When living in a small house or apartment, it can be easy to feel like your outdoor space is too cramped, too cluttered, or just plain small. But the good news is that there are plenty of clever DIY tricks and design secrets that can help make a small backyard or compact urban garden feel like a expansive oasis. From using optical illusions to create a sense of depth and space to incorporating design elements that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, there are many ways to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that makes the most of your limited square footage.
1. Soften Edges Where Hard Landscaping Meets Boundaries
One of the most effective ways to create a sense of space in a small garden is to soften the edges where hard landscaping meets boundaries. This is because our brains are constantly working to determine our position in relation to the environment around us, and those points where horizontal ground meets vertical walls are particularly important to this spatial reasoning process. By softening that hard line with planting, we can become far less aware of those limiting boundaries.
One way to achieve this effect is to pair a fast-growing climber with a low-grower that spills and thrills. This creates a beautiful contrast between the two plants and creates a sense of movement and texture in the garden. For example, All Gold Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’) is a super choice for a fully or partially shaded spot, while Feather Falls sedge grass is better for a sunnier spot. Both thrive in zones 5–9, form mounds of cascading foliage, and are well-behaved enough for a small garden.
Alternatively, you can use a living wall or trellis to create a beautiful and lush backdrop for your garden. This can be a great way to soften the edges of your garden and create a sense of depth and space. Just be sure to choose plants that are suitable for a living wall or trellis, and that will thrive in your local climate.
Why Softening Edges Works
When we look at a garden, our brains are constantly working to determine our position in relation to the environment around us. This is known as spatial reasoning, and it’s a key part of how we perceive our surroundings. By softening the edges of your garden, you can create a sense of space and depth that makes your garden feel larger than it is.
Research has shown that when we encounter a clear boundary between two spaces, our brains tend to perceive the space on the other side of that boundary as smaller than it actually is. However, when we soften that boundary with planting or other design elements, our brains tend to perceive the space as larger and more expansive.
2. Paint Fences a Dark Tone to Make Them Recede
Making fences seem further away and making lighter colors appear brighter are two of the most effective ways to create a sense of space in a small garden. One way to do this is to paint boundary fences a dark tone. Yes, you read that right – a dark tone! This may seem counterintuitive, but trust us, it works.
When we look at a dark-colored fence, our brains tend to perceive it as receding into the distance. This is because our brains are wired to recognize patterns, and a dark-colored fence can create a sense of depth and distance that makes the fence seem further away. At the same time, making fences seem further away allows us to see the lighter colors in your backyard more clearly, whether that’s flowers or furniture.
BEHR Solid Color House and Fence Exterior Wood Stain is a great option for painting wooden fences, and it’s available in many shades at The Home Depot. Espresso Beans is a deep but characterful brown, Slate is a short but stylish step away from black, while Equestrian Green is every bit as classy as it sounds.
Why Dark Fences Work
The reason dark fences work so well is due to the way our brains process visual information. When we look at a scene, our brains are constantly working to determine what’s in the foreground and what’s in the background. A dark-colored fence can create a sense of depth and distance by making it harder for our brains to discern the details of the fence.
At the same time, a dark-colored fence can make the colors in your backyard appear brighter and more vibrant. This is because our brains are wired to recognize patterns and contrast, and a dark-colored fence can create a sense of contrast that highlights the lighter colors in your garden.
3. Link Your Interior & Exterior Spaces to Blur the Boundary
One of the most effective ways to create a sense of space in a small garden is to link your interior and exterior spaces. This can be done in a number of ways, from using identical flooring or trim to matching the style of your outdoor furniture with your indoor furniture. By linking your interior and exterior spaces, you make both appear much bigger.
There are many ways to achieve this effect, and employing two or three different ideas really amplifies the illusion. In this garden, the outdoor storage cupboards next to the barbecue line up perfectly with the kitchen units, while the top struts of the pergola perfectly match the height of the kitchen cabinets. This creates a sense of continuity and flow between the two spaces, making the garden feel larger and more expansive.
Why Linking Spaces Works
When we look at a space, our brains are constantly working to determine what’s in the foreground and what’s in the background. By linking your interior and exterior spaces, you can create a sense of continuity and flow that makes the two spaces appear as one. This is known as the “background separation” effect, and it’s a key part of how we perceive our surroundings.
Research has shown that when we encounter a clear boundary between two spaces, our brains tend to perceive the space on the other side of that boundary as smaller than it actually is. However, when we link the two spaces with design elements or furniture, our brains tend to perceive the space as larger and more expansive.
