As a garden furniture company, it pays for us to employ people who have a background or expertise in gardening or landscape design. They have a deep knowledge of materials, design trends, and the functionality of our outside spaces.
When it comes to our magazine blog, they have the expertise to ensure that the products we recommend and the advice we provide are tailored to the unique needs of our outdoor living spaces.
Being based in the UK also means we have an intimate understanding of our unique climate. The weather is often unpredictable, with regular rain, cold temperatures, and varying levels of sun exposure.
That is why we will regularly share advice on the best ways to protect your garden furniture from harsh weather conditions, such as choosing rust-resistant materials or weatherproof coatings that can withstand moisture and temperature changes.
Whether you have a Victorian terrace or a modern urban plot, we understand how to recommend furniture and design ideas that fit seamlessly with the architecture and aesthetics of various styles of homes.
We must stay on top of the latest trends in outdoor design, and our focus on durability, and understanding of the British climate hopefully make us a reliable source for garden design advice.
We want to help our customers and readers of our articles create a garden that is not only stylish but also practical and long-lasting.
Choosing garden colour schemes is not a subject we have tackled in any great detail. It is a tricky subject to tackle. However, it can have a huge impact on how your outdoor space feels and looks.
To create a harmonious, inviting garden that complements both your home’s architecture and your garden’s style, it’s important to consider the colours we choose carefully.
In this article, we want to help you choose a new or refresh an existing garden colour scheme.
We will look at what works with our garden furniture range, and share some example colour schemes that best complement different styles of UK home and garden.
How to choose a new garden colour scheme
Choosing colour schemes and advising people on what does and doesn’t work can be difficult as we all have different tastes and preferences.
One person's dream garden could be another’s nightmare. So first and foremost, it is important to pick what you like.
We love a relaxed cottage-style garden with soft pink, sage green, and cream flowers, you might prefer something more formal with a sophisticated palette of deeper greens, burgundy, and terracotta
What we can do is use all our garden know-how and advise you on how to find a scheme that is both harmonious and will best complement your home.
The surrounding environment, such as the house itself, other buildings, and natural features, is a great place to start and they can inform the perfect colour schemes.
Look at the following areas:
1. Assess your home’s exterior style
Consider the colour of your brickwork, rendering, or stone, as well as any wood or metal finishes on the doors and windows.
These colours can help guide the choice of tones that either blend with or create the right contrast.
2. Consider your garden style
The style of your outside space — whether it’s modern or traditional — should also play a key role in helping to define a colour scheme.
The best modern gardens often feature sleek, neutral tones with bold pops of colour, while traditional gardens work best when they incorporate richer, more varied tones.
Try different colour combinations to see what works best for your space, and remember, the key to a successful garden colour scheme is to create a harmonious and visually appealing space that reflects your style.
3. Pay attention to the sun and the size of your outside space
The sun and how the light moves in your garden at different times of the day is another key factor that can play a crucial role in the colours you choose.
In shaded spaces, warm tones such as yellows and oranges can bring brightness, while cooler shades of blue and purple can create a sense of tranquillity.
If you have a smaller garden, then lighter, brighter colours can make the space feel bigger, while darker colours can bring a little intimacy if you have a larger garden.
4. Choose a focal point
Focal points can not only help with general design and layout, but they can also help inform the colour scheme we select.
Start by choosing a feature plant, your garden furniture, or a statement pot. From this point, you can build the colour palette to enhance this key element.
Alternatively, draw inspiration from nature or your surroundings. If your garden is near the sea, natural blues, greens, and sandy hues can help tie it to the environment beyond your boundary.
5. Select a dominant colour and accent it
Don’t be afraid to experiment but always start simple and build from there.
A good rule of thumb when creating a new or developing an existing colour scheme is to focus on one dominant colour and use that to make up about 60 to 70% of your full scheme. From that introduce accent colours to add variety and visual interest.
On a patio, for example, the dominant colour will help to unify the space, while the accents can be used on your furniture in the form of outdoor fabrics, planters, or other decorative pieces.
6. Use the colour wheel to create good harmony
The colour wheel is a fantastic tool for selecting a harmonious colour scheme for your garden.
It can help us understand colour relationships and choose combinations that complement each other.
In garden design, there are 3 common ways you can use it to choose a colour scheme:
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Complementary Colour Scheme
Choose colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, like blue and orange, to create a dynamic look. -
Analogous Colour Scheme
Pick colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, like blue, green, and purple, for a serene, cohesive feel. -
Triadic Colour Scheme
Find three colours that are equally spaced apart on the colour wheel such as red, yellow, and blue to create a bold, eye-catching look.
Examples of garden colour schemes
1. Country home with cottage garden
For the quintessential English cottage garden, we think soft and romantic hues work perfectly. Pastel tones such as soft pinks and lavenders pair beautifully with sage green foliage to evoke a sense of tradition and charm.
