Small-Space Ideas That Prove No Yard Is Too Tiny For Incredible Exterior Design

Wondering if a custom, luxury design is possible for your small yard? This week, we’re sharing some design ideas to maximize a small outdoor space and show you that even the tiniest yard can be transformed into a private resort. Keep reading to see some of the small spaces we’ve created and learn why you don’t need a sprawling lawn and massive lot in order to have a backyard you never want to leave.

Level Up

It’s easy for a small space to fall flat and feel cramped when everything is on the same plane. To add dimension and create the illusion that the lot is larger than it is, levels are essential. Elevate the pool, step down to the seating area, and have a sunken fire pit to add dimension. 

Don’t Overcrowd the Space

Nothing makes a small yard feel even smaller—like trying to do too much. Be mindful of scale and remember that you can include all the features you want in your small yard, but you may need to play with proportions to maintain a sense of space. 

Add a Focal Feature

It’s all about illusion when it comes to maximizing a small space, and that includes giving the eye a place to focus on. Make sure you add a single feature that stands out as the focus of your yard to ground the entire design. 

Think Beyond The Borders

For small yards, we utilize the entire lot—which includes the backyard, the side of the home, and every space available. Think about pool placement and shape, and how you can create more space by taking advantage of every area in the yard. 

Leave Room For Softscape

You may be tempted to design all the way to the border of your lot, but this will make your yard feel boxed in and cramped. Instead, leave room for softscape details. Not only does it give depth and dimension to your yard, but it will actually make the space feel bigger than it is. 

Get Creative With Construction

When we’re designing a small yard, we utilize every inch of space available—and that often means we need to get creative about the way things are constructed. Instead of sticking to traditional construction techniques or materials, we explore different ways to hide the mechanics that make the yard functional.

Combine Curves and Straight Lines

When you combine boxy, straight shapes with organic, curved lines, you can create a path for the eye to follow and give your small yard the illusion that it’s a lot larger than it is. This is a great way to maximize any size yard, but is especially effective in smaller spaces. 

Incorporate Water

No yard is too small for a pool—or water feature. The smallest pool we’ve ever created for a client was just 8 feet long, so don’t let your yard size keep you from having a backyard pool if you’ve always wanted one. Incorporating water into your space adds life, movement, and depth, which is key if you want your tiny exterior to look luxurious.

Level Up

It’s easy for a small space to fall flat and feel cramped when everything is on the same plane. To add dimension and create the illusion that the lot is larger than it is, levels are essential. Elevate the pool, step down to the seating area, and have a sunken fire pit to add dimension. 

Don't Overcrowd The Space

Nothing makes a small yard feel even smaller—like trying to do too much. Be mindful of scale and remember that you can include all the features you want in your small yard, but you may need to play with proportions to maintain a sense of space.

Add A Focal Feature

It’s all about illusion when it comes to maximizing a small space, and that includes giving the eye a place to focus on. Make sure you add a single feature that stands out as the focus of your yard to ground the entire design. 

Think Beyond The Borders

For small yards, we utilize the entire lot—which includes the backyard, the side of the home, and every space available. Think about pool placement and shape, and how you can create more space by taking advantage of every area in the yard.

Leave Room For A Softscape

You may be tempted to design all the way to the border of your lot, but this will make your yard feel boxed in and cramped. Instead, leave room for softscape details. Not only does it give depth and dimension to your yard, but it will actually make the space feel bigger than it is. 

Get Creative With Construction

When we’re designing a small yard, we utilize every inch of space available—and that often means we need to get creative about the way things are constructed. Instead of sticking to traditional construction techniques or materials, we explore different ways to hide the mechanics that make the yard functional. 

Combine Curves and Straight Lines

When you combine boxy, straight shapes with organic, curved lines, you can create a path for the eye to follow and give your small yard the illusion that it’s a lot larger than it is. This is a great way to maximize any size yard, but is especially effective in smaller spaces.

Incorporate Water

No yard is too small for a pool—or water feature. The smallest pool we’ve ever created for a client was just 8 feet long, so don’t let your yard size keep you from having a backyard pool if you’ve always wanted one. Incorporating water into your space adds life, movement, and depth, which is key if you want your tiny exterior to look luxurious. 

Ready to finally utilize your small space and transform your little lot into a private resort you can enjoy every time you step outside? Click here to schedule a free consultation call.

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