Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a well-known interior designer, has offered his perspective on contemporary garden design, highlighting common mistakes and suggesting alternative approaches for homeowners.
Llewelyn-Bowen admits to a longstanding personal disinterest in gardens due to the challenge of designing spaces that continuously grow, noting this contrasts with his profession in interior design. However, he acknowledges the increasing trend among the public and celebrities to embrace gardening as a form of self-sufficiency. He references the Beckhams, humorously dubbing David Beckham "Sir Dave," while suggesting his wife Victoria is unlikely to engage in gardening herself. Despite this, gardening remains a significant aspect of British life, with households spending an average of £300 annually on gardening, amounting to around £8 billion nationwide.
Addressing specific garden features, Llewelyn-Bowen criticizes artificial grass, citing its tendency to become excessively hot and its unsuitability as cats often use it as a litter area. He suggests gravel, specifically pea shingle, as a practical, low-maintenance, and permeable alternative suited for small or shaded gardens.
On outdoor furniture, he comments that beige rattan pieces are uninspired, likening the color to a "granny’s hearing aid." He advocates for more vibrant colors either through painting the furniture with car spray or using brightly colored cushions and throws. He also notes the popularity of egg chairs but implies their aesthetic may be associated with stereotypical “Bond villain” imagery.
On barbecues, Llewelyn-Bowen expresses a critical view, pointing out the drawbacks of outdoor cooking, including unpleasant odors and unevenly cooked food. He suggests fire pits as better for enjoying an open flame, albeit without using them for cooking, recommending marshmallow roasting instead.
He advises caution with hot tubs, expressing concerns about hygiene and maintenance, noting their tendency to clash with garden aesthetics. To integrate them more harmoniously, he recommends surrounding hot tubs with wildflower pots, which grow quickly and add a natural element.
Regarding garden ornaments, Llewelyn-Bowen is a fan of gnomes when used sparingly to provide surprise and charm. However, he warns against overcrowding with numerous gnome figures, which he believes can create a cluttered and odd appearance.
He also criticizes the use of fake plants, observing that they tend to fade and turn blue over time, describing them as one of the “tackiest” garden features. He encourages growing real plants even in small spaces, suggesting easy-to-grow options such as hanging baskets with strawberries or tomatoes.
Reflecting on garden lighting trends, Llewelyn-Bowen advises against the overuse of neon signs or harsh string lights, which can create an interrogation-like atmosphere. Instead, he recommends strings of bulbs covered with pastel-colored Chinese lanterns to evoke a more sophisticated, vintage ambiance reminiscent of a 1940s nightclub.
Finally, he offers a cautionary note about outdoor rugs, highlighting their susceptibility to mold and decay. He favors the theatricality of bringing indoor furnishings outdoors temporarily to create a comfortable setting that can be easily restored indoors when needed.
Llewelyn-Bowen’s suggestions merge practicality with aesthetics, encouraging garden owners to avoid common pitfalls while adding personal and unexpected touches to enhance their outdoor living spaces.