The inspiration for the garden comeds from its surroundings. The colour scheme is taken from the building front facade. Since the garden is quite shady and the decking and fencing dark, I have used light furniture to create contrasts between dark decking and furniture. Materials are easy to mantain, or do not need any maintainance at all. Hammock is hanged on the existing tree on one side and on one of the fence poles on the other side. When additional space is needed (for example child play) it can be simply put away (hanged solely on the tree).
To utilize as much space as possible (and to solve teh problem of extensive root system of the existing tree), the deck is risen cca. 15 inch of the ground. Difference beetween levels creates division between deck (used for dining and other activities) and lounging area. 16 inch wide steps can also be used for sitting and lounging.
Planting scheme is designed to be maintainance free. Since the lawn would not grow in such a shady space, moss is used as substitution. The garden is pretty small and its main function is leisure and entertaining, so I have used vertical plants to save the space. Virginia creeper creates coulour accents in the garden. Other plants are planted in pots and present substitution for a small vegetable or herb garden.