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 rework your garden layout
Reworking your garden layout and laying new paving is a major renovation that can completely reshape your outdoor space. This might involve creating a spacious patio, adding pathways, or installing new stone or gravel surfaces to define different areas. Laying fresh paving not only enhances the look of your garden but also improves its functionality, helping you create distinct zones like outdoor dining areas or walkways. It’s a larger-scale project, but it sets the foundation for everything else you plan to add.
Build a full outdoor kitchen
Installing a full outdoor kitchen can completely transform your garden. This could include a built-in grill, prep counters, a sink with plumbing, outdoor storage, and even a pizza oven or fridge. This creates an inviting setting for summer dinners, family gatherings, and social events, blending comfort and convenience to make your outdoor area as practical and enjoyable as your indoor kitchen.
Construct a greenhouse or polytunnel
Building a greenhouse or polytunnel provides the perfect opportunity to grow vegetables, herbs, and other food throughout the year. These structures offer a controlled environment for a wide range of crops, allowing you to extend the growing season and enjoy fresh produce straight from your garden. Whether you opt for glass or polycarbonate, it’s a larger project that adds both practical value and visual appeal to your outdoor space.
Invest in an outdoor heating solution
To enjoy your outdoor space year-round, consider installing an outdoor heating solution. This could be a built-in firepit, a stone fireplace, or an integrated patio heater. These additions not only create a warm, inviting atmosphere but also allow you to extend the usability of your garden well into the colder months. Whether it's a sleek modern heater or a traditional firepit, these installations bring both style and function to your outdoor area.
Garden ideas for small spaces
Add some greenery
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 on your balcony or a selection of potted flowers and shrubs, greenery instantly adds colour consider using a mix of plants that suit your space, from low-maintenance options to more exotic varieties if you’re looking for something unique.
Lighting for ambiance
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, lanterns, or fairy lights can create a magical atmosphere, while garden spotlights can highlight your favourite plants or features. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that can be placed along pathways or around your garden, offering both safety and style.
If you’re thinking of freshening 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.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL agreement in the future.
Rates and loan terms are correct as of 14th May 2025 and are subject to change. Best rate claim (excluding green loans) (Source: CCPC.ie). Maximum APR (Annual Percentage Rate) 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: Based 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. Rate offered takes into account financial profile and credit history.
The above content of this blog does not constitute financial or professional advice from Avant Money. Readers should always seek independent professional advice and not solely rely on the information within the contents of this blog.
For more information on Avant Money home improvement loans, please visit https://www.avantmoney.ie/personal-loans/home-improvement-loan
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 conduct of business rules.
