How to Maximize Smaller Outdoor Living Areas

Even if your outside area is little in size, you may still turn it into a cozy retreat. Here are some clever methods for expanding a tiny space into a lovely, useful retreat utilizing paver stones, low walls, and other ornamental embellishments.

Relax the inside-outside boundary - An outdoor living room can be expanded in size and functional range at the point where your home's interior and exterior meet. For visual continuity between the spaces, build glass sliding doors and install a paver patio flush against your primary residence. Then, maintain the area free of big pots and cumbersome furniture to allow for easy circulation, ensuring an uninterrupted flow from the door to the patio.

Define "rooms" outside - By delineating them with paver borders, various paver colors, or pattern modifications, you can create cozy corners or divide spaces. Build a little stone staircase leading to a raised dining area. To optimize space, divide your "rooms" with a low half wall that also serves as extra seats. To entice your guests to sit down, choose smooth, circular seat walls and add a few fluffy cushions for decoration.

Think up, not out: Cedar trees, high fences, and your home's external wall can all enclose an outside area. Using vertical items that direct the attention upward is an excellent visual trick. Use floor-to-ceiling columns, high-back couches, tall-growing or climbing plants, or suspended seats to accentuate a small space.

Establish a focus point. You might believe that your outside space is too small, but a focal point, such a stone fireplace or a water feature, can actually hide space limitations and foster a welcoming atmosphere. Place chairs near your fireplace or water feature to promote quiet conversations that persist well after the sun sets.

Choose neutral: Lighter, monochromatic hues give the impression that small spaces are larger. For the appearance of natural granite in a tint that reflects the summer sun, choose a base of neutral pavers.

Even if your outdoor space may be on the smaller side, you shouldn't let that limit what it may do. Your little space can be transformed into a cozy retreat with clever paver applications and design features, leaving you looking for reasons to spend time there.