sofas:

Outdoor Sofas that are comfy and stylish are high on the list of requirements for the garden. There are many varieties, so make sure the ones you pick work with your space and your lifestyle. Easy clean, fold away, weatherproof – there are lots of options here.

Bio Climatic Pergolas:

Escaping outside in all weathers can be achieved with the latest state of the art Bio Climatic pergolas where you can be undercover on those wet days. When the sought-after sunny moments appear, you can control the opening and closing roofs and sides. Upgrades can include Bluetooth speakers and infrared heaters, and by using the ultimate in glass technology, the touch of a button will transform your structure into a private room by obscuring the glass.

Modular Outdoor Kitchens:

Modular outdoor kitchens are flexible, functional, stylish and can be installed without the upheaval of traditional brick construction methods. Configure your perfect arrangement and install on existing paving within hours. From more exotic elements like charcoal BBQs and teppanyaki burners, to traditional items including fridges and sinks, there are a surprising number of configurations available.

To talk to Marc about your garden, please visit https://www.iecho.london/ or email him: marc@i-echo.co.uk