The right hardscaping can transform a home’s backyard into a beautiful extra living space. However, you don’t need to have excessive room to accomplish this feat. Often, adding the right features can make a smaller space appear larger than it actually is. Doing so requires an understanding of the following best practices to avoid overcrowding the yard and making it appear cluttered.

How to Maximize Backyard Space With Hardscaping

1. Use the Same Material

Whether it’s for the patio’s paver material or the pathway leading to an outdoor firepit, when space is at a premium, it’s best to use the same material on your hardscaping features. Mixing and matching between cement, bricks, or concrete can make an already tiny yard feel even smaller and more cluttered. Stick to one material for the patio, stairs, and accessories to create visual cohesiveness. 

2. Create Diagonal Paths 

A simple way to trick the eye and make your yard appear bigger is by creating diagonal paths. Rather than short and straight walkways, build paths to cut the yard diagonally or wind around the area. Similarly, laying pavers in a diagonal pattern on walkways or the patio can elongate the space.

3. Add Levels

Creating areas of the yard that are higher or lower than others add more depth and also makes the yard appear bigger. A sunken concrete patio, an outdoor fireplace, or a raised planter or flower bed garden can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

4. Incorporate Outdoor Lighting

Another way to add depth to the space is by strategically using lights to illuminate certain aspects of the yard while keeping others in darkness. Place small, recessed lights along pathways and add uplights to feature the home’s architecture. This lighting tricks visitors into thinking the backyard is bigger than it actually is by illuminating certain visual fields. You can add uplights on trees, flower beds, or outdoor columns for additional dimension. 

 

For more hardscaping ideas that’ll help make your small backyard appear larger, contact the experts at iCONiC Outdoor Creations in Brentwood, TN. Their team uses the latest technology to help you design the perfect outdoor living space. They can create a digital rendition prior to starting the project so that you know you’ll be happy with the outcome. Get started by scheduling a consultation at (615) 594-7707 or view more information online.