Fun-filled and full-on, Donna Hunter Wilson’s resort-style garden brings Bali to Belfast with tropical plants, natural weave details, lounge furniture and a tiki beach hut gazebo.
Words: Róisín Carabine
Looking for garden inspiration? There are a handful of Irish Instagram accounts you need to follow now to get your garden game on. This is the fifth in a short series of different outdoor styles we’ve pulled together to get ideas for your own garden brewing. If you haven’t seen the other parts, check back to the homepage. But if you’re all caught up, read on to find out how Donna Hunter Wilson created a resort-style garden.
The design:
“The garden is a typical rectangular site. I divided it up into three distinct zones using the sun to plot each location and different landscaping materials – artificial grass, patio slabs and decking – to define them,” says Donna. It’s a real visual delight; a considered mix of colour and texture with comfort at its heart. “I wanted to create a space you could spend time lounging in and enjoy in all weathers,” she adds. Styled as an ‘outdoor room’ Donna has mixed upholstered sofas, day beds and generous-sized chairs with cushions and throws and rugs underfoot for maximum cosy. Pictures, art and wall hangings add personality with festoons, lanterns and pendants – on dimmers -providing atmosphere. “I’m a big fan of outdoor lighting; it can transform your garden from day to night and prolong your enjoyment long after the sun goes down.”
Make it work:
“The garden is a typical rectangular site. I divided it up into three distinct zones using the sun to plot each location and different landscaping materials – artificial grass, patio slabs and decking – to define them,” says Donna. It’s a real visual delight; a considered mix of colour and texture with comfort at its heart. “I wanted to create a space you could spend time lounging in and enjoy in all weathers,” she adds. Styled as an ‘outdoor room’ Donna has mixed upholstered sofas, day beds and generous-sized chairs with cushions and throws and rugs underfoot for maximum cosy. Pictures, art and wall hangings add personality with festoons, lanterns and pendants – on dimmers – providing atmosphere. “I’m a big fan of outdoor lighting; it can transform your garden from day to night and prolong your enjoyment long after the sun goes down.”
Ideas to steal:
Extend your indoor space by dressing your outdoor living area with thoughtful furniture choices. “I like to mix styles and types and have found some brilliant finds in charity shops,” says Donna. Also, outdoor rooms work best with some kind of heating source, and Donna’s electric heater is a clever portable solution.
Good to know:
Bamboo, ferns and palms are perfect plants for a tropical-themed garden. Keep them in containers or pots for easy manoeuvrability. “Bamboo is low maintenance too and great for adding sound, especially when the wind blows. It also casts interesting shadows,” says Donna.
Want to see more of Donna's style? Follow her on Instagram @decorbydonna
For a complete contrast to Donna's garden, be sure to read part two of our garden inspiration series, Emma Edmonds' cottage garden.
