Make a statement with this emerging outdoor trend every small garden needs to know about

While we all spend an unending amount of time curating our interior decor to reflect our style and personality, there is one important space that is sometimes overlooked - our gardens. 

These exterior spaces are, very often, an entirely blank canvas - complete with a fresh and airy aura and drenched in natural light - they offer everything you could ever want in a room. 

It is, therefore, unsurprising that we are on the brink of a garden revolution - an eccentric garden trend, led by the antique restorer and Founder of Renaissance London (opens in new tab), Owen Pacey. 

In encouraging us to embrace our gardens as a continuation of our interiors, Owen explained the benefits of garden art - an ever-growing trend - that allows you to inject your style beyond the four walls of your home. The restorer focused most specifically on garden architectural salvage, a technique that rejuvenates old treasures and brings them to life in a contemporary garden.

Searches for garden architectural salvage have recently jumped by 72%, as a growing number homeowners recognize the benefits to this eccentric, eco-friendly craze. 

‘Using architectural salvage as pieces of art can add character to outdoor spaces. It has the ability to draw the eye, or it can be cleverly designed to blend in with its surroundings and bring out the background,’ Owen began.

‘The trick is to use salvage sparingly - focus on a few carefully chosen pieces to avoid a cluttered feel. Vintage and antique materials can work well alongside modern accessories, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.’ 

See: 24 Small garden ideas - how to be stylish no matter how little your outdoor space

Notably, the restorer explains how architectural salvage can lift a garden of any size, declaring these pieces have the ability to make the smallest of gardens feel as attractive as a ‘ living room or sitting room.’ 

Owen suggests that small garden owners should begin with a ‘statue’ or a ‘sundial’ that catches your eye and ‘gives the outdoors a full look.' 

'Even if your garden isn’t that big with large trees, nestling a statue among plants can create vignettes in your exterior,’ Owen added.

‘My top tip for adding garden art to a smaller garden is to keep a consistent theme. Antiques and art are a way of expressing personality, and by including a treasure trove of found objects in a small garden or courtyard can help create a space that is full of character and brings a sense of history to a newer home.’

Though architectural salvage sounds like the extravagant antidote to our bland garden this spring, we still felt like we needed a little more encouragement before dashing to the next vintage fair. 

‘Indeed, garden art is important, as it offers a focal point in the garden,’ Stefano Marinaz (opens in new tab), Agronomist & Landscape Architect and Patron of Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, reassured us. 

See: Modern Garden Ideas: 37 modern design ideas to transform your outdoor space

‘We have used garden art in many projects and have even introduced them to a client who didn’t have any art in the house - they were still happy for us to install it outside. It doesn’t matter how big, or small your garden is - a sculpture is always something interesting to consider,’ Stefano added. 

The landscape architect then offered his tips on injecting art into your garden. ‘You need to consider the size, the material, where it is located, and whether you should light your art at night. I often consider pairing art with a water feature, so that is maybe something to think about.' 

It looks like we’ve got all the approval we need - may S/S '21 be the season of many overdue garden parties, filled with all the architectural salvaged goods you can find.