While many homeowners may have dreams of owning a large home with a palatial estate, complete with large yards, oftentimes they have to try to figure out how to make do with the properties they have. But just because you may have a home with a small amount of square footage doesn’t mean you can’t maximize your space.
At GreenPro we specialize in working with our clients to offer them all kinds of landscape ideas, including developing their property design for the most space possible. Even homeowners with low budgets can use these ideas to make their homes as spacious as possible.
Keep It Clear
One of the best ways to maximize your small property’s potential is to protect the sense of space. Any large outdoor structures that can overwhelm your property should be removed or opened up to increase the sense of space. Don’t, for example, drape a pergola in climbing roses and vines or close it in with walls; protect the views of your yard by keeping it open so the space feels bigger.
Capture the View
Following this train of thought, be sure not to position an outdoor room or sitting area against the house, especially if a section of your home or any of the outdoor plantings obscure your yard’s view. Instead, try to position any potential gathering places so they provide a clear view of your yard’s longest dimension.
Use Small-Scale Furniture
When creating your outdoor gathering places, be mindful that thin frames and small furniture can make a small space feel more spacious. When considering the types of furnishings you want to use, compact bistro sets are perfect for a garden corner or porch. Additionally, built-in benches can multitask by maximizing seating and storage in minimal space. Further, comfy outdoor living requires shade, so make sure to include a sun umbrella, canopy, or pergola above any seating area – just make sure they don’t dominate your property!
Construct a Vista
Sometimes an intriguing architectural detail, such as a trellis, arbor, or statue at the end of your property, can create an instant attention-getting element, taking the focus away from the yard’s small proportions. Again, you want to balance this by not building something that will overwhelm your small property – proper proportions are key!
Light It Up
As outdoor landscape lighting specialists, you know we have to say it: lighting plays a major role in how a space feels, so incorporate both task and ambient lighting to create the mood you want and to provide the amount of light you need. Sometimes just a simple uplight can emphasize an architectural detail or make a property feel grander than it otherwise may appear.
Economically-minded homeowners may want to consider using candles, torches, or solar lights to give illumination around their property. They can be tucked into planters, hung from latticework, or installed around a deck’s perimeter to avoid taking up space.
Create Ambience
Your property might not provide space for a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, but you can create a cozy ambiance outside with a tabletop fire bowl, offering a small group of guests a perfect place to gather.
We hope these tips are helpful for those homeowners trying to figure out how to maximize a small space. GreenPro loves partnering with clients to create outdoor spaces that can stand out. If you’re having trouble, or you’re ready to go to the next step, give us a call – let’s work together to make your small spaces create big memories! Call here!