5 Ways to Maximize Your Small Yard

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See how you can maximize your small outdoor space.
See how you can maximize your small outdoor space.
See how you can maximize your small outdoor space.

If you live in a great community but have a small yard, you are probably looking for ways to maximize your limited space. And it’s really not all that difficult if you learn some strategic ways to use that space wisely.

Go Vertical

The best use of space in a small yard is to build up instead of out. You can do that by building vertical planters, using tall rectangular wall art, and installing tall distressed wood framed mirrors that will reflect the surrounding greenery. You can also stack your planters by using a large pot for the bottom, a smaller pot for the middle and an even smaller pot for the top portion of your tiered planter.

Another great vertical idea if you like to garden is to build a hanging garden. You can easily do that by getting some rope and baskets and string them together vertically, then hang them from your roof soffit or a trellis and plant your favorite fruits, vegetables, or other foliage in them.

Create a Focal Point

Sometimes creating a focal point will distract from the size of your yard. You can easily add a focal point by selecting the area your eye is drawn to when you enter the yard. Then install a water-wall or mini in-ground water feature, fire pit, some wall art, chalkboard wall, or a sculpture in that spot. Use whatever ideas best fit with your available space and style.

Keep It Simple

Take a minimalist approach by avoiding clutter or adding too many elements to your yard. For example, instead of adding bulky patio furniture, use built-in seating. Avoid hedges and too many pots. Instead use a few well-placed pots for a cleaner look. You should also stick with one style and avoid a hodgepodge look if you want to keep your space from feeling chaotic and distracting.

Add an Arbor or Trellis

If you don’t have room for a large patio, but want the ambiance of such a space, you can easily add an arbor or trellis to your yard. Then you can plant crawling vines or other foliage and add a small bistro table and chairs underneath it, turning your space into a little slice of paradise in your backyard.

Incorporate Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere in your small space. And that doesn’t mean buying expensive lighting that requires a wired installation. You can achieve this by adding some solar lights, torches, candles, or a string of white lights strategically placed so they look natural. You can also buy some glow in the dark outdoor paint and paint your pots, planters, or any other feature you have to light up a dark space. The sky’s the limit with this paint, so you can get creative and design a look that works best for your particular space.

Just because you have limited space in your backyard doesn’t mean you can’t use that space. You just have to think outside the box and find ways to use that space differently than you would if it were larger. You can find some great ideas on Pinterest.com. Pinterest has thousands of ideas you can use and that site will give you pictures, as well as step-by-step instructions on exactly how to recreate the product.

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

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