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3 ways to expand your living space outside this summer

If there’s one thing that’s become apparent over the past couple of months it’s that our living areas are extremely important. Not only do they need to be practical but enjoyable too - somewhere you enjoy spending your downtime. And while sprucing up the inside of your home is a great start, it’s important not to overlook your outdoor areas as these can be a great way to expand your living space.

Transforming your outdoor areas can often be met with concerns regarding price and level of work required but the task needn’t be expensive or difficult. Items such as plants, brick slips and pavers may be all you need to make a noticeable difference to your garden or driveway. We’ve gathered together three ways in which you can expand your living space outside this summer.

Green Fingers

Even the most compact outdoor spaces can be completely transformed with some crafty gardening and accessories. Potted plants are really versatile, and come in all shapes and sizes to suit your space. When choosing your potting container, keep in mind your personal style, treating your garden as a mere extension from your house. For example, terracotta plant pots really complement traditional brick buildings, whilst metallic plant pots look great against contemporary backdrops. Similarly, do your research to ensure that your flowers are in keeping with the design too; do you want the traditional feel that cosmos and marigolds give or are you looking for something more modern like a yucca plant? Once you’ve identified your style, you’ll have an outdoor space that really feels like yours.

Newly planted garden with clay paved path

Centre of attention

Adding a focal point can be a fantastic way of expanding your outdoor living space, without having to do weeks of DIY. If you have the room, why not plant a tree or add an ornament, such as a piece of art (or even better, make one yourself!) as a beautiful focal point. Alternatively, consider creating a feature wall in your outdoor space. This allows you to get really creative, and adds another dimension to your garden, without taking up any extra room. Brick slips are a cost-effective way to create a beautifully authentic brick finish on both internal and external walls, which are both quick and easy to install.

Variety is the spice of life

Creating some divides and structure within your garden is a great technique for giving the illusion of more space. By dedicating different areas of the garden for different purposes, you’ll have a garden that is multifunctional. And it doesn’t have to be done with a bland wooden fence. Play with materials; use sand or gravel to create interesting textures. Or perhaps get clever with your gardening and use hedges to divide up the space. One of the easiest ways to add some structure to your exterior space is with paving. Why not create a patio in your sunspot for relaxing in with the family, or create a winding path to the end of your garden? Our Alder paver, for example, is available in tumbled reds, browns and buff shades to blend into nearby surroundings, whereas our Kassei pavers replicate the aesthetics of natural stone to give a traditional feel. There are a multitude of different pavers on offer in different colours and textures so that you can create a new landscape, just the way you want it.

Making small changes can really have a big impact and once you start to consider your garden as an extension of your living space. Whether you have a large garden or cosy balcony, investing some time into these areas can completely change your perception and experience of them.

If you’re looking for more tips for your garden, find out what we’ve tipped to be the biggest trends of this year by visiting The Top 5 Garden Trends for Spring/Summer.

To find out more about Wienerberger’s range of products, browse our gallery for inspiration or find a local stockist, please visit: https://www.wienerberger.co.uk/beautifully-different.html