Alexandria and Fairfax, VA have long been a source of attraction for prospective home buyers due to the beautiful climate, bustling communities, and their charming neighborhoods. For those seeking to liven up their backyards, however, a lack of space may be a concern. This may seem challenging, but there are many ways you can maximize the available area. Here are some steps from Covis Stone to help you create a comfortable and intimate outdoor living area:
Plan and Design
Begin by assessing the available space and envisioning your dream layout. Ask specialists like Covis Stone for layout templates that will help maximize your space. Make sure to measure the area to ensure you have the accurate dimensions to work with. Next, consider your needs and preferences: do you want to create a dining area, a lounging space, or a combination of both?
Define and Enhance
Use pavers, stones, and/or outdoor rugs to designate the outdoor living area and include personal touches and decorative elements to make the space feel welcoming and unique. Incorporating outdoor accessories like art pieces, sculptures, or water features that complement your overall design can help make this space feel larger.
Choose Appropriate Furniture
Opt for outdoor furniture that suits the size of your space, such as pieces that are scaled down or designed specifically for smaller areas. Furthermore, consider multi-functional furniture such as benches with built-in storage or folding tables and chairs that can be easily stored when not in use – wall benches are great examples here. Including retaining walls not only adds value to your home but also provides built-in seating options.
Incorporate Greenery
Introducing plants and greenery to your outdoor space will help to create a natural and vibrant ambiance. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate and require minimal maintenance. Furthermore, hanging baskets, vertical gardens, or container gardening can maximize space.
Create Shade
If your backyard lacks natural shade, you can add umbrellas, retractable awnings, or pergolas to provide relief from the sun. Shade not only makes the environment more comfortable, but it also creates more of an intimate and inviting atmosphere.
Install Lighting
Illuminate your outdoor living space with appropriate lighting to enhance its charm. A combination of ambient lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, and task lighting, like spotlights or pathway lights, will create the illusion of space as well as visual appeal.
Consider Privacy
If privacy is a concern in your small backyard, consider adding screens, trellises, or tall plants to create a sense of seclusion. This will help you create a more secure and relaxed living space.
Maintain
To keep the charm of your outdoor living space, regularly maintain it by cleaning furniture, sweeping the area, and tending to your plants. Make sure to periodically assess and optimize the layout and design to ensure the space continues to meet your needs.
Hiring professionals like Covis Stone will ensure local building codes and permits are followed/obtained before undertaking any major construction or installation in your backyard. With careful planning and creative solutions, you can transform your small Virginia backyard into a functional and inviting outdoor living space.
