The 10 Commandments of Decorating a Tiny Outdoor Space
It’s officially patio season! We’ve finally shaken off the winter months and started dining alfresco and taking our morning coffee in the sunshine. Not all of us have big backyards or a wraparound porch, though, so these “musts” will help turn your petite patio or limited lawn into a stylish and functional hangout.
1. Let There be Light
No matter the size of your space, this advice from the founder (and namesake) of Sara Story Design is for you: “People often forget to add lighting when designing for the outdoors, but I find it really allows you to enjoy the space both day and night.” Her suggestion for a small space? Incorporating fun lanterns or clusters of lights.
2. Throw Some Shade
Some of us prefer to be more sun-dappled than sun-soaked, and a small outdoor space may not offer a lot of versatility when it comes to sunlight. Thankfully, there are plenty of options, from shade sails that won’t take up any square footage, to market umbrellas that can go a long way in covering up small areas.
3. Get Vertical
Cassie Drake, of Architect Abroad, encourages the space-challenged to get vertical. “If you’re tight on space, consider adding greenery along a wall in the form of a vine, climbing plant, or even potted plants on a shelf.” This trick will help make your space look fuller, greener, and more lived-in.
4. Think Versatility
A tiny space doesn’t have to be single-use. Why not consider adding extra quirk with this space-saving Murphy Bar from Shades of Blue Interiors? It will instantly turn your outdoor reading nook into an open-air happy hour.
5. Do Your Homework
Mel Walter, Interior Designer and Owner of Cadisfly, emphasizes planning before purchasing. After you’ve found some inspiration images, “Use tape or newspapers to plot out how big the furniture is and where you will put it. Make sure there’s enough room to walk around.”
6. Add Some Color
When tackling exterior decorating, Story always injects some color. In smaller spaces, “Something as simple as an outdoor ceramic table or small accent piece adds whimsy,” she says.
7. Have a Seat
In a small space, you have to get creative with seating. A bench seat with storage is a fantastic place to tuck away folding chairs, or you can opt for some plus-size pillows to offer extra guests a cushy seat.
8. Go Paper Thin
Sometimes you have to think two-dimensionally! Drake loves the idea of adding weatherproof wallpaper to a single wall in a small outdoor space.
9. Bring Out the Indoors
Story often uses rugs to make a small outdoor space feel like an extension of the interior: “It’s an unexpected choice but makes the space so comfortable.”
10. Don’t Overstuff!
Finally, keep it minimal in a small outdoor space. “It can start to feel crowded pretty easily,” says Drake, “Put in some stand-out furniture pieces, perhaps with a pop of color, and a small but functional side table to place those summer cocktails on!”
Amen to that!
This post was originally published on May 25, 2018, and was last updated on May 15, 2019.