Turning an outdoor space into a true extension of the home can completely change the way a family lives and entertains. For a young couple in Notting Hill with four small children, Germinate Garden Design were asked to rethink their backyard and transform it into something vibrant, fun, and functional.
The couple had already renovated their stucco home into a sophisticated family property, but the garden told a different story, it lacked character and didn’t suit their lifestyle. Inspired by their favorite holiday destination, Ibiza, they wanted a garden that felt colorful, creative, and above all, designed for gathering with friends and family.
The result is a playful, multi-zoned garden filled with standout details. At the back, mosaic artist Celia Persephone Gregory was commissioned to transform a tall, overpowering wall into a striking feature. Alongside it, a small green wall nods to the couple’s favorite Parisian hotel, adding a lush, architectural layer.
On one of the side walls, a bespoke outdoor kitchen makes entertaining effortless. With a built-in BBQ, counter space, and plenty of storage, it’s the ultimate setup for summer parties. The garden is also equipped with a sound and lighting system, plus automatic irrigation, making it as practical as it is stylish.
In the back right corner, a dining area takes shape within a circular pattern crafted from York stone, each piece hand cut at the quarry to the designers’ specification.
Opposite, in the front right corner, a raised platform with soft, bright pink chairs creates a relaxed seating area for unwinding.
Curving through the garden, a handcrafted hardwood bench doubles as extra seating and seamlessly connects the different spaces. White island stone pebbles have been used as infill around the York stone circles, bringing in texture and contrast.
Planting plays a big role too. The garden features evergreen architectural plants such as Pittosporum tobira, Melianthus major, Viburnum dreamii, and Libertia formosa, with pops of summer color from Geranium ‘Patricia’. For the couple, who love cooking, a herb wall grows thyme, sage, oregano, mint, rosemary, and tarragon, making fresh ingredients just a few steps away.
By blending bold design with family-friendly functionality, Germinate Garden Design have created a backyard that’s as lively as it is practical. From the mosaic wall to the bespoke kitchen and lush planting, every detail celebrates the joy of color, creativity, and togetherness.