Minimalist garden inspiration from Design Of + top garden-design tips

I’ve long been a fan of Swedish brand Design Of. Founded by Johanna Haglund (whose beautiful new-build house I featured last year), it began life in 2014 and makes sleek solid-steel furniture and accessories for the home and garden. Not only are its pieces a minimalist’s dream, they’re also highly durable and very versatile – the kind of things you can invest in knowing they really will last for decades to come.

Design Of’s latest outdoor collection was photographed in a stunning contemporary garden and I couldn’t resist sharing the images. Not only does the setting complement the brand’s simple, functional aesthetic perfectly, it also showcases plenty of useful ideas that anyone can borrow. So, here’s some visual inspiration for creating a minimalist outdoor space, along with my top five garden-design tips…

Think of your garden as a series of rooms

The most comfortable, liveable gardens tend to be set up as a series of outdoor ‘rooms’, and this one is no exception – there’s a sociable area for entertaining, various dining spaces, and more secluded nooks for unwinding with a drink and a good book. Of course this plot is fairly large, but even if yours is small then zoning it will help you make the most of the space and design it around your needs. You can then define the various ‘rooms’ by using different surfaces (perhaps decking for one, paving for another), by adding outdoor rugs or focal points such as firepits, or by screening off sections with planting, trellises or fencing.

Consider sun and shade

Before planning the layout of your garden, it helps to spend a while analysing how the light falls at different times of day. You can then work out where to position furniture, but it’s important to consider shade as much as sun – after all, sitting under relentless summer glare can get uncomfortable even for the hardiest of sun seekers. This garden has several seating areas so the occupants always have a choice between sun and shade, but if your garden isn’t large enough for that then it’s worth investing in a parasol or sail that can be put up quickly if needed.

Use contrast

The garden shown here makes excellent use of contrast, and it’s a very effective way to add interest to minimalist outdoor spaces. The concrete architecture and steel furniture are offset beautifully by slightly weathered loungers, rustic wooden accessories and strips of gravel, while occasional circular shapes are dotted among the clean, angular lines. Even the planting displays contrast, with fluffy grasses and gnarled olive trees sprouting from sleek steel containers. The overall effect is a garden that’s simple at first glance, but has layers of texture that reveal themselves the more closely you look.

Add height

The vertical elements of gardens are often forgotten, but outside spaces tend to look flat and one-dimensional without anything that adds height. A tree is the obvious answer – and there are options to suit even the smallest of plots – but there are other ways to do it. Some of the smaller corners in this garden, for example, have climbing plants growing up the walls; you could also fix planters to walls or fences, or use outdoor shelving units to create displays – another easy trick on show here.

Choose versatile pieces

Durable, stylish garden furniture is rarely cheap, so it’s worth investing in multifunctional designs that can adapt to changing needs and will stand the test of time. Design Of’s minimalist steel pieces are ideal, as they suit all sorts of different uses. The benches and stools can double as coffee and side tables, while the bistro tables can be used on their own or combined to seat more people. There’s also the option of removable cushions for extra comfort.

See Design Of’s full range here. Prices start at €19 for accessories and €280 for furniture, and international shipping is available. 

Please note that although I’ve previously worked as a brand ambassador for Design Of, this post isn’t a paid collaboration or sponsored in any way. 

All photography via Design Of