The Inspiration Behind Our Garden
At No.17 House, our garden was never an afterthought, but an extension of how we live. With space at a premium, it became an exercise in thoughtful design, where every element had to work harder, balancing beauty with function. The aim was to create an outdoor room that feels as considered and inviting as the interiors, one that flows seamlessly from the kitchen and evolves gently with the seasons.
What was the inspiration behind your garden at No.17?
Our garden was always intended to feel like a natural extension of the house, not a separate space, but an outdoor room that flows effortlessly from the kitchen. With space at a premium, every inch had to work harder, so we approached it with the same level of consideration as an interior. We found ourselves drawn to the relaxed elegance of Californian alfresco living and the warmth of a Nancy Meyers home, spaces that feel layered, inviting and quietly luxurious. It was about creating that ‘holiday at home’ feeling, where textures, materials and planting evolve beautifully over time.
What were your must-haves when designing the space?
There were a few non-negotiables that shaped the entire design. First, an infinity patio, allowing the flooring to run seamlessly from the kitchen into the garden, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. That visual continuity was key.
Second, a strong focal point. For us, that became the fireplace, something sculptural, but also deeply functional. It anchors the space and naturally draws people together. We also wanted defined boundaries to create a sense of intimacy, and a balance of natural materials, marble, brick, cedar and plaster that mirror the palette inside the house. And finally, planting that felt soft and romantic. Nothing too rigid, just layered, billowing borders filled with lavender, rosemary, jasmine and roses to bring movement and scent.
How did you approach the layout of a small garden?
We treated it exactly like a room. In a compact space, structure is everything, so we centred the layout around a clear focal point, the fireplace and arranged the seating symmetrically around it to create a natural gathering zone. We also introduced a central tree, a silver birch which softens the space and creates a ‘ceiling’ of dappled light. Around it, planting adds layers, while the outdoor kitchen sits to one side, keeping everything practical but beautifully integrated. Every element has to earn its place in a small garden, so we focused on balance, symmetry and flow.
What materials did you choose and why?
Materiality was incredibly important to us, not just how things look now, but how they age. We chose a tumbled marble for the flooring, with soft pink and cream tones and natural pitting that gives it a timeworn, almost antique feel. It pairs effortlessly with the oak flooring inside, creating that seamless transition we wanted. The fireplace and BBQ unit were finished in Italian Pastellone plaster, colour-matched to our kitchen walls, which ties everything together in a very subtle way. London stock brick and cedar fencing add warmth and texture, while bronze lighting introduces a soft glow in the evenings. For us, it was about choosing materials that feel honest, tactile and that will only get better with time.
How did you ensure the garden works both day and night?
Lighting plays a huge role in how the space is experienced. During the day, it’s all about natural light, the way it filters through the silver birch and reflects off the marble, it’s South Facing so gets the most beautiful dappled light. But in the evening, the garden completely transforms. We kept the lighting soft and layered, low-level uplighting in the planting, subtle in-paving lights to guide the eye, and warm wall lights flanking the doors. It’s never about flooding the space with light, but about creating atmosphere and depth. It allows the garden to feel just as inviting at dusk as it does during the day, like a room you don’t want to leave.
What influenced your choice of materials and finishes?
Materiality was incredibly important to us, not just how things look now, but how they age. We chose a tumbled marble for the flooring, with soft pink and cream tones and natural pitting that gives it a timeworn, almost antique feel. It pairs effortlessly with the oak flooring inside, creating that seamless transition we wanted. The fireplace and BBQ unit were finished in Italian Pastellone plaster, colour-matched to our kitchen walls, which ties everything together in a very subtle way. London stock brick and cedar fencing add warmth and texture, while bronze lighting introduces a soft glow in the evenings. For us, it was about choosing materials that feel honest, tactile and that will only get better with time.
How did you approach the planting design in relation to the space?
Planting was all about balancing structure with softness. In a compact garden, we kept the framework clean, using clipped Ilex domes to anchor each bed and bring a sense of order. Around that, we layered in looser planting, nepeta, lavender and verbena to add movement and a more natural, romantic feel. The beds are designed to frame the space rather than interrupt it, keeping the centre open while still feeling enveloped in greenery. Scent was also key, with jasmine, rosemary and roses woven throughout.
What key design principles did you use to make the space feel cohesive?
We approached the garden as a direct extension of the house, focusing on continuity of materials so the transition feels seamless from inside to out. Repetition plays an important role, from using the same finishes across key features like the fireplace and BBQ unit, to creating rhythm through planting and lighting. We kept the palette restrained so everything feels considered and balanced. A strong focal point and a sense of symmetry help ground the space, making it feel calm, connected and easy to move through. Our dream courtyard space.
