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How to Make a Backyard Look Bigger: Clever Ways to Max Out Your Space
Although your small backyard might be limited in scale, the good news is it still offers endless potential to create an interesting and vibrant space. The key to success is to keep things simple. It’s all about getting the basics right to create a harmonious space that feels bigger than it is, which means choosing hardscaping and planting with care. Integral to this is sticking to a design plan and not being tempted to cram too much in. Always consider how you actually intend to use the space itself before opting for permanent landscaping and planting solutions. Flexibility is everything if space is limiting your backyard ideas, so make options like lightweight ornamental screens, moveable planters on wheels, and furniture that can easily be reconfigured your go-to choices.
CHOOSE LIGHT COLORS TO CREATE AN EXPANSIVE EFFECT
The pool in this yard may take up most of the space but its elegant design is truly inviting. Limiting landscaping materials such as paving like this and using a simple, pared down color palette is a good idea to make a small backyard look bigger. Try to avoid squeezing in too many features as this can leave your design feeling fragmented. Instead, take bold decisions with a ‘less is more’ approach. It always helps to decide on a color scheme and stick to it when it comes to choosing furniture, paving and paint for modern backyard ideas, as the result will be a more cohesive and impactful garden design. ‘Utilize natural light to create a dynamic effect,’ says landscape architect Rituparna Simlai, of Miami-based Studio Arth. ‘Light filtering through exposed areas can choreograph the way we perceive the plants and their surroundings. This dynamism helps create the illusion of a more spacious backyard.’
SOFTEN AND DISGUISE THE PERIMETER WITH TALL PLANTING
‘If you’re looking for ideas on how to make a small backyard look bigger, try including layered planting along the boundary wall, and conceal it with dense vegetation. This layered approach blurs the boundaries, making them less defined and, in turn, expanding the perception of space,’ says Rituparna Simlai. Plants are key to greening up small backyards and adding to their decorative appeal. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of vertical growing options that don’t take up much space. In addition, it helps pool privacy ideas, letting you create your own private paradise. Try to stick to a simple planting palette of no more than two colors in addition to green, and limit how many different types of plants you use as too many will look crowded and fussy. One of the best combinations to try is a mix of structural evergreens and seasonal planting. It may seem counterintuitive but using larger plants and trees will draw the eye upwards and make the space feel less congested. The same is true if you are planting in containers. Opt for the biggest size of pot you can find rather than using lots of small ones.
MIX THINGS UP BY INCLUDING DIFFERENT LEVELS AND STEPS
A combination of terraces, decked areas, steps, raised beds with planting and shallow water features can help if you’re looking for ideas how to design a sloping garden to create a stylish multi-level space. Using a series of steps to link different levels allows you to make your way through the yard in a relaxed way and also helps it feel bigger by subtly creating additional areas using the height in the space. ‘Employ varying levels or materials as part of your sloped backyard ideas, but limit transitions to 2-3 levels,’ says Rituparna Simlai. ‘Too many transitions can have the opposite effect by looking cluttered and overwhelming the senses. Thoughtful transitions with well-articulated spaces add depth to the experience, making your backyard space seem much larger.’ Multi-levels yards work well with zoning too. As you arrive at each level it’s the perfect opportunity for positioning seats for relaxing around a fire pit or spreading yoga mats for a workout space.
REINVENT A FORGOTTEN CORNER BY CREATING A NEW SPACE
It’s important that every small backyard is used in the most practical way. It’s a precious resource that can be easily tweaked if you feel it’s time for a makeover that will better suit your lifestyle. Sometimes all that’s needed is to look at your space with a fresh eye. When coming up with ideas for a small backyard, remember that every inch counts. There may be a forgotten corner, for example, that’s not really achieving anything that you could turn it into a dedicated space for outdoor dining, entertaining, relaxing or exercising. There are plenty of furniture options suitable for small backyards, patios, balconies, and terraces. Look for compact styles to fit your specific space, lightweight options that are easy to move around, and foldaway styles.
ADD A FOCAL POINT LIKE A SLEEK BAR AREA
Adding a focal point gives definition to a space and is an invaluable design trick in a small yard. It works by directing the eye to a point you want emphasized, while distracting it from one you don’t. On a smaller scale a focal point can be something like a group of supersized containers, some artfully designed furniture or a piece of eye-catching garden art. On a larger scale it can be more of a design feature like a cool garden bar area, an elegant pergola or a plunge pool. When it comes to planting, think a row of sculptural pleached trees, an ornamental obelisk covered with flowers, or green wall planted up with succulents or ferns. All these ideas are great ways to make a backyard look more expensive too. In summary, it’s anything that is a talking point that distracts from the small space and is a key element in how to make a small backyard look bigger.
Text by Sarah Wilson | Photo credits on homesandgardens.com | Read More Here
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