25 Ideas to Get More from Your Small Backyard

It’s a basic human desire to own a little plot of land. But what if your plot is really, really little? With some clever planning and a few spatial and visual tricks, you can still make a very modest outdoor space into an interesting, functional, and enjoyable spot to relax and entertain alfresco.Designers in high-density places like San Francisco and New York have long dealt with getting homeowners the most bang for their buck when it comes to their compact homes, and that means turning tight, narrow or awkwardly shaped backyards into comfortable, functional extensions of the home. No matter the locale, their methods can work for anyone trying to maximize an outdoor space and turn it into a destination to enjoy. Decorating your small backyard with flowers and attractive flowerpots is simple, easy and inexpensive. Small changes in patio designs, like adding plants and flowers, create a spectacular effect. Tall plants are great for adding privacy to your backyard designs, terraces and balcony decorating. Flowering plants bring gorgeous color accents into outdoor home decor. Here is a collection of modern outdoor living spaces and outdoor home decorating ideas that are inspiring, fresh and beautiful. Here are 25 ideas for living large in your small backyard.

I saw this and thought it was absolutely beautiful! I would love to live somewhere, someday, where this was a possibility.

When you can’t spread out, spread up—varying levels can make a compact space seem larger. The raised deck (yes, even the smallest of lots can have a deck!) nicely defines a lounging area adjacent to a shed, which makes it convenient to stow away cushions when bad weather approaches.  Modern flowerpots add scale contrasts, texture and colors to outdoor living spaces and turn backyard designs into tranquil paradises with flowering plants.