1. CHOOSE LIGHT COLORS TO CREATE AN EXPANSIVE EFFECT
The pool in this yard may take up most of the space but its elegant design is truly inviting. Limiting landscaping materials such as paving like this and using a simple, pared down color palette is a good idea to make a small backyard look bigger.
2. BORROW AN ADJACENT LANDSCAPE TO 'EXTEND' A BOUNDARY
Exploit a borrowed view from the neighboring landscape to create a strong vista, where the backyard design and adjacent trees combine as one entity so you're not sure where the garden ends. Looking through planting to 'borrowed' trees beyond is a common design trick for small back yard ideas to connect your yard with the surrounding landscape and stretch the space.
3. SOFTEN AND DISGUISE THE PERIMETER WITH TALL PLANTING
'If you're looking for ideas on how to make a small backyard look bigger, try including layered planting along the boundary wall, and conceal it with dense vegetation. This layered approach blurs the boundaries, making them less defined and, in turn, expanding the perception of space,' says Rituparna Simlai.
4. MIX THINGS UP BY INCLUDING DIFFERENT LEVELS AND STEPS
A combination of terraces, decked areas, steps, raised beds with planting and shallow water features can help if you're looking for ideas how to design a sloping garden to create a stylish multi-level space. Using a series of steps to link different levels allows you to make your way through the yard in a relaxed way and also helps it feel bigger by subtly creating additional areas using the height in the space.
5. USE CLIMBING PLANTS TO LEAD THE EYE UPWARDS
Climbing plants and wall shrubs are essential for increasing planting opportunities in small backyards, as well as reducing the often dominant effect of built structures like sheds, pergolas and tall fences.
6. DIVIDE UP THE SPACE THEN SLOWLY REVEAL DIFFERENT PARTS
One of the classic tricks designers use to make a space feel bigger is to break it up into smaller areas, known as garden zoning. Dividing a small backyard into zones is a good way to add interest and intrigue.
7. REINVENT A FORGOTTEN CORNER BY CREATING A NEW SPACE
It’s important that every small backyard is used in the most practical way. It's a precious resource that can be easily tweaked if you feel it's time for a makeover that will better suit your lifestyle. Sometimes all that's needed is to look at your space with a fresh eye.
8. USE CURVILINEAR DESIGN TO CREATE AN ILLUSION OF SPACE
Linear gardens and rectangular lawns don’t need to be the norm in small backyards. Instead introducing shapes into your garden is a simple and straightforward way to create the illusion of size if you want to make a small garden look bigger.
9. ADD A FOCAL POINT LIKE A SLEEK BAR AREA
Adding a focal point gives definition to a space and is an invaluable design trick in a small yard. It works by directing the eye to a point you want emphasized, while distracting it from one you don't.
10. BE SURE TO INCLUDE A REFLECTIVE WATER ELEMENT
If a tranquil place to sit and feel immersed in nature is top of your wish list be sure to include a water feature idea. It's ability to introduce light and movement into a space can transform your small garden design.