5 colourful garden ideas for a quick revamp this weekend

These garden ideas are simple, easy to achieve and will give your outside space a colourful makeover in just a couple of hours

garden ideas: outdoor living area with a yellow painted wall
(Image credit: Little Greene)

There's still plenty of time left to enjoy the warmer weather before autumn arrives, so why not give one of our colourful garden ideas a go and get out in the garden this weekend? Give your outdoor space a quick revamp and you'll get to enjoy the results in what remains of the summer sunshine. 

It's really easy to give your garden a quick update by incorporating some colour – it’s a guaranteed way to brighten up everything from a tired looking corner to unloved plant pots that have seen better days. We’ve found five easy ways to add colour that won’t take up much time or money, so choose one (or all five if you're feeling adventurous) and then sit back and relax. 

Want more ideas? Head to our garden design ideas, then check out our guide to exterior wood paint if you fancy giving anything from garden furniture to sheds a colourful makeover. 

1. PAINT YOUR POTS

blue painted plant pot with a blue hydrangea

(Image credit: Valspar)

A really simple way to update old and tatty pots and planters is to give them a lick of paint. Most paint companies offer a good range of exterior paints and all you need to do is dust off any debris, give them a quick sand – if they're wooden – and then add a coat or two of paint. This shade is called Carolina Blue from Valspar and it really complements these beautiful hydrangeas.

2. TREAT YOUR HOME TO SOME HANGING BASKETS...

pathway leading to a pink cottage door with hanging baskets either side

(Image credit: Dobbies)

Don’t these hanging baskets look fabulous? Adding colour in the shape of flowers and plants will always make a huge difference to the exterior of your home. These pretty baskets have trailing fuchsias, ivy leaved geraniums, diascias and trailing foliage. You can buy different shaped baskets from Dobbies then fill them with your favourite plants. Check out our top tips on how to make a hanging basket for more advice. 

3. ...OR BUY SOME COLOURFUL LANTERNS

trio of colourful outdoor lanterns

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

These super stylish Torello lanterns from Garden Trading are ideal for adding a pop of colour to your garden. They come in three colourways: foliage green, lemon and watermelon. Made from tough powder-coated steel they can also be used indoors, just pop in a pillar candle and they are good to go! Oh, and they are on offer right now so be quick and grab them while you can! 

4. PICK A BRIGHT PATTERNED OUTDOOR RUG

colourful outdoor rug used as a picnic blanket in a garden

(Image credit: Talking Tables)

Outdoor rugs are always a great idea – they'll survive if left out overnight (phew), they add colour and, if you opt for a patterned affair, will create a decorative element too. Outdoor rugs can cope with most spillages and can be wiped down, so what's not to love! This cheerful design is from Talking Tables.

5. SPEND AN AFTERNOON PAINTING A WALL OR FENCE

outdoor living area with yellow painted wall

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Painting your exterior walls is relatively easy, and it can make a huge difference to the overall look of your garden. We love this Yellow-Pink from Little Greene, it’s a warm yellow that’s not too bright, and it looks fab with the Scree (227) grey shade. The two together give a contemporary feel and you can buy them both as masonry paint and exterior eggshell. 

More easy projects: 

Sophie Warren-Smith

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years. She recently trained to be a florist and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for weddings and events.