Outdoor Living
How To Maximize Space In A Small Backyard, According To Design Pros
Photography by Lindsay Lauckner
Outdoor Living
How To Maximize Space In A Small Backyard, According To Design Pros
Flex your small but mighty outdoor space with these expert tips.
While we’ve always had a special fondness for backyards (where else are you going to spend your summers till the wee hours of the morning with loved ones?), the pandemic was a reminder that having access to an outdoor space is a privilege.
As such, it’s our humble duty to treat our patios, porches, and yards with the utmost design respect. But what if you don’t have a sprawling landscape to fill with a dining area, lounge space, outdoor kitchen, and more?
Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice your dreams to make your outdoor space work. We sat down with two design experts to get the scoop on how to leverage every inch of your backyard or patio—no matter the size.
1. Have a clear goal in mind
“The first thing we do when we’re meeting with a client is ask how they want the space to function,” says Michael McMartin, a designer with Earth Inc. Designed Landscapes in Toronto, Ont.
Many traditional backyard designs have distinct dining, lounge, and outdoor cooking zones. In a smaller space, you may not have the luxury to flex that extra square footage to create all of these separate areas.
Be clear about your purpose for the space. Is it for a quiet outdoor breakfast nook or summer entertaining? The intended use helps determine what furniture and decor you incorporate.
2. Working double-duty
Just like in interiors, outdoor small space design is all about multipurpose use.
“If you don’t have room for a dining table, a sofa and coffee table can be multipurpose,” says Kate Davidson, the principal designer at Kate + Co in Oakville, Ont.
Your blended space might have a large coffee table with side tables that also function as stools or a dining table pushed against the wall or fence with a built-in banquette. Even a portable wood-burning fire pit can act as an additional light source.
“Being able to rearrange the space and have it be convertible is important,” says McMartin.
3. Use vertical space
If you can’t go wide, look up! Vertical space is particularly important for landscaping elements.
“If there’s enough space for planting beds, we might push the patio or deck really close to the house or fence and put vines onto a wall or arbour,” says McMartin.
Making use of vertical and overhead structures is an easy way to invite fresh greenery in without taking up too much room.
To create additional shade, Davidson says that pergolas can be great additions. “Bring in some vines or hanging baskets to warm up the space,” she says.
4. Be picky about furniture size
When it comes to a small space, the instinct may be to shy away from oversized furniture.
“Bulky furniture and sectionals are great if you have enough patio space, but in a smaller area, we often go for custom-built furniture or banquettes,” says McMartin. Since they typically work as hybrid lounge-dining pieces, they need to be comfy yet practical.
That said, you can use larger couches or tables if they’re chosen carefully and not overloaded with too many other items.
“Stick to one or two bigger pieces,” says Davidson. “It looks visually cleaner in a small space.”
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