More flower beds and biodiversity in gardens
When it comes to garden design trends, it's clear that people still want to spend plenty of time in their outdoor spaces. In the past year, more people have chosen to move away from minimalist planting and bring in more flower beds and shrubbed areas to their spaces, including raised beds for growing vegetables. This is great news for biodiversity, creating a wildlife friendly garden is both a fun and environmentally-friendly change to make to your space and there are many ways to make both small and big changes. Below we share three photos of raised garden beds for inspiration, including a number that use veneer walling. Veneer walling sticks onto an existing surface and is a popular option for DIY enthusiasts looking for a relatively easy and cost-effective garden change.
Marshalite Rustic Walling
Marshalls Stoneface Drystack Veneer Walling
Marshalls Stoneface Sawn Veneer Walling
Bring the inside to the outdoors with outdoor kitchens, fires and flooring-style paving among the must-haves for garden design
As well as having something attractive and colourful to look out over, current garden trends also show that people really want to spend quality time outdoors. Seating areas, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and floor-like laying patterns are all must-haves for 2023.
People lucky enough to have larger outdoor spaces are choosing to create different zones within their gardens. They have different features, such as open-air cooking and eating areas and specific spaces for children to play in. Our Marshalls Registered Installers tell us that garden zones were a rising trend in 2022, and we expect that to continue. But, even if you haven’t got a huge space and are looking for design ideas for small gardens, you can do plenty. Below we share a mix of gardens that have all brought popular features into their spaces, including smaller gardens with fire pits and outdoor kitchens.
Created by Signature Landscapes, this small outdoor kitchen fits neatly into the corner of the garden and looks great close to a swinging outdoor chair
A Radial Landscapes project, this garden design features a pretty pergola over a corner seating area
An ultra modern fire pit in a garden created by Landscape by Design and JC Classic Paving
One trend on the rise is the use of herringbone laying patterns for garden patios and pathways. The herringbone pattern is made of small rectangular paving uniquely laid out. This brings the luxury feeling of indoor flooring to the outdoors. Our new Savanna Linear range is perfect for this look. This cost-effective concrete alternative to clay is made in Britain and suits all property styles with its striking colours. Available in early 2023.
What are the 2023 patio colour trends?
Grey paving remains a popular choice for homeowners. Grey paving looks great against most types of brickwork and works well for both modern and older homes. A popular design idea is to use a grey patio to create a smooth transition between outside and in, perfect if your house has bi-fold or patio doors.
Black paving has also been on an upward trajectory and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a sleek and stylish look to make their neighbours envious! Giving your garden a dramatic lift can redefine the look of the space and how you use it. From the slick look of porcelain to stylish granite and concrete, black paving can provide a unique new look to your garden for 2023.
There is still a growing trend for patterned paving and outdoor tiles for people looking for modern garden ideas and ways to create a stylish garden. Marshalls outdoor tiles are available in several different patterns and finishes, such as corten and terrazzo; recent garden designs have used these for step risers, underneath seating areas and even outdoor dancefloors. Scroll down for photos of gardens using grey and black paving and some patterned paving inspiration too.
Symphony Plus black garden paving
Symphony Lapis provides a terazzo style patio
Marshalls Arrento porcelain
Symphony Matte patterned porcelain paving
The best of both worlds
Who says you just need one colour or one type of paving? Combining colours and paving styles can create a stunning and eye-catching look that will instantly transform the look and feel of any outdoor area. You can use borders and edging to frame paving, creating a neat and attractive finish, while different types of paving can create different pathways and visual effects. Combinations can add a touch of class and sophistication to any outdoor space while still allowing for plenty of creativity and individuality.
Cost-effective ways to revamp your garden
Updating garden borders is a great budget garden idea as an alternative to a full patio. They are an easy and inexpensive way to add a decorative element to any landscape, allowing you to save money while still creating a beautiful and stylish look. Borders are also relatively easy to install, making them a great option for anyone looking for a quick and simple solution to new paving.
A revamped pathway can create a sense of direction in your garden, helping to define the different areas of your garden and provide a logical flow through the space. It can be a great first step to a larger revamp when your budget allows it. Our Drivesett Tegula range has been one of our most popular materials for pathways in 2022, and we see this continuing into 2023.
What are the most popular patio materials for 2023
Indian sandstone became one of our most searched for materials in 2022, and it’s not hard to see why. Our ethically sourced Indian Sandstone is a strong yet affordable rustic paving product which suits just about any residential setting.
Indian sandstone
Porcelain paving is a beautiful and low maintenance option for creating an on-trend outdoor space in 2023. Known for its strength and resistance to damage, porcelain is ideal for use in areas with high foot traffic or outdoor areas exposed to the elements. Porcelain paving is also easy to maintain and clean, ensuring that it will continue to look great for years to come. Additionally, it comes in a wide range of colours and styles, allowing you to create a unique and stylish look for your outdoor space.
Considering the trend for grey and black paving, if you're looking at patio materials that look great in grey, then porcelain is an ideal option and offers a lot of different shades. If you like natural stone, limestone is also popular, loved for its more modern and smoother finish than traditional riven stone.
Another trend we see continuing in garden designs for 2023 is block paving, a top choice for driveways, for garden paths and used as a border around a patio in the same shade. This is a great way to break up a space and use different materials whilst sticking to a colour theme.
Drivesett Tegula block paving used as a garden path
Expert garden design advice for 2023
It can be hard to know where to start if you're looking to kick-start your garden project in 2023. Fortunately, we have a network of Marshalls Registered Installers, whom we asked for tips and advice to share with you. Planning ahead is a common theme, and we'd echo that advice. Our Registered Installers said that they are consistently busy, but as the advice below suggests, it is always worth waiting for a trusted supplier rather than going for someone less well-known who can do the job immediately.
"Keep in mind the price. But go with who you feel comfortable with. There's a lot of bad workmen out there. Don't be caught having to pay twice and most of all, don't be afraid to ask for anything. A lot of things can be done nowadays." Tom from Northowram Landscapes
"Get in early as high quality landscaper are book up." Richard from English Landscapes
"Make sure you have a realistic budget and time frame." James from JT Landscapes
"Take a while to think about what you want/need, put thoughts to paper even if its rough." Lee from Project landscaping
"Start planning at least 6 months before you want to start." Matt from 4 Life Landscapes
Driveway trends for 2023
In this article, we've talked a lot about the popular patio colours and garden trends for 2023, but it's worth looking at driveway trends too. Installers tell us that they saw a rise in the number of driveway projects and quote requests in 2022, which means driveways have been bumping up priority lists. This isn't so surprising when you factor in the rise of electric vehicles and the need for electric charging points on driveways.
When it comes to driveway trends, they follow the same pattern as garden trends – we're seeing grey paving for driveways and hard-wearing materials win the popularity contest. Cobble driveways have also had an upswing in 2022 for the classy and unique look they can bring to a property. People also continue to ask for low maintenance front gardens; in general, they want the time they spend pruning and mowing to be within their private outdoor space rather than at the front. Porcelain is a growing trend for driveway materials heading into 2023. Contemporary, strong and beautiful, porcelain can really make the entry to your home stunning and joy to come home to day after day.
Tempo Crafted driveway porcelain paving
We hope you've found this article useful, and it's helped inspire your 2023 garden project. For more inspiration and photos of gardens, please visit our completed projects and don’t forget to use our virtual sample service to instantly see our paving products in your outdoor space.
