When designed thoughtfully, tiny gardens and backyards can become cozy, private retreats. But with some practical and creative choices, they can look and feel much bigger than they are. If you want to achieve the same effect in your yard, try applying the following landscape design tips for small spaces:
Add Features That Lead the Eye Upwards
Vertical elements create the illusion of more horizontal space. Choose slender shrubs, crawling vines, and tall, narrow trees like bamboo, columnar junipers, and evergreens. The same applies when picking hardscapes. Make the area look airier with trellises, arches, wall-mounted planters, and vertical gardening features.
Integrate Curved or Diagonal Lines
Emphasizing straight lines is overrated. Instead, design walkways, borders, garden beds, decks, or patios following curves and diagonal lines. This technique keeps a smooth and natural path flow and tricks the eye into seeing extra space.
Strategically Arrange Plants
Add visual depth by layering shrubs, flowers, and trees of different heights. Small plants and flowers shine up front, tall plants and trees can serve as the background, and modestly sized shrubs can balance and fill the gap in between. Position your plants thoughtfully to give the impression that your yard stretches beyond its size.
Build Aesthetic Terraces
Slopes can make small outdoor spaces feel even tinier, but creating terraces can lessen the cramped feel. Select sturdy retaining walls and have them installed by professionals for long-term stability. You can also use barriers with decorative finishes, like stone or brick, and plant colorful shrubs and flowers to enhance visual appeal.
Opt for Space-Saving Furnishings
Every inch counts in yards with limited square footage, so picking multipurpose and adjustable furniture matters. Benches and other seating with built-in storage let you store outdoor essentials without cluttering. Foldable tables and chairs are also excellent options since they can be put away quickly when unused.
Use Reflective Colors and Décor
Select light and neutral-toned fences, pavers, and other hardscapes. Sunlight tends to bounce off bright-colored surfaces, making the area look more vibrant and open. Add punchy shades as accents to form a balanced color palette. Moreover, consider adding mirrors, glass ornaments, or water features, like a mini pond. By reflecting the light and sky, they can bring more dimension to your backyard.
Layer Your Lighting
The gorgeous glow of outdoor lighting makes a world of difference at night. Hanging string lights overhead adds a charming twinkle to your backyard while installing uplights creates a dreamy atmosphere and the illusion of a high canopy. You can also mix various lighting to illuminate and give the area a more spacious feel.
Don’t Let Minimal Square Footage Limit Your Outdoor Enjoyment
Create the illusion of openness and depth to expand your little backyard or garden visually. Explore more landscape design tips for small spaces with Blend Outdoor Design + Construction in Spokane Valley, WA. We’re here to help bring your perfect retreat to life, regardless of your yard’s size.