logo
The 7 expert hacks to help your garden feel bigger this summer from the colours you use to the size of your furniture

The 7 expert hacks to help your garden feel bigger this summer from the colours you use to the size of your furniture

The Sun14-05-2025
AN expert has revealed seven tricks to make your garden feel bigger this summer, from colours to the size of your furniture.
With the sun blazing down on the UK this week, many of us are likely spending as much time as possible in the garden.
3
However, if you've noticed that your outdoor space is looking a little cramped, you may be wondering if there's anything you can do to make it look bigger.
With this is mind, Ivana Agustina, Head of Project Management at ShrubHub, an award-winning online landscape design service has revealed seven things to do to make your tiny outside area look like a sprawling haven.
Create Zones
The expert revealed that breaking your garden up into different zones makes it feel larger than if it is just a single open area.
'The human brain perceives multiple small experiences as more substantial than one uniform space,' Ivana explained.
'By dividing your garden into zones – perhaps a dining area, a lounge space, and a planting section – visitors mentally 'travel' through your garden, making it feel much bigger.'
Diagonal Lines
Ivana explained that breaking your garden up into diagonal lines tricks your eyes into thinking that the space is bigger than it actually is.
'Garden pathways or patio pavers laid at a 45-degree angle create an illusion of expansion," she said.
'This works particularly well in rectangular gardens, where the diagonal lines fight against the boxy boundaries.'
Vertical Gardens
If you have limited space in your garden, growing plants up trellises or on walls can make the garden feel bigger.
"Vertical gardening is both practical and visually expanding,' the expert said.
I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic'
'By drawing the eye upward with wall-mounted planters, trellises with climbing plants, or tall, narrow planters, you create height that makes the garden feel more spacious.'
Strategic Colours
Even the different colours you use in your garden can affect how big the space looks, according to the expert.
She advised: "Place brighter colours like yellows and oranges near the entrance of your garden, transitioning to cooler blues and purples at the far end."
'Cool colours visually recede, making that section of the garden seem farther away than it actually is.'
Garden features that add the most value to a house
A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property.
Sellhousefast.uk carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK.
And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed.
Shed - 82%
Patio or paving - 76%
Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72%
Outdoor lighting - 66%
Sturdy decking - 62%
Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58%
Modern garden furniture - 54%
Artificial lawn/grass - 40%
Mirrors
Mirrors are often used to make the inside of homes look big, and you can use this trick in the garden too.
'An outdoor-rated mirror placed at the end of a garden reflects plantings and sky, effectively doubling the visual space,' Ivana said.
3
'For safety, choose shatterproof acrylic mirrors designed for outdoor use.'
B&M is currently selling an Al Fresco round sectioned mirror for £10 which will make your garden look huge for a bargain price.
Furniture Size
Having a huge set of garden furniture in a tiny garden overwhelms the space, make your garden look minuscule.
Instead Ivana recommend picking smaller furniture and, to give the area "breathing room."
3
She added that this trick also applies to greenery, and recommended planting small plants instead of enormous trees.
Create Mystery
"Human curiosity is a powerful tool in garden design,' Ivana said.
'When we can't see everything at once, we perceive there's more to discover.'
The expert recommended partially screening areas with tall grasses, bamboo, or lattice panels that "hint at spaces beyond without fully revealing them".
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to style up your garden for a summer party
How to style up your garden for a summer party

Telegraph

time17 hours ago

  • Telegraph

How to style up your garden for a summer party

It's the season for hosting outdoors. Google searches for 'garden party' have surged by 128 per cent in the last three months, and more than half of us use our gardens for hosting, according to a new report by the furniture company Barker & Stonehouse. But what to do if you've sent out the invitations and then realised, on surveying your back garden, that it's not up to scratch? This is the situation I found myself in recently ahead of a birthday party I was planning. But although we may all have a long list of jobs we'd like to do outdoors, I found it's possible to transform your garden quite quickly with a few expert tips, by repurposing things you already have, and the odd judicious purchase. Set the scene The first step is a tidy-up: those basic jobs like mowing the lawn, sweeping the patio, deadheading the roses and trimming any large hedges make the garden look instantly more cared for. I had already gone a step further: sick of the sight of my lawn several weeks before, I dug it up and laid a new turf. Any equipment needs to be put away: I had all my exercise equipment scattered across the patio, so I bought a neat wooden storage unit from Garden Trading to stow it away.

