If 2020 was the year people fell back in love with their gardens, 2021 was the year we began to invest in making them even better. So, if you're looking to improve or revamp your garden in 2022, keep reading to find out about the latest garden design trends and be inspired by photos of gardens with fire pits and outdoor kitchens.
Trends in garden design and popular garden features
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
Outdoor kitchens and fire pits continue to be amongst the must-haves for garden design
Many of the features people are currently buying for their gardens also show that they want to continue spending more time in them –seating areas, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits are all must-haves for 2022.
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 told us that garden zones were a rising trend of 2021, and we're expecting that to continue. But, even if you've not got a huge space and are looking for design ideas for small gardens, there is plenty you can do. 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
What are the 2022 patio colour trends?
Just as grey is still the most popular colour for interiors, grey paving remains the most popular choice for outdoors. 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.
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. Porcelain is 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 paving, and some patterned paving inspiration too.
Sylvern grey limestone paving
Symphony Lapis
Marshalls Arrento porcelain
Symphony Matte
Symphony Matte
What are the most popular patio materials for 2022?
Natural stone and slate remain popular choices for patio paving, with porcelain growing in popularity. All are great options for a hard-wearing and stylish garden; natural stone is a top favourite with people looking for a timeless style and porcelain for those who want a more modern, low-maintenance option.
Marshalls Casarta Slate
Considering the trend for grey 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.
Porcelain paving, such as Symphony Plus Planks, is often used as an alternative to decking
Another trend we see in garden designs for 2022 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 2022
It can be hard to know where to start if you're looking to kick-start your garden project in 2022. 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 – in 2021 Registered Installers were so busy that people looking for a new drive or patio had to wait almost five weeks longer on average than during 2019. 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 2022
In this article, we've talked a lot about the popular patio colours and garden trends for 2022, 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 2021, 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. 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.
We hope you've found this article useful, and it's helped inspire your 2022 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.
