Sometimes, less is more - this is certainly the case with small backyard designs. Designing a small backyard space for maximum functionality and aesthetic appeal might seem tricky, but there are some simple ways to accomplish your goals.
Here are some small backyard ideas to help you get started on your own design:
Choosing the right type of fire pit will let you enjoy the allure of a cozy fire, no matter the square footage. Portable outdoor stoves can be a great substitute in a pinch, while bowl or cylinder-shaped miniature fire pits are economical to allow for maximum seating potential.
For seating, opt for folding chairs to adjust for groups of different sizes. You can stow away the extras when not in use, leaving more room for other activities.
With the amount of new tools and planter solutions available for outdoor use, vertical gardening has never been easier. Create your own vertical garden for your small yard by hanging rows of planters on a wall or fence. Whether you choose a flower garden or an herb garden, you can enjoy the fresh greenery while still saving space.
One key to designing for small outdoor spaces is to focus on the basics first. If you prioritize major pieces like furniture and storage options before getting into the decorative details, you'll make smarter use of available floor space. Include comfort in your planning, as well: have an option for shade and shelter from the elements to get maximum use of your space.
Bring the indoors outside by adding classic interior pieces to your patio furniture. Area rugs, throw pillows and blankets are perfect for a cozy backyard seating area, and further blur the line between indoor and outdoor space. For easy care and maintenance, choose weatherproof materials.
Designing a small space can be simple and fun. Keep these small backyard ideas in mind when planning your next outdoor decorating project and get the most out of your small backyard.
I'm John Mahan, Sales Associate with William Raveis Real Estate, Harwich Port Office.
Throughout his childhood, John Mahan spent summers on Cape Cod at his parents’ home in Dennis Port. His intro to the Cape was, as he puts it, when his parents “carried me down the stairs at Sea Street Beach when I was a week old.” With a lifelong connection to Cape Cod, it seemed only natural for John and his wife, Mary, to move to Harwich – where they still reside – with their two young children in 1996.
Prior to moving to Cape Cod, John lived in the Worcester-Auburn area where he worked for Mass Electric for 10 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Utility Workers. When John and his family moved to the Cape, he worked at NSTAR for six years.
John began his career in real estate in 2002 when he joined Team Waystack Realty in Harwich Port. He has been a consistent top producing realtor in the Harwich area for the past 20 years. John’s approachable demeanor, combined with an integral understanding of the Cape Cod residential real estate market, have allowed him to build trusting, long-term relationships with his clients – both sellers and buyers.
