A small space doesn’t always have to feel small. We are spending a lot more time at home and in our backyard and want to find the best ways to maximize our space. Just like many things in life your perception can make all the difference. A few simple tweaks can alter our perception of the yard and make it feel much larger than it actually is. What are these magical secret tips?
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Add Mirrors
Mirrors aren’t something that only work on the inside of the house. A well-placed garden mirror can be used to reflect light and other decorative areas of the yard. When selecting a mirror for your garden feature, be sure to use stainless steel, stone or copper frames to avoid rusting in the elements.
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Create Varying Levels
A backyard space can be improved by adding varying levels to create depth while adding character to the space. An elevated or sunken patio is an easy trick of the eye to make the space look larger. If you don’t have the budget to change the shape of the yard, you can also utilize container gardening or a raised bed to create the leveled look.
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Use Diagonal Lines
If you have decking or pavers in your outdoor space, make an effort to lay them in the best direction. Just like in clothing, the direction of the lines can totally change the perception of the size and shape. A diagonal path will create the illusion that your space is larger than it really is.
You can also play with the size and shape of your walkway. If you decrease the width of the walkway as it moves toward the back of the yard it will feel like it is farther away than it actually is. Adding a winding walkway or diagonal walkway will also help to visually elongate the space.
- Play with Color
Our eyes are naturally drawn to beautiful color. If you use bright colors near the entryway, it will draw the focus there and away from the rest of the space creating depth. Warm colored plants that are planted near the house can also draw in the eye. Flowers can be used for this as well as long as they are blooming. Red, orange, and yellow tend to draw our focus and excite the brain. Try and use these warmer colors in areas you want to draw attention to. Cooler colors should be saved for near fences and borders as they blend in too much to greenery.
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Sky’s the Limit
We aren’t limited to the ground floor when adding space and dimension to our landscape. Adding a pergola, arbor, trellis, tall trees or vertical walls are all simple ways to maximize your space. A large structure can make the yard feel grand while providing shade and support for greenery. Arbors that are the same size or larger than your doorways can help trick the eye and make the yard appear bigger. Large plants such as banana plants and Bird of Paradise plant with giant leaves provide visual interest and create an illusion of depth. Vertical gardens or bamboo can be both practical and interesting ways to add interest and depth as well as privacy to your space.
Just changing up a few simple things when designing your landscape can make all the difference. How have you improved your small spaces? We’d love to hear.