somethingtoconsider. Likeanythinginthe garden thesecan be as plain or elaborateas desiredbut always buildsomething as large as possible. As with statues and art, a tiny fountain looks terrible and will always be a source of disappointment or ridicule.However, do consider thesafetyaspectassociatedwith standingwater andprovide enough fencing andgratestoprevent accidents. If in doubt, talk to your insurer. If your blockisaimed at families,thenthe


occupants will be very grateful if a play area is provided. The regulations for the equipment areverystrictsodoconsult an expert before you buy.Wooden play houses with integral slides,tunnels andclimbingframesare not only brilliantfunbutalsolookgood.Unlike plastic,wood ages nicely andmaintains its look forlonger. Trampolinesare very popularat present, but there is a huge fear of broken bones and bumped heads.Agreat solutionis to have oneatgroundlevel suspendedoveraholein the garden. The children canwalk on and have no fear of bouncing off.Ifthisisnot feasible, then at theveryleast invest in additionalsafety netting to give parents peace ofmind. The final considerationismaintenance.


Outsidecommunalareas areeitherthe responsibility of theoccupiers or the


If youare opting foramore traditionalstyle, reclamation or salvageyards throughout the countrywill have something to suit


statuedwarfedby an expansivegarden


tomaintainsomeelement of privacy. Benches, appropriate garden furnitureand stoneseating structures add interest and character to the spacewhilegivingessential functionality forthe occupiers. Localgardencentres,or online companiesoffermanyopportunities to purchase the right furniture in the right style. If youare opting foramoretraditional style, reclamation and salvage yards throughout the country will have something to suit. www.salvoweb.comwill give you a list of reclamation yards in your area. As with any space, inside or out, accessories


and decoration will always add individuality. Having a fewwell-placed statues or stone features will create the rightambience and make the space more homely. Occupiers faced with asteep annual servicechargewillaccept this attentionto detail as it canonly enhance


Flat Living Issue 13, Winter


theirlifestylechoice.Outsidespaces areoften used for entertaining friends, family and colleaguesand so alittleextra extravagance will always be appreciated.Whenchoosing statues, art or exterior installations, go as big as thespace andbudgetwillallow.There is nothingworse thanapunystatuedwarfed by an expansive garden – it will look cheap and tasteless.Companies like Sculptured Arts Studio,www.marble-sculpture.com, have a range of classic hard carved options available. They rangefrom bustsand figurines to urns and garden furniture. Thesewilladd alevel of classic sophistication to your design. If you are keen to have original features, thenWells Reclamation, hasavaststock of largereclaimed statuesin marble, castiron andstone. If statuesorart arenot your thing, then perhapsawater featureorfountain is


management.Bothwillbeoverthemoon with astylish, functional and-moreimportant -lowmaintenancespace to look after.If possiblemake pathswithgravelorchippings rather than paving slabs. Slabswillneed to be pressure hosedregularly to avoidmossgrowth andmay causeslipperyaccidents in the winter.However,ifpavingisyourchoice, then go fornatural stone; rivenortumbled andnot honedorpolishedtogiveadequategripinwet or icy weather. Again,Wells Reclamation has oneofthe largest selections of naturalstone flooring at great prices. Choose slow growing grassfor lawnareasand evergreenplantingto enjoyyear-roundgreenery. In achildren’s play area consider Astroturforsimilar to prevent broken bonesand unnecessary accidents. It is worthconsidering thatwhen inside,


we spendavastamountoftimelooking out, andsowhatwesee should be pleasant and appealing.Tenants andowner occupiersof flats with communal outside spaces should expectthe sameas someonewithaprivate garden.Sospendingalittleextra timeand money on theoutside,shouldnot onlymake life foryouroccupiers or tenantsalittle more enjoyable, but could also allowyou to commandslightlyhigherrents and/or purchase prices in the long term.●


EmmaSmithis an interior designer and can be contacted atEmmaSmith Interiors Tel 01749 675644 Websitewww.emmasmithinteriors.com


17


Thereisnothing worsethanapuny


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