Having a serene outdoor space in your backyard can be just the luxury you need to unwind after a long day. If you’re working with limited square footage, however, you’ll need to be a little more inventive with your landscape design. Here are a few tips to make the most of your property this spring or summer. 

How to Make Your Small Backyard Look Bigger

1. Use Hanging Shrubbery & Flowerpots 

Instead of planting in the ground, maximize your use of vertical space by “stacking” your potted plants on multi-tiered raised beds. Alternatively, use hanging planters and mount them on the eaves of your roof. This will add visual interest and color without taking up significant lawn space. 

2. Take Advantage of Fences 

If your backyard is enclosed by a privacy fence, treat it like another blank surface. Install shelving for your potted plants and flowers. If your fence isn’t sturdy enough to support this, plant ivy or other “climbers” with vines that grow upwards at the base. This will merge your fence with your landscape design and make the area feel less closed-in. Alternatively, you could replace tall, light-blocking panels with lower picket or chain-link options. 

3. Buy the Right Furniture 

Small spaces require furniture that’s both versatile and suitably sized. For example, rather than filling your space with a full outdoor dining table and chairs, go with an outdoor living room set with a coffee table so your furniture can be used for dining and lounging alike. Store seasonal items in your garage to minimize visual clutter. You can also look for furniture that offers built-in storage, such as a bench that doubles as a storage trunk, or that collapses when you need to save space.  

4. Utilize Optical Illusions

Landscape design tricks can make your yard feel larger. For example, if you have a porch or a deck, have the pavers or deck boards laid diagonally to draw the eye outward. This effect will make the area feel less boxy. Alternatively, you could add a dramatic focal point at the far end of your yard, like a trellis with vivid bougainvillea vines or a small water feature, which will also draw attention outward to make the space feel more open. 

Done Right Landscapes is a professional landscaping company located in St. Peters, MO, that can help you build the backyard of your dreams. They do it all, from patios and lighting to landscaping design and water features. To learn more or schedule a free estimate, visit their website or call (636) 373-3902.