Transform Your Small Backyard: Design Ideas for Homeowners

small backyard design ideasIf you’re working with a tiny backyard, it might seem like there’s no way to make the space both functional and beautiful. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, you can use our small backyard design ideas to create an outdoor living space the whole family will love. We’ll help you transform even the smallest space into an oasis that makes your home feel like a vacation destination.

Make the Most of Your Space with Multiple Levels

If you can’t build out, build up! One of our best design ideas for small yards is to add a multi-level deck or porch. This kind of two-story deck design has space for entertaining, cooking, and more on the first level, with a more private, relaxing space on the second level. You can add access points from your master bedroom or hallway area. Or, you can access this space from the outside first floor deck using stairs. Adding multiple levels not only gives you more deck space to enjoy, but it also creates “zones”. Thus, it feels like your backyard is a more multi-purpose area to enjoy.

Prioritize the Backyard Design Elements You’ll Use Most

With a small backyard, you might not have room for everything you want. So, think about the design elements your family will actually use the most. You don’t have to have the traditional deck and yard space that is most common.

For example, some families really don’t use a grassy area, so they create one larger deck and patio instead. Other families love to garden, so they add large raised beds instead of a yard. Still other families forgo a traditional deck to make space for a smaller enclosed porch and larger grassy area where the kids can play.

Our point is this: there is no one backyard design that is right for every family. We want to help you transform your small backyard into the space that is best for you.

Create a Statement Focal Point

One mistake many people make when designing a small outdoor space is choosing too many small items to fill that space. Small backyard design ideas with too many smaller elements can make your backyard feel cluttered and disorganized. Instead, choose one statement focal point, such as a beautiful dining set or sunken fire pit. Add larger plants to make an impact, and make good use of vertical space with design elements such as slim wall fountains or fire features.

Also, don’t be afraid of color. You can use bold colors in a small space, as long as you make intentional choices that pull the look together. You want to accent the natural beauty of whatever your view has to offer. This article from Better Homes & Gardens has some great tips for choosing colors for your backyard.

Keep the Space Open and Well-Lit

When you’re dealing with a small deck or porch and small backyard area in general, it’s important to give the space an open feel with clear sight lines to take advantage of the view. Here are a few small backyard design ideas:

  • Make sure your trees are trimmed and remove trees if they make the space feel closed in.
  • Go for a deck instead of a porch. We love screened-in porches, but the roof can make the space feel smaller than it is. A deck can feel more open and airy.
  • Remember that your deck doesn’t have to be attached to your house. Sometimes it makes more sense for the space if you have a floating deck positioned away from your home.

Additionally, we recommend using built-in lighting to keep the deck feeling well-lit at all times. This is especially useful when you’re enjoying your deck in the evening, but can also help the space feel bigger even on overcast days.

Embrace the Feeling of Coziness

Last but not least, if you want to transform your small backyard into a true oasis, lean into that cozy feeling a tiny space can give you. Use warm, rich colors and add areas with plush textiles for enjoying your morning coffee/tea, relaxing with a good book, or having a glass of wine with your partner. The best small backyard design ideas work with the space you have, instead of fighting it.

FAQs about Small Backyard Design Ideas

Here at Structurally Speaking, we’d love to transform your backyard, regardless of the size. We work on outdoor living projects big and small including decks, screened-in porches, and more. This post has even more ideas for your small space. But regardless of the design elements you like best, rest assured that we can help. Building custom spaces is our passion! Here are a few frequently asked questions we get about designing the perfect backyard:

What’s the best layout for my backyard?

This will depend on your specific space. One of the reasons we build custom decks and porches is that we know no two homes and families are the same. The first thing we do for every client is sit down for a no-obligation initial consultation. This allows us to see your space and get to know how your family will most use your new backyard. We want to build a custom space you love.

Do I have space for an outdoor kitchen?

You can have an outdoor kitchen, even if you have a small outdoor space. An outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be grand; it just has to be functional. You can use moveable carts to create temporary work surfaces, and keep items inside to save space when you’re not using them.

How do I know I’ll love my new design?

Before we begin building, we’ll meet with you for a design presentation to show you our ideas for your new backyard. You can make any changes you want at this time, and we won’t start construction until you are 100% happy with the final design. This is your home, and we want you to be happy, so don’t be afraid to speak up, even about minor changes. To get started with your initial consultation, click here to contact us today. We can’t wait to work with you.