Designing for a Small Outdoor Living Space

While an expansive yard gives plenty of room for design ideas, you can plan and design a stellar outdoor living area even if your yard is small by using a few of these design tricks.

Locating the Outdoor Focal Point

One way to create a sense of spaciousness, even if you have a small yard, is to carefully locate the focal point so that it provides an uninterrupted view. Locate the main area in a place that is not blocked by the fence or house and you will be able to enjoy a sense of space that the outdoors should bring.

Create Different Levels

Creating different levels is another great way to make your small outdoor living space feel more spacious. Create a paver patio with multiple levels in varying shades of the same color to provide both unity and individuality. The only limit is your imagination. This is a great time to consider adding a distinctive decorative border (soldier course) to your space that will make each level “pop”.

Create a Secondary Focal Point

You should also consider creating an attractive secondary point that draws the eye away from the limited space. For instance, you can build a pergola or place a small water feature at the farthest end of the view from your outdoor room. A colorful pergola that is covered in vines is a stunning way to draw the eye from the fences around your small yard.

Keep the Space Clutter Free

Keeping the space clutter free can make any outdoor space feel larger. This can mean using a few large containers for plants instead of many small ones. You also need to decide on the function of the outdoor room and keep only the essentials, using clever storage to keep books, grills, or firewood hidden but close at hand.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

If you plan to use the outdoor room for multiple functions, use multi-functional furniture. For instance, trunks can hold playthings out of sight and also double up as side tables or seating. A short wall can be utilized as a bench while also adding a level to the room, and so on.


A small outdoor space is no reason to not enjoy the sun and the outdoors. With careful planning and design, you can convert it into an attractive outdoor living room that suits your needs. For this, use the same principles you would use when designing a small room and make use of the feeling of openness that a view of the sky and the horizon can provide. Using portable equipment such as grills and barbeques will enable you to host a gathering even in a small outdoor room.

For more resources, check our Outdoor Living Spaces and click here to schedule your free consultation today.