So, you’ve got a compact balcony, a small garden, or a dainty garden plot, and you’re determined to turn it into a lush, green paradise? You’ll be happy to find that a small space doesn’t mean you have to settle for a tiny garden. With a bit of creativity and some hacks, you can create a beautiful, blooming haven right in your little corner of the world.
1. Go Vertical: Think Upwards, Not Outwards
When space is tight, reach for the sky! Install wall planters, hanging baskets, or vertical shelves to show off your greenery. And, use trellises or lattice panels to let climbing plants like beans and cucumbers make their way up.
2. Multi-Functional furniture
Maximise your space by choosing multi-functional furniture. A bench with hidden storage is perfect for stashing tools and soil, while doubling as a comfy seat. Go for tables that double as planters or get creative with stackable pots. Every bit of space counts, so make sure your furniture is working double time!
3. Mirror Mirror
Mirrors aren’t just for checking your outfit—they can make your space look bigger too! Hang a mirror on one wall to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. It’s like a magic trick for your garden, giving your plants more room to shine.
4. Choose Compact Plants
Not all plants are created equal, especially in the world of small-space gardening. Opt for compact or dwarf varieties that fit well in small containers. Herbs like basil and mint, or small veggies like cherry tomatoes and radishes, are perfect for tiny gardens. And, succulents and cacti are great for adding a touch of green without taking up too much room!
5. Keep It Simple
Sometimes, less is more. Focus on a few key plants or a small garden design to avoid overcrowding. A well-thought-out garden with a limited number of plants often looks more polished and manageable than one crammed with everything you can find.
So there you have it—five tips to transform your small space into a garden that’s bursting with life and style. Happy gardening!
New builds are great for a number of reasons. There’s less maintenance, less risk, and on the whole, less to worry about. But as with moving into any new home, sometimes they feel a tad… well, characterless. It’s important that when you enter a new space you make it your own, and you’ll be pleased to hear that adding a bit of warmth and personality to your home doesn’t require emptying your pockets! Read on to reveal how to add character to a new build on a budget.
Colour isn’t just for the eccentric, it can instantly turn your new build into a home. Here’s how you can embrace colour and add some personality into your new home…without sending your budget into a spin.
Colourful Walls: There’s no quicker, more budget-friendly way to add character to your new build than by paint. Choose a bold coloured paint or wallpaper to create a focal point in your living room or bedroom. Whether it’s a deep green or a bright yellow, a pop of colour can make all the difference.
Furniture: If bright walls aren’t your thing, consider adding colour through furniture. Statement sofas, eye-catching chairs, or colourful coffee tables can liven up your living space just like that.
Accessories: Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Cushions, throws, rugs, and art in bold, contrasting colours can be added to your décor. Don’t be scared to mix up colours and patterns to find your style.
2. Statement Lighting
An empty, uninspiring room can quickly turn into a space filled with personality by simply changing the lighting.
Lamps: When it comes to adding character, Floor and table lamps are your best friends. Look out for unique bases or colourful lampshades to add some pizzazz.
Second hand finds: Charity shops and online marketplaces often hide unique and affordable treasures. Keep an eye out for vintage finds like chandeliers and remember, with a fresh coat of paint or some DIY, you can turn these almost anything into a statement piece.
Bulbs: Sometimes, it’s the bulbs themselves that can be the star of the show. Edison bulbs, for example, offer a vintage, industrial look. Or opt for colourful, energy-efficient LED bulbs to add a touch of whimsy.
3. Vintage and Second Hand Finds
Here’s how to add that vintage charm into your home without emptying your pockets:
Charity shops: Dive into local charity shops and markets for hidden gems. The of the hunt itself is part of the fun, and you’ll be amazed at the items you can discover on a budget to add character to your new build.
Online Marketplaces: With the rise of online marketplaces, vintage finds are easier than ever. Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace offer a vast array of affordable vintage furniture, décor, and accessories. Pro tip: Set up alerts for specific items or styles you’re seeking.
Upcycling Projects: Embrace your inner DIY enthusiast by upcycling vintage furniture or décor. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or minor repairs can breathe new life into old pieces. Plus, you’ll create something entirely unique in the process.
