Case study — Contemporary
Dymchurch
- Location
- Dymchurch, Kent
- Style
- Contemporary coastal
- Completed
- 2019
- Scope
- Full design - 100m2 - 50k+
01
The project
In this small garden design in Kent, our brief was to design a beautiful and modern outside space that would be great for both relaxing and entertaining. We designed a layout that uses every inch of space to its fullest whilst keeping a striking, modern look.
Overall, this small garden design in Kent highlights how creative we are as a garden design team. We love to turn small outdoor spaces into stunning, comfortable spaces that are perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
02
Materials
- Bert & May tiles
- Charcoal porcelain paving – London Stone
- Charcoal porcelain planks – London Stone
- Dove grey limestone chippings – Jewsons
- Water table – Adezz
With this garden we wanted to be bold with materials and planting — strong geometric lines but softened up with textural planting, so it's got real personality.
03
The approach
The grey and white patterned tiles under the seating area are a lovely feature piece and make it a great place for people to sit and relax. It’s a lovely focal point of this project. We added a vibrant corten steel water feature to make the space more visually interesting and offers a feeling of drama. It adds movement and a touch of the contemporary style.
Thoughtfully planted lush plants around the edge of the garden helped make it a secluded, peaceful space, which is an important part of this small garden design in Kent. We included beautiful porcelain plank paving to tie the space together. The decorative stone and sedum planting carefully complement the plank paving. Not only does this offer a variety of texture, but it also keeps the garden looking good all year long.
This small garden design in Kent reflects the relaxed feeling of the coast whilst still providing a lush and modern outdoor retreat. Our goal of this design was to make the best use of the texture, movement, and year-round interest by integrating functional entertaining areas with vibrant planting.
The design is based on large drifts of ornamental grasses that flow in a way that makes them look like a coastal scene. Robust sedum and other lush green plants provide the area structure and seasonal colour. Gravel has been put in between the porcelain plank pavers to give it a natural, coast vibe. This combination of planting and hardscaping makes sure that this small garden design in Kent looks inviting and vibrant all year round.
04
The result
There is a stunning dining area in the front area of the garden, with lovely Bert & May grey and white patterned tiles on the floor. This bold tile choice not only defines the space for gatherings, but it also adds a modern touch that makes the room more interesting to look at. The area is great for eating outside, which makes it a great place for people to get together and relax.
A corten steel water table is a main focal point of the design, adding a dynamic element. We designed the garden so the water feature can be seen from the main areas, yet it is enclosed by lush plants. It adds a modern artistic element and a calming sound. This focal point adds to the peaceful, immersed feeling small garden design in Kent.
A cosy seating area is hidden away in the back corner of the garden, surrounded by lots of plants. This small area is hidden away and makes a great reading area or or for enjoying the quiet, but it allows you see the main aspects of the garden. This space feels private and serene because as its surrounded by planting. It’s a hidden treasure in the overall design.
This small garden design in Kent is a great example of a coast-inspired garden. The use of the bold materials, and lush coastal-inspired planting makes this a beautiful but relaxing outdoor space.
05
About
Built by Hythe Garden Landscapes
Designed and planted by Ivy & Whyte Garden Design
Plants from Palmstead Nurseries Ltd
Q&A
Questions about this project
A strong layout can make a small garden feel considerably more spacious. In this garden, long linear paving, clearly defined areas and planting positioned around the edges all draw the eye through the space. Keeping the material palette simple also helps stop a smaller garden from feeling overcrowded.
Architectural plants, ornamental grasses and flowering perennials all work well in contemporary gardens. Repeating a limited number of plants creates rhythm and structure, and differences in height, form and texture stop the planting feeling too formal.
Yes. Ivy & Whyte designs gardens of all sizes across Kent, from compact urban gardens to contemporary gardens, coastal gardens and larger rural spaces. Small gardens in particular benefit from professional design, because every part of the available space needs to work hard.
Privacy doesn’t always mean a solid screen. Trees, structural planting, climbers and carefully positioned taller plants can interrupt views from neighbouring properties, while also making for a greener, more attractive boundary.
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