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Now that summer is here; you’re likely trying to spend more time outside. After being cooped up at home during the pandemic, you’re not alone if you’re keen to make better use of whatever outdoor area you have available to you. Thankfully, even if you have a compact external zone to take advantage of, you can still take steps to maximize it for you and your family’s enjoyment.
These small backyard tips will help you transform your outdoor space into an inviting and functional area that you and your family can enjoy! Click To TweetHOW TO MAXIMIZE BACKYARD SPACE
Look for Ways to Draw the Eye Up
Your floor area may be limited in your outdoor zone, but you can enjoy the illusion of more room if you look for ways to draw the eyes up. For example, on a patio or deck with a covered roof, install tasteful ceiling fans with remote control to give the illusion of more space and height.
Such fans also keep you cooler in the warmer months of the year and can dress up your patio or deck, too.
Alternatively, you could install an impressive light fixture on the external roof to draw attention for the right reasons. Just make sure all electrical equipment is properly protected from the elements so you don’t end up with any safety issues.
Another option is to go vertical with a hanging wall garden in your outdoor area. When you install plants that go up a wall rather than along the ground, not only do you add more pretty greenery and handy produce, potentially, to your property, but you also draw the eye up. There are many online tutorials on building your own hanging garden, and this kind of structure doesn’t have to cost much when you DIY.
Add Some Greenery to Your Tiny Outdoor Space
You may not have a huge garden to fill up with trees, shrubs, flowers, and the like, but this shouldn’t stop you from getting back to nature in at least some small way. Even with the most compact of outdoor areas, you should still be able to add some potted plants to introduce calming greenery.
You might like to fill pots with easy-care, drought-resistant shrubs, or some lavender or other plants that will bring in native wildlife such as bees. Or, you can plant fresh herbs, fruits, or vegetables (ones that don’t need a lot of space to thrive) or colorful flowers.
Having these kinds of flora to look at in your outdoor space will make it more attractive and maximize the area you have to work with.
Select the Appropriate Furniture for a Small Outdoor Seating Area
To get the most out of any space, you must furnish it appropriately. This is true of outdoor parts of your home as much as indoor ones.
As such, take your time choosing furniture. Avoid oversized pieces that will make the external zone feel cramped. Instead, choose fewer, smaller options that provide the functionality you need without taking up too much valuable space.
It often works well if you have a bench seat or a couple of ottomans positioned against a wall of the home. Use them to sit on and store items such as outdoor cushions, blankets, games, and goods you use for entertaining. You can buy these furniture pieces ready-made or get them custom-built if you need set sizes to suit a specific space and desired layout.
Also, it pays to buy a table and matching chairs or stools so you and your family and friends can dine, work, read, and otherwise relax outside. You might like to consider modular furniture, so you can change the setup as needed for different occasions.
For instance, if you can’t fit a full dining table in your external area, place two compact bistro table sets side by side and fold one of them up when not in use so you can utilize the space for other activities.
Make Use of Excellent Accessories
Another way to make the most of your outdoor space is to dress it up with stylish and functional accessories. For instance, choose a beautiful and durable outdoor rug to bring in more color and make the area more comfortable, and place some large cushions on the ground for extra seating.
You might like to prop up a mirror to reflect light and give the visual illusion of more space, plus purchase some lanterns and candles for better lighting at night and to create a cozy atmosphere. You could also add a small fire pit or a peaceful water feature to further dress up and expand how and when you can use this part of your property.
Even though you might have a limited area to work with outside your home, this doesn’t mean it has to be a waste or disappointment to you. Follow the above tips to get more out of your outdoor zones this summer.
Can you share any small outdoor space ideas with us?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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We have been working on our backyard! Thanks for the tips!
How have you been sprucing up your backyard?