GARDEN DESIGNER THERESE ANDERSEN:

You do not need to rebuild your outdoor space to make it better. If you have a calm and durable foundation, such as slate, you can instead focus on the elements that are easy to change.

Pots are one of the most effective tools. They help create rooms and zones and can be moved, grouped, and rearranged throughout the season. Feel free to vary materials and styles – wood, terracotta, and glazed pots create more life together than identical pots or the same surface texture throughout.

Also think about scale – one large pot, or several grouped together, will often have a greater impact than many small pots scattered around. Consider what you plant in them as well. Combine seasonal flowers that can be replaced throughout the year with larger plants, shrubs, or small trees that can remain in place for many years.

Textiles can make a big difference in a short amount of time.

Cushions, rugs, and throws soften hard surfaces and make an outdoor space feel more like a room.

Furniture is about more than function. Choose materials that add warmth and create more seating than you think you need. A bench, a step, or a low wall to sit on encourages people to actually use the space.

With a good foundation, you can refresh the look again and again without having to rebuild.