Maximizing Your Small Yard: Three Steps to Transform Limited Space into an Outdoor Oasis
Greetings to all the homeowners out there in the United States! It's no secret that many of us are finding ourselves in homes with smaller lots these days. While we might all have dreams of sprawling acreage, it seems that the average family is settling for more house and less grass. If you're nodding your head in agreement, thinking that a quarter acre might not be your dream lot, fear not! There's still plenty of hope on the horizon. In this blog post, we're going to explore three friendly and professional steps to help you maximize your smaller yard.
Step 1: Make It Flat, Pack It In.
The key to making the most of a small yard is to ensure that every square foot is put to good use. Fortunately, there's an easy way to achieve this: make your space as flat as possible. You can achieve this by using retaining walls, boulder outcropping walls, and proper grading. By creating a flat area, you open up a world of opportunities to make your yard more functional. Imagine having a flat space where you can add design features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and structures like cabanas, pergolas, and pavilions. This will allow you to pack more useful features into your limited space. Picture having room for cooking and dining, relaxing and lounging, and even enjoying activities like golf, cornhole, or bouncing on a trampoline. With these additions, your backyard will feel surprisingly spacious.
Step 2: Open Concept Works Outside Too!
Now that you've achieved a flat yard with several functional spaces, the next step is to ensure these spaces flow together seamlessly. Just like the open-concept layouts we love inside our homes, an open concept can work wonders in your outdoor space too. It's crucial to design your yard in a way that allows your family and guests to interact while dispersed throughout the various areas. When done correctly, you should be able to cook and share drinks while others play games or enjoy a cozy fire. The key is to strategically place each space so that, although they are defined, everyone feels connected to one another. This will create the illusion of a larger, more spacious backyard. For instance, in our KDS/Wharton project, we anchored the kitchen, living room/cabana space, and fire pit area to ensure that each space can be enjoyed without feeling disconnected. We also added a kids' area and a putting green/cornhole space just a few steps away from the main action to keep everyone engaged.
Step 3: Add Definition.
With a flat yard and well-connected spaces, the final step is to add some definition to create a cozy atmosphere, rather than feeling like you're in a concrete jungle. You can achieve this by incorporating different flooring materials, such as pavers with varying patterns and colors. Use complementary materials to guide you through each area. The idea is to maintain an open concept and maximize every inch of space without sacrificing that relaxing or zen vibe. Consider adding planters, pillars, and accent walls, along with steps or sunken sections, landscape lighting, synthetic turf, and outdoor furniture to put the finishing touches on your new outdoor haven. Soon, you'll be ready to pour a drink and unwind in your functional backyard without ever feeling like space is a constraint.
In conclusion, having a smaller yard doesn't mean you have to compromise on the enjoyment and functionality of your outdoor space. By following these three steps, you can transform your limited lot into a welcoming oasis where you can make the most of every square foot. So, embrace your small yard, and let your imagination run wild with the possibilities!
We hope this post has inspired you to connect with those you love through outdoor living. To learn more about partnering with us, please contact our team today!