A baseball cap is 2025's must-wear accessory - here are the ones we're shopping
A baseball cap is 2025's must-wear accessory - here are the ones we're shopping

Daily Mail​

time17 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

A baseball cap is 2025's must-wear accessory - here are the ones we're shopping

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Once reserved for dads in the park or off-duty celebs dodging paps, the humble baseball cap is now a mainstay of the fashion set's wardrobe. The accessory is no longer a sun-shielding afterthought but a serious sartorial statement, with brands from Hermès to Celine showing off their own versions of the luxe accessory on runways at fashion week. Why the sudden resurgence? Likely because it's become cool to look casual. Heels have been replaced with Adidas Sambas; tailored trousers with wide-leg jeans; summer dresses with tummy-baring co-ords. Throwing on a baseball cap is yet another way to downplay your outfit's formality. Don't just take our word for it. Kendall Jenner 's been snapped more times with her New York Yankees baseball cap than without it this summer. Jennifer Lawrence nailed off-duty mum chic with her In the Mood for Love cap in May, before showing off an iconic Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 style the week after. General consensus seems to be that the sillier a slogan, the better. Let be honest: it's also the ultimate lazy-girl hack. Bad hair day? Cap. Outfit feeling a bit mumsy? Cap. Suddenly, you look cooler, sharper and like you know what you're doing – even if you're on day-five hair that's coated in three layers of dry shampoo. Below, we've compiled a list of the hottest styles of baseball cap to shop for the end of summer, from iconic sports teams to pretty patterned ones. The best bit of all? When the good old British rain does turn up, it's a foolproof way to keep your hair dry. If that's not enough to convince you, nothing is. Classic caps Want a laidback style you can wear with everything? Opt for a versatile colour (you'll get most use out of white, cream, black or red caps) and durable materials like cotton. Always try on before buying – we've fallen foul to too many caps with too-high a crown that makes it look as though we have a pointy head. Not cute. Lululemon Cotton Baseball Cap £35 Shop Tommy Hilfiger Organic Cotton Cap £35 Shop & Other Stories Classic Cap £27 Shop Slogan caps The slogan tees cooler little sister, slogan caps work so well because people have to stare really hard to tell what they say. Hence the cap draws attention away from your hair/face/outfit and to your clever and silly personality. Everyone knows the more ridiculous the slogan, the more stylish the wearer. Daisy London 'Wish You Were Here' Cap £25 Shop Girl Gang 'Too Old For DiCaprio' Cap £33 Shop UFN 'Expensive And Difficult' Cap £28 Shop Stella McCartney 'About F***ing Time' cap £195 Shop Sports caps The key to a good sports cap is choosing an iconic team that's been around for ages rather than a buzzy team. That way you know it'll last for years (unless you're really cursed). Ask Kendall Jenner and her New York Yankees hat. And don't worry – no actual sports knowledge is required. New York Yankees Hat £21 Shop Scuderia Ferrari Cap £38 Shop Wilson Classic Cap £30 Shop Vintage Lionesses Cap £20 Shop Patterned caps Want the attention-grabbing element of a slogan cap without the out-there saying? A patterned cap does the same job, so long as you stick to a monochromatic outfit to avoid clashing patterns or colours. We love a basic stripe, but Ganni's leopard print one may well turn our head this autumn... Adidas x Liberty Floral Cap £25 Shop Ganni Leopard Cap £90 Shop Oliver Bonas Pinstripe Cap £28 Shop Free People Mixed Plaid Cap £32 Shop

Fans rush to M&S to shop one of its biggest sales yet - with best-seller buys and everyday essentials slashed to up to half price in stores
Fans rush to M&S to shop one of its biggest sales yet - with best-seller buys and everyday essentials slashed to up to half price in stores

Daily Mail​

time17 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Fans rush to M&S to shop one of its biggest sales yet - with best-seller buys and everyday essentials slashed to up to half price in stores

