Transform Your Small Backyard into a Cozy Haven with These Space-Saving Tips
If you’ve ever plopped down in your backyard with a tasty beverage in hand, feeling like you’ve entered a mini oasis, a safe retreat from the troubles of the world, you may have felt that only the most expansive gardens can sooth your soul and enjoy the spoils of your labor.
But the smallest yard can morph into a delightful urban oasis that’s the perfect spot for winding down after a long day. It just takes some flawless feng shui that utilises space-saving strategies to maximise every inch of your outdoor oasis. So, let’s dive in and check out some charming tips for creating the cozy hideaway of your dreams.
The Big Problem with Small Backyards
When it comes to small backyards, the challenge doesn’t always feel like an invitation. With so little space to do so much — a seating area, greenery, perhaps a water feature — it’s easy to feel defeated before you even get started. As a result, many homeowners throw their hands up and call it a lost cause — copses for the under-utilised and uninspired. But there’s good news: with a little ingenuity and learned techniques, you can turn your small yard into a usable, welcoming space that is far bigger than it actually is.
Start with a Clear Vision
But before getting bogglingly specific with that, you need to have an overarching vision in mind, an idea of what you want your space to be.
Do you crave a garden where your children can play and you can immerse yourself in a daily act of creation, in the words of botanist and poet Robert Pogue Harrison? Are you looking for a place to retreat with a book, a spot to gather your friends, or an area where you can retire with a glass of wine?
Get a solid idea of what you hope to achieve, and that will be your North Star as you make decisions about what should go where.
“But I Don’t Have a Green Thumb!”
It’s not necessary to be a master gardener to create an attractive backyard. There are plenty of easy-care plants and simple landscaping tips to transform your space into a green oasis without requiring a lot of maintenance.
Tip 1: Use Vertical Space
If square footage is at a premium, go vertical. Vertical gardening is a simple way to add greenery and save space. Install wall planters, hang pots from fences or other structures, or use trellises for climbing plants. With vertical gardens, you can make the most of your backyard space while maintaining a lush, layered look.
“So how do you create a garden wall that is also a work of art?”That’ll come later.
Tip 2: Multi-Functional Furniture
Furniture that does double duty is a bonus: benches with storage seats or that fold; folding chairs and tables; seating that converts to a daybed. All these can make your backyard seem well-furnished without feeling cramped.
“Won’t multi-functional furniture be expensive?” Not necessarily.
Plenty of things are cheap (if you have some DIY in you, even second-hand items that you can re-purpose and upcycle can work).
Tip 3: Create Zones
Zoning your outdoor space into ‘rooms’ can make it feel bigger and more organized: in a small back garden, decide on seating areas, planting areas, dining and cooking areas, relaxation areas, and any other zones you need, and separate these using different floor treatments of decking, gravel and other outdoor rugs to create different areas.
Tip 4: Opt for Light Colors
Since light colors reflect more light, choosing light hues of furniture outside, such as white, beige or pastels, will help make space seem broader and lighter as well.
“Looking for quick ways to add a splash of color without shrinking your yard?”
Great — don’t miss our tips for creative accents that won’t make your backyard feel cluttered.’
Tip 5: Incorporate Mirrors
And don’t think that mirrors are just for indoors. Their reflective power has the same effect outdoors in small gardens and outside spaces. Hang a mirror on a fence, a wall — anywhere — to reflect light and greenery, and make a small area seem larger.
Tip 6: Go for Foldable and Stackable Items
When working with limited backyard space, foldable upholstery furniture is an excellent option. These pieces can either be used when guests are over, or folded up and tucked away when not needed, which leaves more open space. Stackable chairs and tables are also another wise idea, as you can have more seats just by stacking without crowding inside your backyard.
“Won’t foldable furniture look cheap or flimsy?”
Not if you choose wisely. Plenty of stylish pieces are soundly built, and more than a few are weather-resistant. Hunt for sturdy hardware and waterproof fabrics.
Tip 7: Add a Water Feature
If you’re after a tranquil effect but lack the space for a large pool, then a backyard fountain of some kind will fit the bill nicely. You could have a small fountain or pond or, if space is still a limitation, a wall-mounted water feature. The gentle sound of running water can help to create a backyard environment conducive to serenity.
You can incorporate a water feature into your vertical garden. See how in the garden tools section.
Tip 8: Smart Lighting
Good lighting can breathe life into any space — even a small backyard. Combine various light sources (string lights, lanterns, even solar-powered stake lights) to make everything feel more welcoming, while pointing out selected areas — such as seating zones, steppingstones and trees or shrubs — to bring depth and interest.
Tip 9: Keep It Simple
Too much can overwhelm a small space, like too many decorations in a backyard. If you have a few pieces or plants that bring you joy and fit the general aesthetic, then you don’t need others that will just crowd the space. The unadorned look can feel peaceful and airy in small spaces.
Tip 10: Personal Touches
You don’t have to follow the crowd with the standard color scheme. Hand-painted pots, a bench you’ve fashioned yourself or a garden sculpture made by you add exclusivity to your backyard sphere, making it feel more like your home and a place you’re more inclined to relax in.
Bringing It All Together
And do you remember that garden wall we talked about before — that we said could function as art as well as a structure in a confined space garden?
Combine a vertical garden with a water feature by installing a living wall — not only will it conserve space because the plants can grow vertically, but also because the irrigation (bubblers are installed throughout the wall as wide as the garden) will trickle water down through the plants. This serves as our focal point. Meanwhile, you can add colorful touches with cushions, throws or even potted flowers, all of which can be moved or changed seasonally.
4. Maintain For Longevity
As with any solar lights, it will need a little maintenance to keep them working at their best. Follow these tips to keep your solar light glowing:
Keep the Panels Clean: Dust and dirt can reduce their efficiency. Wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth.
Clear Obstructions: make sure that nothing — such as plants or decorations — is blocking the solar panels from sunlight.
Replace Batteries: Most solar lights come equipped with rechargeable batteries. Patient’s like the NiMH batteries with a life span of up to two years degrade eventually, which means slowing performance eventually. When you notice it, it’s time to replace the batteries.
The Final Touch: Creating a Cohesive Design Outdoor lighting is as much a design feature as it is a functional one. If you’re creating a lighting scheme, these are a few design spins to consider so it will look cohesive and stylish:
Balance and Symmetry: By placing lights symmetrically around the subject’s nose, for example, you’ll achieve a balanced, professional look.
Layer: Mix path lights, spotlights, string lights and other light effects to lend interest to your landscape.
Warm vs Cool Light: Create a cozy inviting atmosphere using warm white lights or choose cool white lights for a modern crisp look. Combining both will lend a dynamic quality to your design.
Let Your Home Shine Exterior solar lighting can turn your home into a twilight wonderland. Yes, it would boost your property’s curb appeal, but more importantly, it would make your outdoor space more usable and enjoyable, whether you’re entertaining in the summer or curling up on the garden chair with your book. So what are you waiting for? Let the solar lights illuminate your house and light up the nights.