How to make the most of a small outdoor area
Small outdoor spaces can sometimes be a challenge to design and decorate. Too many colours and patterns can feel busy, and too much furniture can feel chaotic. Choosing the right furniture, décor, colours, and patterns can all help to create the illusion of more space. Whether you’re designing a small terrace balcony, an apartment patio, or a city living rooftop, all have the ability to look larger than what they truly are with these few handy tips...
Space:
Firstly, consider the space you have to work with. Have a walk around and assess your outdoor area. As you walk around and design your space, consider any existing structures such as doors, walls, or garden beds as they will play a part in how your space will look.
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Furniture:
Furniture that folds or stacks tends to work quite well in smaller spaces such as apartments or townhouses where space may be limited. Multi-functional outdoor furniture pieces are also a smart idea; for example, a cushion box can double as a bench seat...
Choose a focal point:
Avoid cluttering a small space with too many pieces of furniture/décor/accessories and instead start with a focal point that will be the main point of attention. Build around this focal point, adding in necessary accessories where needed...
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Vertical lines:
Vertical lines also help to give the impression of more space. Tall pieces of art, slender trees, or vertical gardens are all great inclusions...
Colours and patterns:
Avoid dark colours and busy patterns as they can confine a space and create the unwanted feeling of closure. Instead, opt for lighter colours and subtle patterns that will create a bright and airy feel.
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Lighting:
A small outdoor area with poor lighting will feel claustrophobic. Instead, choose lights that will bounce off the walls and visually make the space larger...
When it comes to designing and decorating a small space, it’s all about tricking the eye into believing that the space is much larger than it actually appears. Applying these few tips and tricks will help you create the illusion of more space and make the most of your outdoor area.