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Shoppers have been sent into a spin over M&S 's massive summer sale, offering some of the store's best-selling items for up to 50 per cent off. Starting on Thursday, July 24, customers can get their hands on stylish essentials across women's, men's and kids clothing as well as lingerie, home and beauty for less. Those looking to bag a bargain will have to be quick, as the huge discounts are on selected items and only available in store while stocks last for a limited time. The summer sale is one of M&S's best and the perfect opportunity to give your wardrobe a much-needed revamp with everyday essentials priced at as little as £3.25. Some of M&S's most popular women's fashion favourites are now available for up to 50 per cent off in stores, including the viral Collection Polka Dot Sweetheart Maxi Dress and Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers. The ladies can also stock up on lingerie basics with knickers from £6 and bras from £10. For the men, crew neck t-shirts are just £4 while the stylishly versatile lightweight chinos are now £22.50 instead of £45. Parents will love the deals in the kids' section, including a girl's dress for £4 and boys' two-piece sweater and shorts set for just £6. Beauty buffs can take advantage of skincare and fragrance deals with summery scents for £5 and a refining serum for as little as £750. Spruce up the house with some of M&S's home bargains from luxurious bedding to quirky kitchenware. Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers The Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers were dubbed the ultimate summer staple by stylish shoppers, and now they are just £19.75 down from £39.50. Raking in dozens of glowing reviews, customers have raved about the linen pants for their quality, comfort and on-trend versatile design. They are available in a neutral, sand colour in a range of sizes from 6 to 24 in petite, regular and long. £19.75 Shop Lyocell Rich Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress M&S's viral £79 Collection Polka Dot Sweetheart Maxi Dress that has been flying off the racks all summer is now half price at £39.50 in the mammoth sale. The black-and-white spotted dress has been hailed as being akin to a high-end designer piece. It can be paired with sneakers or sandals and sunglasses for casual outings or dressed up with heels and jewellery for special occasions. £39.50 Shop Pure Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt A basic tee has always been a summer must-have, and while M&S's pure cotton V-neck t-shirt has always been a winning option at just £6.50, it's now been made even cheaper. Available in a variety of colourways and ranging from sizes 6 to 24, the cotton shirt is only £3.25. £3.25 Shop Tailored Fit Italian Linen Blend Twill Blazer Autograph's sleek Italian Linen Blend Twill Blazer would previously have set shoppers back £150, but now they can get it for just £75. Made from an Italian linen-blend twill, the chic blazer is thin and breathable with a classic design for a timeless look. Perfect for smart or formal occasions like work functions or weddings, the twill blazer will be on regular rotation in any fashion-forward man's summer wardrobe. £75 Shop Regular Fit Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt M&S's £8 Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt has raked in almost 1,700 rave reviews from shoppers and is now down to just £4. It is available in 16 different colours, slim, long or regular fit and in sizes from small to 4XL. £4 Shop Regular Fit Super Lightweight Chinos The Regular Fit Super Lightweight Chinos are ideal for elevating any casual look and are now half price at £22.50, down from £45. They come in a range of sizes and lengths to make sure they make the perfect fit and feel ultra comfortable. £22.50 Shop Body Soft™ Wired Plunge T-Shirt Bra A-E For just £10 down from £20, women will love the Body Soft Wired Plunge T-Shirt Bra, ideal for everyday wear. Versatile and comfortable, the T-shirt bra enhances cleavage and has an elegant lace design. £10 Shop Rosa Lace High Leg Knickers You can never have too much underwear, and now you can stock up on M&S's Rosa lace high-leg knickers for half price. Just £6 down from £12, the knickers combine elegant style and comfort with a high-rise fit to sit comfortably on the waist. £6 Shop Pure Cotton Gingham Revere Shortie Set This adorable pyjama set was once £28 but has been reduced by half. The pure cotton material will have you sleeping soundly all night while the gingham print and frilled trims add to the sweet design. £14 Shop Cotton Rich Jersey Dress (2-8 Yrs) This cute little dress, perfect for everyday wear play dates or birthday parties, is down more than half price at just £4. Coming in sizes suitable for ages two to eight, the comfortable cotton smock has added stretch for easy movement. £4 Shop Cropped Denim Jacket (6-16 Years) This stylish cropped denim jacket will appease even the pickiest of teens thanks to its cool, casual design. Once £20, the jacket is now £10 and features an edgy frayed hem and oversized fit. £10 Shop 2pc Cotton Rich Top & Bottom Outfit (1-16 Yrs) Make your little one the coolest kid on the playground with this sweater-shorts co-ord, which was £12 at full price. Boys of any age will feel cool and comfy in the set, which is available in sizes for ages 12-18 months right up to 16 years. £6 Shop BEAUTY Clarify Refining Overnight Serum 30ml Clear Out Refining Overnight Serum by Fresh Elements works to clarify and refine the skin. Apply before bed and wake up with a non-greasy, moisturised glow. M&S's Clarify range is formulated to support those with oily, combination or blemish-prone skin. £7.50 Shop Cool Blast Seasalt & Neroli Eau de Toilette 100ml The Cool Blasts' scents of jasmine, rose, vanilla and salt air will have you longing for a sunny holiday. Just £5, the sleek bottle is the perfect handbag companion to give yourself a refreshing spritz on the go. £5 Shop Evercalm™ Redness Relief Serum 30ml This light-weight, fast-acting formula is said to be clinically proven to visibly reduce redness on the skin after just 30 minutes. Those who struggle with redness in the summer may have been put off by the serum's £45 price tag, but now it is just £23. £23 Shop HOME Pure Cotton Contrast Striped Waffle Bedding Set Give your bed a fresh update with a luxurious waffle-textured pillowcase and duvet set with stylish green stripes. Prices vary between the single, double, king and super king sizes, however they have all been slashed by 50 per cent. £32 Shop Set of 3 Boho Flower Nibble Bowls These cute flower nibbling bowls add a whimsical touch to any summer tablescape. They are now just £5, come in three tonal hues and are made from sturdy plastic, so breakages are easily avoided. £5 Shop Set of 4 Rounded Acrylic Wine Glasses Have the most picture-perfect picnic in the park with these colourful acrylic wine glasses. The set of four, is a steal at just £4 - just £1 per glass. £4 Shop

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store