10 Tips for Creating a Big WOW Factor with Your Small Backyard
You may feel limited in what you can do with your small backyard, however, constraints often inspire creativity. One positive aspect of having a limited amount of space is that you can stretch your budget a little bit further and splurge on really interesting features.
Here are ten tips to help you transform your small yard into a functional and beautiful backyard oasis.
1. Plan ahead
Once you start to do some research, you will find that there are so many incredible small space ideas out there that it can be hard to focus. Without a cohesive vision, the danger lies in trying to tackle too many concepts leading to a scattered mess. You can work out your layout and ideas in advance with the help of online tools and gardening apps. Here are a few to check out:
Better Homes and Garden’s free online Plan a Garden tool
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/welcome-to-plan-a-garden/Eden Garden Designer
http://www.edengardendesigner.comGardena’s My Garden tool
http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/garden-life/my-garden/iScape Virtual Landscaping
http://www.iscapeapps.com
2. Miniaturize the latest trends
Take a page from what is trending and create your own scaled down version. Dwarf shrubs, colour blocking and mini potted plant and succulent displays are all hot trends in 2017 and can be used as inspiration to make your small yard feel modern and chic.
3. Layer your garden
Whether you create various levels throughout your whole garden, or scale it down to a tiered garden box or stacked potted herbs, this type of vertical layering allows you to maximize your useable space by making each layer accessible and easy to maintain. It also draws attention upward, creating a more visually appealing garden in a smaller space.
4. Minimize the clutter, maximize the space
Take a page from small indoor spaces and use multifunctional storage solutions that will keep your yard clutter free. Look for outdoor furniture that can double as storage, or create custom built-in storage below a raised patio or built-in deck seating. Mini DIY storage sheds are also becoming popular, as they can be both affordable and adorable.
http://acultivatednest.com/2013/05/my-cute-little-diy-garden-shed/
5. Design on a diagonal
Take advantage of your yard’s longest sight line to construct the illusion of a bigger backyard. A diagonal design also creates interest and balance in a small, rectangular space.
6. Build a miniature patio
If you don’t have the space for a full-sized deck or patio, there are many options for creating small seating areas to fully enjoy the outdoors. Modular deck tiles are a quick and easy way to build a miniature patio space, or create a stone pathway to an ornate bistro set and enjoy your own nature-engulfed café.
7. Frame it
Apply the concept of framing to draw focus towards your garden’s best features. By adding a pergola, trellis with climbing vines, or well-placed shrubbery or trees, you can frame and direct the view to the most beautiful spaces in your garden.
8. Go vertical
In a small yard, vertical space can be very useful. Keep in mind throughout your design process that horizontal space is at a premium, so if you are adding a feature like a fireplace or choosing furniture, tall and narrow may be a better choice. Vertical gardening is also becoming popular, taking advantage of walls and fences to create beautiful and functional herb, vegetable and perennial gardens that take up little to no space in your yard.
http://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/how-to/g1274/how-to-plant-a-vertical-garden/
9. Indulge in your mini oasis
Just because you have a small space, it does not mean that you have to forego the luxuries of a larger backyard. Fireplaces, waterfalls or streams bring tranquility and comfort to any sized yard and can be scaled to fit. Swimming pools are no longer reserved for large spaces either, there are plenty of great small pool options available like endless pools, single lane lap pools, plunge pools and natural pools which offers more design flexibility than a traditional pool. Smaller pools are easier to maintain and less expensive to heat as well.
10. Entertain big time in your small space
If you are smart about your choices for an entertainment area, there is no reason that you can’t have your dream outdoor social space. Choose cozy and inviting but smaller scale or narrow furniture that fits the space and accessorize with small potted plants. Keep your furniture and grill around the perimeter so that traffic can flow easily, using smaller side tables instead of a large, space eating patio table. Most importantly, keep your entertainment area bright with well-placed lighting.
