Most of us, when we think of lawns, still think of them as a part of the domestic back garden, the outdoor picnic area or the local park. Traditionally that’s been true, since as spaces made of living grass, they have needed sunlight and water to thrive. But with the introduction of artificial grass, the lawn is no longer confined to exteriors where the grass can get access to water and nutrients; instead it is a feature that can be used almost anywhere

The contemporary roof terrace

Google’s new London headquarters have been intriguing us all in recent months, not only because of their colourful, unconventional interiors, but because of their outdoor spaces too. Employees are encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air – 100ft up on the roof terrace, where picnic benches sit alongside grass and potted plants. There’s no reason why Google should be the only ones to invest in outside spaces – both businesses and homeowners can make the most of elevated areas such as balconies or roof terraces with quality artificial grass that needs little maintenance and stays green all year round.

The indoor playground

The retail industry has long been aware of kids’ tendency to play, whether facilities are provided or not. To that end, indoor playgrounds can be found in shopping malls, department stores and even amid the shops in airports. What better way to recreate the authentic experience and bring the outdoors indoors than by standing slides and swings on an artificial lawn, perhaps with a rustic fence to mark the boundary?

The pet run

As a nation we love our pets, and we like to make sure they’re well taken care of. For many of us, that entails providing a safe place for our animals to play, which can be tricky in wintertime. A pet run or pen is a great place to let smaller animals play inside without them ruining your carpets or flooring. Many people exercise rabbits, guinea pigs and other such pets on artificial grass surfaces as it offers a natural texture and is easy to clean.

The exhibition stand

Camping and outdoor shows are extremely popular, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Products such as tents and outdoor furniture can be displayed to great effect using artificial lawn instead of the traditional carpet that is often used on stands. Visitors love to discover something a little different, so businesses with a creative flair could add pots of flowers or outdoor sound effects such as birds singing to produce the full experience inside the exhibition hall.

The shop window display

Spring/summer trends inevitably bring brighter colours and innovative new treats to lift consumers out of the winter blues. Artificial grass is perfect for window displays, creating a true spring feel whether there are manikins sporting the latest fashions, edible products such as chocolate or pastries, or sports equipment such as football boots or tennis rackets behind the glass. Grasses of various colours are available to suit a range of colour trends or display themes and are sure to draw the eyes of passersby.