Garden renovations: How to maximise your outdoor space

With warmer weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space. Whether you're looking forward to hosting a BBQ with friends, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee on the patio, or simply creating a space to relax after a busy day, your outdoor area has great potential. Need some garden renovation ideas? No matter if you have a balcony, small garden, or a large garden, there are plenty of ways to enhance your space and get it ready for the summer season.

Below are some creative garden ideas for small spaces and big spaces to make the most out of your outdoor area and create a place you’ll enjoy throughout the summer and beyond.

Garden ideas for big spaces

Lay new paving or change your garden layout

Changing your garden layout and adding new paving is a big job that can completely transform your outdoor space. This could mean building a bigger patio, adding paths, or putting in new stone or gravel areas to split up different parts of the garden. Laying new paving makes your garden look better and work better, helping you create clear areas like paths or places to eat outside. It’s a bigger project, but it creates the base for everything else you plan to add later.

Build a full outdoor kitchen

Installing a full outdoor kitchen can completely transform your garden. This could include an outdoor grill, outdoor storage, and even a pizza oven. This creates a great setting for family gatherings and social events, making your outdoor area as practical as your indoor kitchen.

Build a greenhouse

Building a greenhouse gives you the perfect opportunity to grow vegetables, herbs, and other food throughout the year. This building offers a safe environment for a wide range of crops, allowing you to extend the growing season and enjoy fresh produce straight from your garden. This is a larger project that can add both practical value and visual appeal to your outdoor space.

Invest in an outdoor heating solution

If you want to enjoy your outdoor space all year, think about adding some outdoor heating. This could be a firepit, a stone fireplace, or a built in patio heater. These features make the space warm and welcoming, and they let you use your garden even in colder weather. Whether you choose a modern heater or a classic firepit, they add both to how your outdoor area looks and how easy it is to enjoy.

Garden ideas for small spaces

Add some plants

Plants are an easy and effective way to bring life to your outdoor space. Garden ideas for small spaces could include a small herb garden if you have the space or some flowers that add colour. Consider using a mix that suits your space, from easy to maintain plants to more exotic choices if you’re looking for something unique.

Lighting

Looking for a more creative garden renovation to bring some more atmosphere? Why not add some outdoor lighting to transform your space after sunset. String lights or fairy lights can create a magical atmosphere, while garden lights can show off your favourite plants or features. Solar-powered lights are a great choice to be placed along pathways or around your garden.

If you’re thinking of doing up your outdoor space, an Avant Money Home Improvement Loan can help. We offer the best fixed rates in Ireland on loans over €30,000*. You can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 with flexible loan terms from 12 to 120 months*. Apply online, and if eligible, approval in principle can be given in minutes.

With fixed interest rates, your repayments will stay the same, and there are no setup or early repayment fees. Avant Money’s Online Eligibility Checker can help you understand if you’re likely to be approved, and you can complete the application process online.

Use our handy Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow today.

*Rates and loan terms are correct as of 24th March 2026 and are subject to change (Source: CCPC.ie, not including Green Loans). The Maximum APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on all Avant Money loans is 19.9%. Minimum loan term is 12 months, and maximum term is 120 months. Loan terms vary depending on the purpose of the loan. Terms greater than 84 months up to a maximum of 120 months are only available for Refinance and Home Improvement Loans of €20,000 to €75,000.

Representative example: On a €30,000 loan over 5 years, at a fixed rate of 6.5% (6.7% APR) you will pay €586.98 a month. The total cost of credit would be €5,219.07 and the total amount repayable would be €35,219.07.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions will apply. Personal Loans are available to residents of the Republic of Ireland over the age of 18 and are subject to repayment capacity and financial status. Proof of income and a credit reference agency search will be required to help us approve your request. Personal Loans are unsecured and not available for business purposes, house purchase or investment.

Our interest rates vary depending on the value of your loan and credit profile. We will assign you the appropriate interest rate once your application has been reviewed. To find out more about the loan values and applicable interest rates, check out our rate table at Avant Money Personal Loans.

Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.