Having a small garden needn’t limit your design aspirations when it comes to creating a beautiful outdoor area. A smaller space can make for a more intimate setting for social gatherings and can serve as your own little haven to enjoy quiet afternoons with a good book. What’s more, you will also find it infinitely cheaper and easier to decorate a smaller garden, allowing you to be more creative with your choice of furnishings.
Use your modest garden size to your advantage and take inspiration from some of these great patio design ideas.
Play with levels
Experiment with varying levels and steps in your garden as this will make a smaller area seem larger and more appealing. A great way of giving your small patio area added dimension is to create raised flower beds and build a pathway to run between them. If you use a wide border of decking to outline your planting beds, for example, these can double up as small seating areas since you can dip and raise the levels accordingly to create a number of benches for a compact and contemporary style.
Use symmetry
Small garden patios can work a symmetrical look to stunning effect. Applying perfect symmetry to a confined area makes a luxury statement in a way that would be lost on a long, open stretch of garden. Have a central pathway of decking running between the centre of two lounge chairs and two potted plants adjacent to one another. For a truly classic look, place tall trimmed bay trees side by side to create the look of an Italian villa terrace. Make sure you don’t clutter your outdoor area with too many different things either. Chose patio furniture that fits the space and does not over-crowd it. For example use an outdoor conversation set. This is sure to make your modest patio the ultimate garden party venue of choice!
Take shelter
Patios are usually designed to be very open-plan and sociable, but a patio area can be just as welcoming if it is slightly hidden from view. Building a patio at the very end of your garden creates an enchanting secret hideaway and makes a beautiful setting for intimate dinner parties that guests and visiting family will just adore. Lay down pretty stepping stones leading to your enclosed haven and keep your patio area sheltered using a gazebo or large open front shed.
However you choose to decorate your small patio area, ensure your efforts don’t go to waste by using ineffective tools. Whether you’re adding decking or building furniture for your garden area, ensure you use reliable tools of the trade. You can find great landscaping and measuring equipment on sites such as Anglia Tool Centre and all good DIY stores.