Being a property owner with a small backyard, a pint-sized patio, or a compact balcony, you’ve very likely faced a common problem. This is a lack of living outdoor space that sometimes seems impossible to solve. Most people give design and zoning up as a bad job and keep using outdoor space as supplemental storage.
However, there are lots of solutions to any problem, the networks are full of tips and tricks on how to enhance small space functions. You can always find a brace of professional designers or architects among your bunch of network connections. After you export LinkedIn contacts to Excel or Vcard, you can connect via email, call via phone, or meet in person offline to ask for a piece of sound advice or professional help on design, zoning, and furniture.
If you consider drawing upon your own budget-friendly resources, here is a compilation of tried-and-true expert recommendations. All of them will come at hand in taking the challenge of creating an inviting getaway to relax you will love.
7 Outdoor Small-Space Solutions
The trick to maximizing a small backyard is to have a plan with an overall design in mind. Sure, you can’t install a swimming pool, playground, put in trees or large bushes, or purchase those big-ticket statues. But making every inch count and not skimping on style brings a lot of benefits even for small spaces:
- You spend less time and money on its design and maintenance.
- You sheer away from astronomical rent prices.
- A small yard needs lower water consumption.
- It’s easier to achieve that warm, cozy, and intimate atmosphere of a small space.
The right design won’t let you feel claustrophobic and turn the backyard into your favorite place. Here’s how.
#1. Put an Accent on a Patio.
In case you plan to spend much time outdoors, a patio or a pergola should become a key element of your design with other features fitting around. Because of a smaller footprint area size, the expenses on sun-awing, paving stones, stamp concrete, and other higher-end materials will be affordable for your budget.
#2. Add Green Foliage.
Greenery is integral to small spaces and comes at hand when you need to separate the different zones. Whether you use foliage as balcony or yard decor, consider that it takes up a lot of room without planning. The best solution for shed interior-like comfort will be a vertical garden on a fence, containers with colorful blooms, and plants in pots. Don’t forget about the rule of thumb; three plant or flower varieties are enough to add color and texture.
#3. Get Some Shade.
The scorching heat of the sun makes your outdoor living area uncomfortable to use, especially during summer. If the luxury of having large trees is not available for you, take care of other forms of shade. Even a small gazebo or an umbrella installed in your patio can create a covered seating area. A pop-up canopy, marquees, and patio curtains are great for catching the best shade and sun or rain protection. Use vines growing on the lattice as a sun-blocker.
#4. Bring Light to Your Design.
The combination of natural or artificial light and its interaction with dark is vital for shadow effects that can revive any space, adding texture, dimension, and perspective. Highlight the necessary areas, such as pavement, a tree, or building objects to make the small space vivid, comfortable and pleasant. But try to avoid the complex lightning solutions to save harmony, depth, and space geometry.
#5. Consider a Kind of Lawn.
Not all yards have enough room for laying out a fully functional lawn. The good idea is to install strips of synthetic grass or artificial turf alternated with traces of paving stone, setting the patio area apart. Your four-legged friends will evaluate the open space for appealing hangouts.
#6. Define Spaces with Height Levels.
Different heights provide visual interest and double your outdoor living space. By creating levels, you’ll split your backyard into multiple rooms with zones for seating, dining, playing with kids, and relaxation. Build an upper deck or a rooftop for your patio to get more square footage to work with. Don’t be afraid to combine materials like wood, stone, or glass to give each zone a special feel. Make sure to add flowers, cozy furniture, pillows, and a storage place for tableware and glassware not to climb down and upstairs every time you need it.
#7. Make Small Groupings of Furniture.
Two or three groups of furniture items provide more seats for the family or guests. The outfit may include a small bistro table with 3-4 chairs, an end table with a couple of comfortable chairs, and if your room allows, a chaise lounge for taking a nap. To take advantage of the privacy put your furniture groups against a fence or wall. To get the feeling of more space angle the chairs outward.
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