In a quiet corner of Dublin, a once-uninspiring outdoor space has been reimagined into a sophisticated retreat that feels miles away from the bustle of city life. We were enlisted to create a calming sanctuary that was easy to manage and a joy to relax in at the first glimmer of the Irish summer.

This garden is cleverly split over two living areas, maximising use and space for entertaining and relaxation. With a lounge area situated in the back corner, positioned to maximise daylight exposure, the owners of this delightful space can spend hours enjoying their private oasis.

Our clients wanted a minimal maintenance space, without grass cutting or the constant weed pulling and watering that is required of most gardens. To keep the space interesting a minimal effort, we decided to curate a contrasting pattern of stone and tile across the garden, adding texture and pattern where possible. With Spanish porcelain oversized stepping stones, limestone herringbone dining area and gravel garden beds, this garden will patina and age with little intervention like the Mediterranean gardens we were so inspired by.

The outdoor dining area is complete with an impressive outdoor kitchen, extendable dining table and a retractable awning for those risky Irish summers! Surrounded by fragrant lavender and yew with leafy Japanese acers for colour variation and sculptural cypress trees for height, this is a small but might setting filled with interest to delight all of the senses.

Garden Design: Oriana B Studio

Lead Designer: Alannah Monks

Project Manager: Katharine Deas

Photography: Therese Aherne

Landscaping: Sokol Landscapes