What would you do/add to this outside space?

[Whatswrongwithupnorth]

I want a nice space I can sit and read in during summer or at night
Ive made this space, but feel like it needs more?

Any ideas? What would you do with it?

I’d add bigger plant pots, but I like big plants. And a bit more lighting.

Also, not sure of your budget but larger cosier seating instead of those chairs. They don’t look overly comfortable for relaxing with a book.

More plants, I think. Those little pots lined up against the wall look a bit sparse. What you need is a range of different size pots and then cluster them so some are in front of others. A good trick if you can’t afford big pots is to put a smaller one on top of an upside down empty one and then put others in front of it so you still get the range of heights.

I'd suggest that you need more height - everything is a bit small and close to the ground. Some bigger pots - maybe in a contrasting colour - with bigger plants or grasses - something with a bit of movement.

You could also look at some tiered staging to add some height - possibly add some herbs in pots. Or even a planter with some trellis - jasmine would be lovely in the evenings. You could loop some fairy lights into the planting rather than just hanging off the wall.

Lift a few of your lights off the ground. Add a couple of throws for when it gets chilly.

Colour, lots of it, be it bedding plants, for now and in the cushions, throws, and wall art you can buy quite reasonably from Home Bargins and more solar lights.
Also few planters on the wall with trailing plants.
Colourful bunting.

A big mature tree in a beautiful planter. A birdbath. Try adjusting your placement so not everything is on the perimeter.

Something like this

Definitely more plants in bigger pots

Didn’t work. Ok, add an olive tree behind the end of the sofa near the bbq. Add a string of fairy lights along the length of the wall, and add two medium sized planters with colourful plants like lavender or forsythia.

Big statement plants in big pots would be great. Maybe a solar powered standard lamp. It looks great.

I might also consider adding shade of some sort? Like a sun sail
or lovely parasol.

A dcat...

Here he is.

More plants definitely. What kind of space would you like it to be? Mediterranean terrace? Oasis in a desert? Jungle clearing?

It’s a lovely space, just a bit bland. You need to add colour.

I’d move the single chair to the other side of the coffee table and maybe add another. You can’t have a conversation whilst all sat in a row! Then add more colourful and bigger plants to add height. Maybe some more colourful cushions on the chairs.

Plants.

Something on the walls. You can get outside mirrors, plaques and things which are weatherproof.

Some nice lights.

More colour.

A solar powered fountain in a large waterproof container with some rocks and water plants. I have three. I call them my mini ponds. The fountain is relaxing to look at and listen to.

You could set up a small gazebo type thing with a cover for when it rains. The wooden ones are nice. They're useful for shade as well.

Vertical planters.
This will give you more plants but mean you don't loose space.
If you did annuals then that would give you a chance to mix it up a bit. Or herbs / strawberries
Id also be tempted to add something to protect you from rain. That way you can sneak out with a cuppa and no one will find you.

A garden?

How much cash do you have to throw at this?

Some kind of pergola / wooden wall attachment and then grow jasmine.

YSL blue wall

Far more plants. Those little tiny ones look apologetic and unloved. What aspect does it have? Is there soil under the paving stones, or is it raised off the ground?

def a water feature some pots with nice plants in and more lighting then voila!

?

Not much sadly