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Decking with outdoor shower and stool

Design ideas for urban gardens

If you live in the city and have a garden or outdoor space, then it makes sense that you'll want to get the most out of it. However, unless you're very lucky, it's very likely you have a limited space to play with, so creativity is key to ensure your precious outdoor area sings.

Let's start with the luxe end of the scale: the contemporary design of many urban gardens makes for an excellent backdrop to über-modern touches. Stylish outdoor showers and granite and steel kitchen areas can pack a powerful industrial chic punch while being - whisper it - dead practical.

Inventive topiary and statement walls continue the modern theme. Don't be afraid of using a bright - or even acid - colour palette for accents while wall murals will import an urban visual trope into a domestic space. Don't be afraid to go full-on futuristic - hanging tables teamed with steel garden furniture will be a key focal point.

Of course, urban gardens don't have to be avant garde, or even overly modern. You can always opt for a far more relaxed and low-key atmosphere by blurring the boundaries between indoors and out. Sofas, throws and other soft furnishings that pick out colours and textures from your interior will give a sense of continuity and make your overall living space feel larger.

Speaking of size, there's a number of shortcuts to establishing a sense of space in a compact urban garden. Plant vertically by using attractive, wall-mounted planters to free up floor space - you could even make your own - and hang mirrors to give the illusion of spaciousness.

Urban outdoor shower

An outdoor shower can add a luxe feel to your outside space and a touch of indulgence on a hot summer day, and no garden or terrace is too small to accommodate one.

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