Designer Ed Ng did not have a bathroom big enough to house the spa bath he desired. But he did have an unused outdoor area. Solution: move the bath outside.
A hot tub is an ideal use of a small garden or courtyard, because it serves several functions. Firstly, it gives you a wonderfully relaxing spa experience. Automatic timers and heaters can be pre-programmed and the bath ready to hop into the moment you get in from work.
Since an average-sized hot tub can hold six to eight people, it can give a new focus to your entertainment area. A big benefit is that, unlike most indoor spa baths, they do not have to be a fixture. Renters can simply pack up the hot tub and take it with them when they leave.
There are other ways to dress up a small space:
Go for a strong impact. Instead of setting out lots of small pots (which can look too busy), consider installing one large, beautiful plant to draw the eye to a focal point.
Follow a colour theme. A simple palette of, say, green and white, or pink and lilac, can have a stunning effect.