Taking shape
Consider what sort of style and hard landscaping will best suit your space. It’s a chance to break away from the angular architecture of the house by introducing circular paved areas and spiralling brick shapes, or perhaps a simple, rectangular deck if your plot is long and thin.
A central, recessed courtyard is a clever way of creating a ‘secret’ space, while a raised deck at the end of the garden is a good vantage and focal point.
As an alternative to decking, paving is practical, but can look dull unless edged with bricks. Why not leave random gaps filled with pebble mosaics set in concrete or planted with aromatics like camomile and thyme. Lay inexpensive, easy-care gravel over a weed-proof membrane (see page 76 on how to lay gravel).