4. Create an Extra Seating Area with a Fence Detail
Adding an extra seating area to your small garden can be a great way to create a sense of space and make the most of your garden’s limited square footage. One way to do this is to create a small table, chair, and stool combination with a fence detail. This can be as simple as adding a small bench or chair to a section of the fence, or as elaborate as creating a full seating area with a table and chairs.
For example, you could add a small table and chair to the end of a fence, or create a small seating area with a stool and a small table. This can be a great way to create a sense of intimacy and coziness in your garden, and make the most of your limited square footage.
Why Extra Seating Works
When we sit in a garden, we tend to perceive the space around us as smaller than it actually is. This is because our brains are wired to recognize patterns, and sitting in a fixed position can create a sense of confinement. By creating an extra seating area, you can create a sense of movement and flow in your garden, making it feel larger and more expansive.
5. Plant Fast-Growing Climbers and Soften the Edge
Fast-growing climbers can be a great way to add a touch of drama and color to your small garden. They can also be used to soften the edge between ground and wall, creating a sense of depth and space. For example, you could plant a fast-growing climber like a clematis or a honeysuckle along the edge of a wall, or use a trellis to support a climbing rose or clematis.
By using a fast-growing climber, you can create a sense of movement and texture in your garden, and make the edge between ground and wall seem less abrupt. This can be a great way to soften the look of a small garden and make it feel more expansive.
Why Fast-Growing Climbers Work
Fast-growing climbers can be a great way to add a touch of drama and color to your small garden. They can also be used to soften the edge between ground and wall, creating a sense of depth and space. By using a fast-growing climber, you can create a sense of movement and texture in your garden, making it feel larger and more expansive.
6. Use a Trellis to Frame a Seating Spot
Using a trellis to frame a seating spot can be a great way to create a sense of depth and space in a small garden. By placing a trellis in front of a seating area, you can create a sense of separation between the seating area and the rest of the garden, making the seating area feel more intimate and cozy.
For example, you could place a trellis in front of a small patio or seating area, or use a trellis to frame a small seating area with a table and chairs. This can be a great way to create a sense of intimacy and coziness in your garden, and make the most of your limited square footage.
Why Trellis Work
When we sit in a garden, we tend to perceive the space around us as smaller than it actually is. By using a trellis to frame a seating spot, you can create a sense of separation between the seating area and the rest of the garden, making the seating area feel more intimate and cozy. This can be a great way to soften the look of a small garden and make it feel more expansive.
7. Add Fast-Growing Annuals for a Pop of Color
Fast-growing annuals can be a great way to add a pop of color to your small garden. They can also be used to create a sense of movement and texture in your garden, and make the space feel more expansive. For example, you could plant a fast-growing annual like a marigold or a sunflower along the edge of a wall or a path, or use a trellis to support a climbing annual like a morning glory or a nasturtium.
By using fast-growing annuals, you can create a sense of drama and color in your garden, and make the space feel more vibrant and alive. This can be a great way to soften the look of a small garden and make it feel more expansive.
Why Fast-Growing Annuals Work
Fast-growing annuals can be a great way to add a pop of color to your small garden. They can also be used to create a sense of movement and texture in your garden, and make the space feel more expansive. By using fast-growing annuals, you can create a sense of drama and color in your garden, making it feel more vibrant and alive.
8. Use Pots that Can Be Used Indoors and Outdoors
Using pots that can be used indoors and outdoors can be a great way to create a sense of continuity and flow between your interior and exterior spaces. By using identical pots and planters indoors and outdoors, you can create a sense of cohesion and unity between the two spaces.
For example, you could use a set of planters that can be used indoors and outdoors, and fill them with identical plants or flowers. This can be a great way to soften the look of a small garden and make it feel more expansive.
Why Pots Work
When we look at a space, our brains are constantly working to determine what’s in the foreground and what’s in the background. By using pots that can be used indoors and outdoors, you can create a sense of continuity and flow between the two spaces, making them appear as one. This can be a great way to soften the look of a small garden and make it feel more expansive.
By incorporating these eight DIY tricks and design secrets into your small garden design, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that makes the most of your limited square footage. Whether you choose to use a fast-growing climber, a trellis, or a set of planters, the key is to create a sense of space and depth that makes your garden feel larger than it is. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn your small garden into a beautiful and expansive oasis that you’ll love spending time in.
