Don’t Neglect Your Outdoor Space Anymore — These 5 Pro Tips Will Really Help You Enjoy It

Whether you have a patio or garden the size of a postage stamp or spaces that rival a hotel complex, it takes a creative design strategy to make the most of your space.
“In most homes, there are forgotten outdoor spaces, neglected corners or overlooked walls that hold untapped potential,” says Christiane Lemieux, designer and founder of the modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.
Here are some tips from design professionals and experienced DIY enthusiasts on how to achieve this.

Design as if You Were on a Yacht

Yes, you read that right. To transform these underutilized outdoor spaces into functional areas, Lemieux encourages thinking “yacht style.” This means you need to consider design in terms of height rather than width. Vertical elements “catch the eye and maximize limited surface area,” she says.
Lemieux recommends installing “anything that’s ‘Murphy’ style,” such as fold-down tables and shelves. For greenery, look toward trellises, climbing plants or vertical gardens. These space-saving beauties “breathe life into walls, transforming them from blank canvases into living components of your outdoor living space,” she says.

Brighten Up a Sad Entrance

“You might think that a simple entrance or small porch is something you have to live with, but consider creating an outdoor living space with a wider and more welcoming entrance to your home,” says Sara McDaniel, designer and home renovation expert at Simply Southern Cottage.
Even a small entrance can be something special, she says. A garage, shed or any other independent building on your property can become the site of a new porch. For McDaniel, a small porch can add enjoyment and even increase property value.

“Adding a small porch to a forgotten space in your yard can bring so much charm and interest to your home,” she says.
Tip: Even a small set of steps can be a place to stop and chat when you brighten it up with colorful paint and some flowers. And if you have a bit more space to do more than just enter, think about adding small-scale furniture.

Be Creative with Decoration and Lighting

It’s not necessary to ornament every square inch of space with garden decor. But if you’re targeting a spot that’s been unused for several seasons, imagine how it could be transformed with a little decoration and lighting. Then, if there’s room, add a corner for sitting, swinging or rocking, to give it new momentum.
“By wisely integrating seating, lighting and decorative elements, these once-forgotten small spaces become nooks of relaxation and enjoyment,” says Lemieux. “With a little creativity, every corner and every square meter has a function waiting to be discovered.”

Create a Raised Deck and Garden

Strict building codes in some areas can make building a deck a monumental task for a DIY enthusiast. But rather than a raised deck connecting to your house, consider a lower platform elsewhere on your property, like Al Ruggie, seasoned DIY enthusiast and marketing director at ASAP Restoration in Phoenix, AZ.
“Before starting this project, there was nothing in this corner of my yard, except sand and some struggling weeds,” he says. “I first installed an irrigation system and realized I wanted more than just a garden there, but a place to sit and appreciate its growth. That’s when I undertook a wild adventure to create this circular deck.”
Using 10,000 stones, more than 75 36-kg bags of concrete, and over $1,000 in supplies, Ruggie has no regrets about his 4.3-meter deck, built in the shou sugi ban style. And yes, it’s the perfect spot to watch his garden flourish.

Create a Gathering Place in Front of Your House

Too often, discussion about outdoor space focuses on backyards. But it would be a shame to neglect homes with usable space in the front yard. McDaniel throws down this challenge: “Imagine spaces beyond what you see by creating an outdoor gathering place in front of your house.”
She met her own challenge with a short-term rental property. To define the space, she installed a layer of pretty brick pavers, hung “whimsical” lights and arranged colorful Adirondack chairs that simply invite visitors and residents to stop and rest for a moment.
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