4. Houseplants
Adding character is about more than furniture and paint – it’s also about creating an atmosphere and house plants are an easy way to do just that. Not only do they purify the air and bring nature indoors, but they also add a touch of personality and cosiness to your space. And you don’t need a green thumb or a big budget to enjoy the benefits.
Start with low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos vines. They’re fine in almost any light condition and can handle a little neglect.
For a pop of colour, consider flowering plants. You can find budget-friendly options like marigolds, petunias, or African violets.
Repurpose old containers or second hand pots for a shabby-chic look. Mix and match containers of different shapes and sizes for a more dynamic display.
5. Textiles
If you really want to know how to add character to a new build, look at the smaller details. Textiles, for example, have the ability to turn a plain room into a cosy haven or a vibrant gathering place. Here’s how you can work your magic with fabrics:
Curtains: Opt for curtains with bold patterns, rich textures, or subtle sheens to set the tone for your space. Whether you’re into boho or minimalism, there’ll be a fabric for you……
Rugs: A well-chosen rug can be a room’s centrepiece. Look for rugs that not only add colour but also texture. Layering rugs can create depth and intrigue, too. Plus, they feel great underfoot!
Bedding: Don’t forget about the bedroom! Crisp white sheets and neutral bedding create a tranquil atmosphere, while vibrant duvet covers and patterned pillows add a bold and energising touch. Who knew your bed could be such a blank canvas!
Embrace colour, dabble with lighting, explore vintage finds, bring in the greenery, and cosy up your space with textiles. These are your tools, and adding character has never been more budget-friendly. Whether it’s through an accent wall, a thrifted lamp, or a touch of nature, it’s all about turning your new build into a space that you’ll love.
This Second Hand September, we’ve teamed up with Haule, an online marketplace for vintage and second hand homeware, to talk about furnishing your first home. Second Hand September was created by Oxfam in 2019 and has inspired thousands of people to shop in a way that is kinder to people and the planet.
We invited Haule to give some advice on furnishing your first home using vintage and second hand items. Read on to find out what they have to say.
All of our residents are unique, so we love learning about how they settle in to their first homes. This interview with first time buyers India and Hallam dives into their favourite parts of their Pocket home at Arklow Road SE14.
Although working from home isn’t a new phenomenon, the pandemic has made remote working a central part of many of our lives. With that said, procuring the right working from home setup is essential to productivity and wellbeing, as small adjustments can help prevent strain, injury and fatigue.
Working from home
in a smaller space poses its challenges, but there are many ways you can
optimise your living space to accommodate a work station, even if you don’t
have a home office. Read on to learn our top tips for working from a Pocket
home.
It’s unusual for a building to have a matching set of mugs. Then again, Mapleton Crescent SW18 isn’t your typical building. Tall, green and slender, its façade will shimmer with bespoke green-glazed terracotta tiles. These tiles were designed with the help of Loraine Rutt, our consultant ceramicist, working closely with architects Metropolitan Workshop.
Loraine is a fine art ceramicist and we spoke to her to find out more about her involvement in the project – and why she was inspired to make a limited range of mugs to celebrate the building.
“When architects Metropolitan Workshop proposed a terracotta façade for Mapleton Crescent SW18, they asked me to advise on creating a glaze that would feel ‘handmade’, rather than factory-produced, bringing a human scale to this tall building. They wanted to give life and movement to the building that would catch the eye of locals and residents, and continue looking good with minimal maintenance.” Read More
It’s a bit like seeing a building undressed on site today at Mapleton Crescent SW18. The last few pods are being craned in, before our green goddess puts her clothes on – a fetching set of green tiles.
It’s the first day of Spring, and for the first time in what seems like months, London’s city makers are starting to think about spending time outside again.
So it’s great timing that our gorgeous new buildings in North Lambeth, Sail and Juxon St SE11, have outside space to suit all residents.
When you walk through the covered entrance at Juxon St SE11, you enter a wonderful walled courtyard garden with benches underlit by LEDs and pretty young trees. It will be a great place for residents to meet, mingle and hang out.
The back of Western Road UB2 overlooking the garden
Our latest Pocket building on Western Road in the heart of Southall is complete with Pocket owners settled in and enjoying their homes. I am sure you will agree that this is one handsome building! There are 36 one bedroom homes at Western Road UB2, all sold for £165,000 and designed for us by the architectural practice JTP.