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Colour Scheme:
Soft Pinks, Lavender, Sage Green, Cream -
Why it works:
These colours complement the rustic, natural charm of stone cottages, blending into the landscape while still standing out in a subtle but visually interesting way. -
What Lazy Susan set will complement:
Keep your flow beds and planters wild, and abundant, and pair them with the classical styling of our white metal furniture such as Amy.
2. Contemporary home with modern garden
A sleek, modern garden often works best when it features a monochromatic palette of greys and whites, with pops of bold colour to create accents. Start with a slate grey or charcoal for hardscaping elements like paving, walls, and planters, paired with white for a clean, minimalistic contrast.
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Colour Scheme
Slate Grey, White, Charcoal, Bright Yellow Accents -
Why it works
This colour scheme enhances the minimalist lines of modern homes and gardens, creating a streamlined, elegant outdoor space. The accent colours add just the right amount of warmth and personality without overwhelming the space. -
What Lazy Susan set will complement:
Our classically styled range can be tricky to make fit in an über contemporary home but a set like our June in slate grey is a great way of blurring the lines. Pair it with some bright accent colours like a vivid green or terracotta orange with our garden cushions, pots, or an outdoor sculpture.
3. Traditional home with formal garden
For a more formal garden, particularly in a traditional UK red brick home, look to pair with rich, warm tones like burgundy, terracotta, and deep greens for a touch of sophistication. Formal hedges, geometric garden beds, and classical statues will look grounded with these shades.
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Colour Scheme:
Deep Green, Burgundy, Terracotta, Cream -
Why it works:
These colours naturally complement the warmth of red brick homes, and they evoke the structured elegance of traditional, English formal gardens. -
What Lazy Susan set will complement:
For garden furniture keep it classical with our June in antique bronze finish with our cream cushions and parasol to add brightness without overpowering the formal atmosphere.
4. Victorian terraced house with urban garden
Urban gardens often have smaller spaces, so bold, contrasting colours can make an impact. A slate grey or navy blue can work as a grounding colour for fences or planters, while mustard yellow can be used for accent pieces, like cushions, chairs, or statement planters.
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Colour Scheme:
Slate Grey, Navy Blue, Mustard Yellow, Metallic, White -
Why it works:
This scheme creates a vibrant, contemporary urban space that feels modern but still grounded in a classic palette. The bold colour contrasts are attention-grabbing while still feeling stylish and sophisticated. -
What Lazy Susan set will complement:
Add our June set with navy blue cushions, and use white flowers or porcelain pavers to brighten the space.
5. Coastal property with informal garden
For coastal or seaside gardens, colour schemes inspired by the surrounding landscape will create a serene, natural feel. Think of sky blues, sandy tones for paving or outdoor textiles with texture, and sea green foliage.
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Colour Scheme:
Sky Blue, Sand, Sea Green, White -
Why it works:
This colour palette is naturally calming and reflects the beauty of the coast, making it perfect for homes near the sea or those wanting to bring some coastal vibes inland. -
What Lazy Susan set will complement:
Add crisp white accents through planters or garden furniture such as our Alice for a clean, fresh seaside look.
6. Contemporary newly built home with a small garden
A neutral palette with a few bright accents will always work well for a contemporary new-build home with a smaller garden. Use soft greys for paving with black furniture, taupe or beige for walls or fences, and enhance the space with lush green planting.
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Colour Scheme:
Neutral Taupe, Soft Grey, Greenery, Coral Accents -
Why it works:
This simple yet chic palette makes small spaces feel light and airy. The terracotta will add a splash of colour, making the space feel cheerful without overwhelming it. -
What Lazy Susan set will complement:
Add our Frances set in black with pops of terracotta with accessories like our cushions, parasol or small planters.
Our final thoughts…
Selecting the right colour scheme for your garden makeover involves considering your home’s exterior, the style of your garden, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Whether you’re going for a traditional English cottage garden or a sleek modern outdoor space, the right combination of colours can elevate your garden and create a harmonious, beautiful space for you and your family to spend time.
By thinking about how the colours interact with the architecture of your home and the wider landscape around it, you can create a space that feels cohesive, stylish, and reflective of your personality.
For a cohesive look, repeat colours throughout the space. Use similar shades in planters, furniture, textiles, and plantings to tie the whole garden together.
The plants you choose will have a big impact on the overall scheme too, so think about the flowers, foliage, and even the colour of pots or planters you use.
Choose colours that will look good year-round, even when certain plants are out of season. Evergreen plants, colourful pots, and outdoor decor can help maintain visual interest throughout the seasons.
If you have our garden furniture paired with some fab colour combinations, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
