Tips on how to create your perfect outdoor space

Whether you're selling a property or simply enjoying being outdoors this summer, gardens are a huge asset.

Increase the value of your home 'Outdoor spaces are a big selling point, especially in the spring and summer, so it's worth putting in the effort to make yours look its best,' says Mike O'Flynn, content editor at Findaproperty.com. 'A wilderness out the back will decrease even the most well-decorated home's draw and, in addition to saleability, an attractive outdoor area will actually add between 10 and 20 per cent to your home's value, in some cases even more.'

Create your own personal paradise
With proper planning, taking into account your lifestyle, your garden can be so much more than a patch of lawn or a square of decking. 'People expect their outside spaces to be part of their homes,' says Katrina Wells of Earth Designs.

It's like adding another room
There's no need to get back to basics, either. 'We consider everything you might need: audio equipment, exterior sockets, a sofa, a TV... Anything is possible.'

Planning your space
You have the garden, and you're ready to transform it into an oasis, but there are some points to consider first.

Ask an expert
Employing a professional could be a good investment. Even if you're on a budget, an expert can help turn your ideas into achievable plans. Contact The Society of Garden Designers for a list of accredited designers.

Privacy
'You're more likely to use an outside space if it's well screened,' says Patrick Wynniatt-Husey of Wynniatt-Husey Clarke Garden Designers. 'So the perimeter is all-important. Choose quality fencing, and soften it with planting. For example, black bamboo against a red cedar fence looks stunning.'

Materials
'A small garden can look messy if there's lots going on,' says Simon Thomas of The London Garden Design Company. 'Instead, use hard landscaping (walls, decking, paving etc) to create interest.' Cheap options are a false economy, so choose quality materials that will age well and need minimum upkeep, such as hardwood. Sandstone, slate and basalt are also ideal, or porcelain tiles that can imitate stone, concrete or wood.

Maintenance
Ask yourself how much work you are really willing to do. If the answer is 'none, ideally', avoid grass, as it will need attention at least once a fortnight in summer, and steer away from fruiting or blossoming plants, as falling debris is a pain to clear,' warns Katrina Wells. Pots need constant watering, so consider installing a timed irrigation system. 'Leafy specimens are easy to care for, and don't look sad in winter,' says Amir Schlezinger at MyLandscapes. 'Silver birch, bamboo, ferns, grasses, palms and phormium create dramatic, but low-maintenance schemes.'

Adding Atmosphere
With the basics decided, how you finish your garden will determine its practicality, and also its ambience.

Seating
Plot the sun's path and plan your seating area accordingly as 'you'll find various microclimates in your garden', says Peter Tomlinson, chairman of The Society of Garden Designers. Choose weatherproof furniture, or make the most of every inch with space-saving, built-in benches, which can also be used as storage for foldaway furniture. Raised beds can even double up as seating if topped with outdoor cushions.

Heating
There are no guarantees with the fickle British climate, so it makes sense to introduce some sort of heating. Rather than a gas or electric patio heater, choose a more eco-friendly infrared version, or make a central feature with a fire pit or brazier.

Eating
If you're planning a built-in barbecue, think about where to position it in relation to the seating area, as you want to avoid diners being engulfed in smoke. Keep things sociable by allowing the chef to face guests, and try to make sure it's not too much of a trek to the kitchen. Alternatively, up the ante with a complete outdoor kitchen area. 'Inspired by our Antipodean cousins, we're seeing a lot more marine-grade, stainless-steel appliances that can be installed outside,' says Peter Tomlinson. 'You could even consider having a fridge, sink and worksurface so you don't have to keep dashing in and out of the house.' For the freshest addition to your summer recipes, plant herbs within picking distance of the prep area.

Sound and vision
'Music has become almost as important outside as it is inside,' says Peter Tomlinson. 'You can now buy weatherproof speakers and other audio-visual gear, so many people are using Wi-Fi or wiring up their garden in the same way as they do the rest of the house, complete with a remote control.'

Top tips to striking garden lighting
Rebecca Weir, design director of LIGHT IQ, gives us her top tips for striking garden lighting. Less is more, so leave part of the garden dark. Too many focal points confuse the eye.

Use low-voltage or energy-efficient lights, such as LEDs. A timer ensures they aren't left on accidentally.

Maximise the depth of the garden by focusing light on the furthest point.

Backlighting objects such as planters creates strong silhouettes and adds drama.

To uplight a tree, fix spots on both sides so you can see the whole tree from every angle.

When illuminating evergreens or topiary, position the light at a distance to provide a wash of light.

Avoid glare and try to see the effect of the light by hiding the light source itself. Fairy lights are great for a party and can be installed on a separate circuit. Get a qualified electrician to install an external power supply to avoid a trailing cable from an indoor socket.