Having a small outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with it. Whether you want to use your garden as an entertainment hub or a nature-filled haven to relax in, there are many ways to achieve your dream outdoor space - yes, even when you don’t have much space to work with!
Here are some tips from Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology to help you make the most of your small outdoor space.
Extend your living space outdoors
There are many ways to extend your living space outside and make your outdoor space feel homely and welcoming. If you have large doors leading onto a balcony or into your garden, why not leave them open - when the weather allows it - and simply extend this living space outdoors?
By adding seating and soft furnishings like rugs, blankets, and cushions, your small outdoor space can become just as much a space for entertaining or relaxing as the rest of your house. To make the transition from indoor to outdoor even more seamless, you could match the decor to the inside of your home and add plants on either side of the doorway.
Less is more
With the right furnishings, you can turn even the smallest patio into a stylish and sophisticated outdoor escape. When trying to utilise small spaces, the best approach is to keep things simple. That being said, you don’t want to underdo it either.
All you need is a minimalist, clean-looking furniture set and one or two feature pieces, such as potted plants. They will not only brighten up an otherwise plain, cramped space, but they will also ensure your outdoor space is living up to its potential on the functionality front.
If your outdoor space is grey and dull, choosing colourful furniture or plants is an easy and cheap way to liven the space up a little.
Get space-saving furniture
These days, small spaces are no longer synonymous with making sacrifices. Just because your outdoor space is small, doesn’t mean you can’t have family dinners in the garden or avoid using it altogether. With the right furniture, you can create a multi-functional, versatile outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Foldable or extendable furniture is a great option for small households who like to entertain others, as the furniture can take up little space day-to-day but can easily seat a larger group upon being unfolded or extended.
Benches with storage compartments provide ample seating, take up less space than the equivalent number of chairs would, and can store any furniture, garden accessories or tools not currently in use.
Draw the eye up and around the space
You may not have much floor space, but you can create the illusion of space by utilising vertical and horizontal surfaces. For instance, a patio umbrella or parasol adds height, while hanging baskets or window boxes free up floor space whilst providing some beautiful natural elements.
You could also install lights or hang fairy lights overhead to draw the eye up, brighten the space and give it a little personality and ambience
Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology offers high-quality landscape design services tailored to our clients’ needs. Our work focuses on all aspects of landscaping, from aesthetics to sustainability and biodiversity. If you’d like our help making the most of your outdoor space, get in touch today.