As Australia’s population grows, property sizes are shrinking down, which may mean having a smaller backyard. However, here are some gardening techniques that may be implemented where your backyard can appear larger than it is in reality. By maximising the space and its design, the perception of your backyard being small will begin to transform.
Photo by: Bret Gum
LET’S CONSIDER THE STRUCTURE
CHANGE DIRECTION
Instead of opting for a straight walkway, having diagonal paths provide the illusion of having more room. The diagonal pattern on the walkway or patio elongates the whole yard. With decks, the placing of planks diagonally provides a neat backyard design. By decreasing the width of the walkway, it provides the illusion that the end of the yard is further away.
LEVEL UP
The addition of different levels represents depth in smaller areas, which can be achieved by building an elevated or sunken patio. It’s easy for the grass to take up the majority of the room, which is why it may be preferable to choose a tiny lawn instead.
CONQUER AND DIVIDE
The space can be wisely divided through establishing multiple rooms in one space. These rooms can be defined by using small walls or decking to separate an outdoor dining area or placing a lounging area on the other side. Including a sculpture or wall can instantly draw the eye to the back of the yard.
TAKE THE TIME TO GET CREATIVE
COLOURFUL THINKING
The use of bright colours near the entrance or close to the home livens up the backyard design and provides room for eye-catching creativity. As warm colours tend to excite the brain, red and orange can be strategically placed on areas you’d like people to draw their attention to. Meanwhile cool colours, such as blue and purple, seamlessly blend with the greenery and can be positioned near the edges of the yard.
PLANT CENTRAL
The texture of plants used is critical in making a backyard design feel larger than it is. Tropical plants with big leaves make the impression of depth through their shadows, especially when placed towards the entrance. On the other hand, plants with small leaves easily blend into the background as it reflects more sunlight and works best when situated by the borders of the yard.
Container gardens also stimulate visual interest, particularly when utilising trailing vines to pull the focus downward. Whereas, tall trees and vertical gardens also add dimension to small spaces.
EXTRA DESIGNS
A pergola and an arbour emphasise a grand feel that contrasts the small backyard. These structures should be built larger than doorways to maintain the feel of having more space. Mirrors are another feature that can be placed around the yard to reflect light and highlight more areas.
TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR SURROUNDINGS
THE SCENIC ROUTE
Take advantage of any scenic view close by and blend in your backyard design to complement your surroundings. By adjusting your landscape, a more cohesive look is created that goes beyond the fences.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY!
The look of the home must blend well with the backyard to blur the indoors and outdoors into a cohesive design. This is done by matching and maintaining good landscape lighting throughout the property.
These techniques may be easily implemented into backyards with minimal effort, however, the results are able to completely transform the view of the entire place. If you’re thinking of rejuvenating your outdoor space, our team of new home advisors can help you choose a renovation project that’s perfect for you! Book a call with our team or call 1800 184 284 for a free consultation.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
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