Creating an outdoor living space in a small yard can be challenging. But with careful planning and creative design strategies, it’s possible to turn even the tiniest backyard into a beautiful outdoor escape. In this article, we’ll explore how one couple, Susan and George Kinsella, maximized their compact 33-by-57-foot backyard to include multiple living areas and focal points, making the most of their small outdoor area.
When tackling a small yard renovation, first make a plan that addresses all your desired features and prioritizes them accordingly. For the Kinsellas, this meant working with landscape designers to sketch out a plan that combined everything on their wish list: a pond with a waterfall, a dining area, lounging spaces, a putting green, and an outdoor spa.
The key to their success was careful consideration of the yard’s layout and how each element would fit together. By creating a master plan, they made sure every inch of space was utilized, resulting in a cohesive design that feels spacious despite its limited square footage.
Design Strategies for a Small Yard
Try the following methods to create lots of outdoor character in a small space.
1. Work Back to Front
When dealing with a narrow lot and limited access points, it’s best to start with the backyard’s most important elements and work your way forward. This prevents damage to finished landscaping in the front yard from heavy equipment and foot traffic.
For the Kinsellas, the pond with a waterfall was the top priority. They began by excavating the area for the pond, using the removed soil to create a base for the waterfall. The result was a dramatic two-tier waterfall that flows along a 15-foot curve into a 15-foot-long pond. By starting with this focal point, they were able to build the rest of the landscape around it.
2. Think in Layers
Creating different levels in a small yard can help define separate areas and make the space feel larger. The Kinsellas leaned into this strategy by designing a stepped patio system. The upper patio, used for dining, is connected to a lower patio near the pond’s edge via three wide stone slabs. This layered approach not only creates distinct “garden rooms” but also adds depth to the landscape.
3. Make Features Do Double Duty
In a small yard, it’s smart to add elements that serve multiple purposes. The Kinsellas used this strategy in several ways:
- The driveway was paved with stylish pavers so they could use it as an additional patio space for entertaining.
- A low, curved stone wall along the upper patio defines the dining area while also being extra seating and a display area for seasonal planters.
- The fire pit area doubles as a flower display during summer events.
By using multifunctional elements, they were able to maximize their limited space without sacrificing style or comfort.
4. Add Warmth With the Right Light
The right lighting can make your outdoor space useable at all hours and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Kinsellas used various lighting styles to spruce up their backyard and make it inviting after dark:
- A simple fire pit provides a cozy gathering spot and visual focal point.
- Hidden lights under the edges of stone walls and steps illuminate pathways for safety.
- Spotlights accentuate specimen trees and add drama to the landscape.
- Lighted cups in the putting green allow for evening practice sessions.
5. Use Paths to Tie Spaces Together
Winding well-designed paths through your yard can help connect different areas of a small space, just as the Kinsellas used decomposed granite walkways to link various features in their backyard. These paths not only make a pleasant crunching sound underfoot but also add a warm, brick-red color that contrasts nicely with the stone and concrete hardscaping.
Initially, they tried using limestone with wide joints for groundcover plants, but heavy foot traffic kept the plants from establishing. By switching to decomposed granite over a gravel base, they created durable, low-maintenance paths that improved the overall design and useability of the space.
6. Reimagine the Front Lawn
The Kinsellas transformed their front yard by adding a cut bluestone patio that serves multiple purposes:
- It provides a welcoming entrance to the home.
- It works as a vantage point for parents to watch their children play.
- It creates a comfortable seating area for relaxation and socializing.
By adding teak seating and using the same tumbled pavers as in the backyard, they created a holistic look that ties the entire property together. The front yard is no longer just a passage, but an extension of their living space.
7. Be Strategic With Plants
Choosing the right plants can make your backyard look gorgeous and minimize your maintenance. The Kinsellas focused on a variety of easy-care plants that provide year-round interest, such as:
- Flowering shrubs for seasonal color and autumn foliage
- Perennials that return annually and quickly fill empty spaces
- Plants with varying leaf sizes for texture and contrast
- Small ornamental trees for screening and visual interest
- Groundcovers to soften hardscaping and fill in gaps
Container gardens played a big role in their landscape design, as they can change the look of the space easily. By using a mix of foliage plants with different colors and textures, they create vibrant displays that last from summer well into fall with minimal upkeep.
The Plan
The Kinsellas’ landscape plan demonstrates how a small space can be maximized to include a variety of different features and living areas. Even with a small area, they created a backyard that feels spacious and accommodates all their amenities. By zooming into the photo above, you can see how their plan included two circular patios at different levels, a pond with a waterfall, a putting green, an outdoor spa, and a front yard patio with seating.
Their thoughtful design was intentional and created a seamless flow between different areas while still having distinct spaces for various activities. Every feature is strategically placed for both practical use and atmosphere so that no corner of the yard is unused.
Our Conclusion
Turning a small yard into a functional and beautiful outdoor living space is achievable with careful planning and creative design strategies. By adding multipurpose features, thinking in layers, and using strategic plantings, you can maximize limited space to create a backyard oasis that feels spacious and inviting.