Amelia here, bringing you a delightful conversation with Sarah Mitchell, a seasoned landscape designer who specialises in transforming small backyards into cosy and functional entertaining areas. Sarah’s approach focuses on leveraging design elements to amplify the sense of space while ensuring that every corner of the yard is both practical and inviting. In our chat, she shared valuable insights on how to make the most of a compact backyard, especially when it comes to socialising. Let’s dive into her expert advice.
Clustering for Conversation
One of Sarah’s central pieces of advice is to arrange seating in clusters to foster easy conversation. “In small spaces, it’s crucial to have guests facing each other,” she explained. “This encourages engagement and makes the area feel more intimate.” She suggests using accent or tub chairs adorned with decorative cushions, which can be easily moved around to accommodate different group sizes. “These chairs are not only comfortable but also add a touch of personality to the space,” she added.
Deck or Patio: Choosing the Right Foundation
When it comes to creating a central gathering area, homeowners often debate between a deck or a patio. Sarah broke down the decision-making process for us. “If your yard is sloped, a deck might be easier to construct and can utilise vertical space effectively, especially in narrower yards,” she noted. However, she also highlighted the benefits of a patio: “A patio can cover the width of a yard and even wrap around your home, creating built-in zones for various uses.”
Establishing Zones for Functionality
In any small backyard, establishing zones is key. “You want to communicate purpose and establish flow,” Sarah said. She recommends using screens, artwork, landscaping, or area rugs to define areas for dining, socialising, and play. An interesting tip she shared was to place your grill in the middle of the entertainment space. “It acts like an island in a kitchen,” she explained. “The host can do the prep and cooking while staying connected with the guests.”
Multi-functional and Movable Furniture
Sarah emphasised the importance of flexible, multi-functional furniture in a small backyard. “Each piece needs to have a specific function,” she advised. “Look for benches that convert into picnic tables, or seating and ottomans that offer storage inside.” She also suggested modular seating that can be added or removed as needed. “Items that fold, such as tables or extra chairs, are excellent space-saving ideas,” she added.
Scale and Proportion
Choosing furniture and decor that makes sense in relation to your available space is vital. “One of my go-tos in a small backyard is a 36-inch diameter bistro table with café chairs,” Sarah shared. “It’s easy to move and is a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails.” When it comes to landscaping, she recommends limiting your plant choices to one or two to avoid overwhelming the space. “Over-stuffing a yard will make it feel smaller,” she cautioned.
Creating a Focal Point
To create the illusion of a larger yard, Sarah suggests designing around a focal point. “Fire pits are trending and work well as a focal point in small yards,” she said. “They can be built-in or standalone features.” Water features and pergolas are also popular options. “These elements draw the eye and add depth to the space,” she explained.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Sarah believes that the secret to maximising your outdoor space may lie indoors. “Treat your outdoor area as an extension of your indoor living space,” she advised. “Use sliding glass doors or retractable walls to increase your space instantly.” Matching the indoor and outdoor flooring and decor can create a seamless transition and make the area feel more expansive.
Portable Kitchens
While a full outdoor kitchen might not be feasible in a small backyard, Sarah has a clever alternative. “A portable chef station on wheels can bring much of the same functionality,” she suggested. “Look for a cart with built-in prep space, shelves, and containers for ingredients. It’s a space-saving solution that can be folded up when not in use.”
Lighting and Privacy
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. “Make sure your lighting is flattering and subtle enough for entertaining, but strong enough for tasks,” Sarah recommended. She favours secondary lighting options like string lights, lanterns, and uplighting for ambience.
Privacy is another challenge in small backyards, especially in high-density areas. While hedges are a common solution, Sarah suggests considering other options. “Hedges require more maintenance and don’t offer soundproofing,” she explained. Instead, she recommends a brick or stone wall, or a tall board fence with interior plantings. “Remember to consider privacy from above as well,” she added.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our conversation, Sarah reiterated the importance of thoughtful design and functionality in small backyards. “Every piece should serve a purpose and enhance the space,” she said. Her tips provide a practical guide for anyone looking to create an inviting and efficient entertaining area, no matter how small the yard.
Sarah’s expertise and insights are invaluable for anyone looking to maximise their outdoor space. By following her advice, you can create a backyard that is perfect for socialising, dining, and relaxing – a true extension of your home.
Amelia
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