Garden makeover ideas whether big or small can turn your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional area. Whether you want a big garden with lots of intricate features or a simple low maintenance space the possibilities are endless. With some planning and the right materials you can design a garden that reflects you and meets your needs. From adding new plants and updating garden furniture to bigger projects like a new patio or building garden structures, there are so many ways to improve your garden. In this article we’ll go through all the makeover ideas to help you create your perfect outdoor space whatever the size of your project.
Cheap Garden Ideas to Enhance Your Garden Makeover
Upcycle
Make small changes to transform your outdoor space and save money by upcycling old furniture, pallets or jars. Wooden crates can become plant boxes and an old ladder can be used as a vertical garden, it might not sound like it but done right the end product looks amazing! Simply repainting old chairs gives you unique seating without the cost of new furniture. Upcycling is an affordable and creative way to refresh your garden whilst reducing waste.
Using Gravel
Gravel is cheap, versatile and perfect for paths, patios or garden borders. It comes in different colours and sizes to fit your garden style. Gravel is easy to lay, looks natural and is great for outdoor spaces on a budget. It also drains well making it not only budget friendly but low maintenance as well.
Adding Borders
Adding a border to your gravel path gives your garden a nice all round finished look. Use materials like bricks, timber logs or old garden stones to contain the gravel and create a professionally done looking neat edge. This simple addition defines the path and adds structure to your outdoor space making it feel more ordered and pretty.
Use Old Guttering
Now bare with us on this one…we’re speaking from experience! Repurpose old guttering as a planter to grow vegetables (strawberries age great) or other small plants. Mount the guttering on a wall, fence or railing and fill with soil. This is a space saving solution for small gardens or balconies, a vertical gardening solution that’s practical and certainly different. If you don’t believe us…check out some pics online.
Fresh Paint
There’s no easier way to brighten up an outdoor space quite like giving it a fresh coat of paint! Painting your garden furniture, fence panels or features will instantly freshen up and brighten up the overall feel of the space. Choose colours that match the surroundings, earthy tones for a more rustic feel or bright colour for a lively vibe. Be sure to use outdoor paint to get long lasting results and protect against the elements. Painting bits like garden chairs, planters or a shed will give you a cohesive look and feel to your garden whilst making it feel like a haven.
Create a DIY Garden Bar for Outdoor Entertaining
Cocktail Bar
Turn your garden into the ultimate outdoor party space by building your own DIY cocktail bar. Start with a simple upcycled wooden pallet, paint it and you’ll have a stylish bar. Choose a colour that matches your garden decor, whether that be a bright bold colour or a soft neutral tone for a more relaxed vibe. Consider transforming a garden shed into a bar for a more enclosed and versatile entertainment area.
Adding a Chain
For a fun and budget-friendly option add a chain to your bar that can be dropped down when needed. This adds a functional and creative element, perfect for keeping the bar area compact and hidden away when you’re not using it.
Location
You don’t have to be a garden designer to know location is everything with your garden bar. Choose a spot with good drainage so water doesn’t collect and make sure the area gets plenty of sun so you can use it during the day and evening. A sunny spot means you can use your outdoor bar for longer during the day.
Solar Lights
To add to the ambiance string up some solar lights around your bar area. These eco friendly lights will create a romantic, magical glow in the evening, perfect for entertaining or just relaxing with a drink. With these simple, affordable additions you can have a beautiful garden bar for any occasion.
Garden Makeover Ideas
Use Bright Paint On Your Garden Wall
Give your garden a quick fix by painting your fence or wall a bright colour. Whether it’s blue, green or red, a coloured fence can be a showstopper and will complement your plants all whilst adding character to the space. This is also an easy and cheap way to transform your garden and create a backdrop for your flowers and shrubs.
Primer and Undercoat
When painting your garden walls or fence, skip the sanding process by using a good quality primer and undercoat. These products will create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, so you won’t need to sand and your paint job will last longer. Using this tactic will also save you time and make your paint job look professional and your outdoor space look better.
