Outdoor living space is valuable regardless of the square footage, and while you can most definitely do more with a larger area, there are a number of ways to enhance even the smallest of backyards. Whether you're looking for extra room to relax, cook, play, or entertain, the right design, and scale of furniture and accessories, can help to transform any yard in to the open-air oasis of your dreams; here's how. 

1. Create a focal point. 

Draw the attention of the eye away from the size of your yard, and towards one or more focal points, such as an archway, outdoor fireplace, water feature, or winding pathway. 

2. Be a minimalist.

Resist the urge to fill your backyard with unwanted items from your interior living space, or in an effort to beautify the space. Consider your needs carefully and select only as much furniture as you will need, ensuring pieces are to scale with your seating area; compact bistro sets, or built-in bench seating fit the bill. 

3. Go vertical.

Vertical landscaping draws the eye upwards, creating the illusion of space. Hanging fence or wall planters add a touch of green while preserving floor space, and graduated planters or flower beds provide visual interest with varying degrees of height. Opting for dwarf varieties of common native plants or shrubs can make a big impact on a smaller scale. 

4. Versatility is the key. 

Choose multi-functional design elements, such as bench seating that doubles as storage, tables that can be sat on, and stools that can pull double duty as a table. 

5. Enjoy your privacy. 

Whether you feel like your neighbors are right on top of you, or are looking for some relief from the elements, exterior shades by Polar Shades are the answer. Manual or motorized exterior retractable shades and awnings help to enhance the usability of your small backyard, while providing protection from harmful UV rays and birds or insects, to offer you complete protection. 

6. Add some color. 

Consider extending your indoor color palette outdoors, to make it feel more like an extension of your indoor living space rather than a separate area. Keep your color palette simple using 2 or 3 signature colors to avoid overwhelming the eyes, with a pop of color here and there as a focal point. 

7. Define the space. 

Depending on how much area you have to work with, consider breaking up the yard into several distinct areas with seating in each. Create an area for dining, relaxing, or cooking, with separate lighting to delineate one from the other, and create the illusion of a vast yard. 

To learn more about how exterior shades can help you make the most of your limited backyard space and budget, or for a free in-home consultation, contact the experts at Polar Shades, by calling 702-260-6110 today!