The clients, both busy professional people, were carrying out major works on their Grade II listed Regency house in Kensington, West London and wanted an elegant garden which reflected the decorative style of the architect-designed interior of their house.

The interior design included limestone, simple white walls and hard wood finishes, setting off an eclectic collection of paintings, sculpture and furniture sourced from all over the world.

The existing garden had timber decking and was heavily planted with mature, architectural plants, giving it an overgrown, claustrophobic feel. It was on two levels, with the upper level badly encroaching on the French doors from the house.

The owners wanted to enjoy the garden but did not have the time to spend a great deal of time tending it. They wanted planting with a light, Mediterranean touch to reflect their Southern European origins.

"They wanted planting with a light, Mediterranean touch to reflect their Southern European origins."

We designed a cool, contemporary space on two levels using Portuguese limestone, llimewashed walls, bespoke timber benches, trellis and containers and a mix of raised beds, gravel and container planting. We pushed back substantially the upper level of the garden away from the house, creating two really good sized spacious terrace areas.

The central focus of the new garden is a limestone stepping stone water feature filled with polished black pebbles with a simple copper water spout. This is complemented by a polished pebble and planted ‘rill’ running like a ribbon through the garden.

"We designed a cool, contemporary space on two levels using Portuguese limestone, llimewashed walls, bespoke timber benches."