Mulch
Add mulch to your pots to give them a lift. A fresh layer of mulch will add texture and depth to your plant pots, retain moisture and suppress weeds. Choose from bark, wood chips or cocoa husks for a natural look or coloured gravel for a modern look.
Adding Pebbles and Gravel
For a unique and natural look use small pebbles, gravel, shells or pine cones as mulch in your garden. These will look great and serve a practical purpose too, improve drainage, prevent soil erosion and add texture to your plant beds. They will work particularly well in rock gardens or coastal themed spaces.
Create a Focal Point
Create a focal point in your garden by adding a sculpture, water feature or a colourful plant arrangement. Incorporate trailing plants to enhance the visual appeal, allowing them to spill over the edges of planters or garden walls. A focal point will provide visual interest and give your eyes somewhere to land when you’re walking through the space. It will balance your garden design, draw attention to areas and be the main talking point with guests and neighbours! For more information check out this blog by house beautiful for inspiration https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/aXXXXXX/garden-trends-2025/
Small Garden Ideas – Maximise the Space
Cost Effective Materials
For a budget garden makeover consider using materials like gravel and wooden edging. Gravel is cheap, low maintenance and perfect for paths or patios. Wooden edging defines garden spaces and adds a natural rustic touch without breaking the bank, so your small garden is both stylish and cost effective.
Vertical Garden
Make the most of the limited space in your garden by adding a vertical garden or a trellis. These options allow you to grow climbing plants, flowers or even vegetables upwards, creating a lush green space without taking up valuable ground space. Vertical gardens are also perfect for small areas like balconies, patios or narrow side yards. Additionally, using hanging baskets with bright flowering perennials can add color and maximize space.
Multi-Functional Garden Furniture
Choose multi-functional garden furniture that can be used in various ways. For example if you have a bench with storage or foldable chairs that can be tucked away when not in use, this will help keep the space flexible and clutter-free. Wooden furniture can be great for this and with the right furniture there is no use for a garden table.
Smaller Plants
Go for compact or dwarf plant varieties that take up less space but still look lush. Many plants have smaller, more manageable versions that thrive in small areas. From dwarf trees to mini roses or compact herbs these plants will allow you to have a diverse garden without overwhelming the space. Hanging baskets are also a good way to save money whilst still having a bright and colourful space.
Tiny Water Feature
A small water feature like a bird bath or a tiny fountain can bring serenity and visual appeal to your garden. The sound of water is calming and the feature itself is a focal point. It’s a simple way to create a sense of calm and beauty in a small outdoor space.
Garden Decor Ideas – Add Some Personality to Your Outdoor Space
Add Colour Behind Your Existing Plants
A quick fix to give your garden a makeover is to add bright, bold colour behind your plants. Paint a fence, wall or trellis turquoise, coral or mustard yellow and you’ll have a gorgeous backdrop that makes your greenery pop and freshens up the space. Additionally, consider planting bedding plants to enhance garden aesthetics with instant color and prolonged blooms throughout the summer. Bedding plants can be creatively displayed using repurposed materials, adding versatility to your garden design.
Co-ordinating Colour Scheme
To create a cohesive garden design choose a co-ordinating colour scheme for your pots, planters and accessories. Whether you go for soft neutrals, earthy tones or bright contrasting colours, a consistent colour scheme will tie everything together.
Cozy Seating Area
Add personality to your garden with a cozy seating space with outdoor furniture like a garden table, bistro set or cushioned bench. Add personal touches with decorative pillows, throws and outdoor rugs. It’s a functional space to sit and warm up your garden but you can easily make this a feature.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can work wonders in your garden at night. String fairy lights, spotlights or lanterns to highlight beautiful plants, sculptures or pathways. Soft lighting adds magic and shows off your garden and most importantly extends the use of your garden into the night.
Statement Piece
A sculpture, sundial or water feature will really give your garden some personality. These are showstoppers and will give your garden an artistic vibe. Choose one that fits your style and your outdoor space.
Getting Started
For a free, no obligation quote speak to one of our expert team to hear how we can take your dream outdoor space and turn into a reality.