A small yard doesn’t mean small potential. The right design choices can make your outdoor space feel spacious, inviting, and functional. But if your yard feels cramped or uninspired, you might be making one of these common design mistakes. Let’s dive into what might be holding your space back—and how to fix it with expert-approved solutions.
Pictured Above: the entry and small courtyard at our Balboa Beauty Project, Photographed by Riley Starr Photography
1.Neglecting Vertical Space
When working with a smaller footprint, the biggest opportunity isn’t out—it’s up. Many homeowners overlook the power of vertical elements, leaving their yards feeling flat and one-dimensional.
Expert Fix: Incorporate vertical interest with trellises, espaliered fruit trees, or specimen trees that frame key architectural elements of your home. Pergolas and vine-covered walls can also create depth, making the space feel more layered and intentional. The result? A yard that feels bigger, more dynamic, and comforting.
Pictured Above: The Courtyard entry and climbing greens at our Carmel Bay project, Photographed by Riley Starr Photography
2. Overloading the Space
It’s tempting to squeeze in every design feature you love, but too many elements can quickly make a small yard feel chaotic and overcrowded. The key is to be selective and prioritize flow over clutter.
Expert Fix: Focus on fewer, high-impact elements. The best way to approach this is how you envision using your landscape most to compliment your lifestyle! Are you a homebody at heart? Instead of multiple seating areas, consider a well-placed built-in bench that you can kick up your heels and relax from sun up to sun down. Or would you consider yourself a hostess with the mostess? If so, multifunctional pieces, like a fire pit that doubles as a table where you and your company enjoy a glass of wine, or a dining table with bench seating is great for accommodating extra guests. Consolidating while keeping things open allows your yard to breathe—proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
Pictured Above: The built in firepit and bench seating at our Port Ramsgate project, Photographed by Vanessa Lentine
3. Ignoring the Power of Lighting
Lighting is often an afterthought, but it’s one of the most effective ways to elevate a small yard. The right lighting not only extends usability into the evening but also enhances the space’s design, even during the day.
Expert Fix: Think of lighting as both functional and artistic. Sculptural light fixtures act as design elements during the day, while soft path lighting, uplighting on trees, and well-placed sconces bring warmth and depth at night. A well-lit yard feels polished, inviting, and far more spacious than a dark, undefined space. Highly recommend checking out our Landscape Lighting 101 blog where we dive deeper into our tried and true outdoor lighting strategies!
Pictured Above: The landscape lighting, pool patio, and adjoining courtyard our Shady Canyon Project, Photographed by Riley Starr Photography
4. Choosing the Wrong Plants
Not all plants play well in small spaces. Fast-growing or oversized plants can quickly overwhelm a yard, making it feel tight and difficult to maintain.
Expert Fix: Do your homework!! Choose evergreen plants that not only flourish in your region, but also maintain a compact growth habit and provide year-round interest without taking over. Ground covers, smaller evergreen shrubs, and structured plantings create a balanced, layered look without the risk of overgrowth. A well-planned plant palette ensures your yard stays lush and beautiful—without becoming a jungle.
Pictured Above: Softscaping at our #gsdxnewporthillscourtyard Project, Photographed by Riley Starr Photography
5. Skipping Defined Zones
Even in a small yard, clear organization is key. Without defined spaces, everything can blur together, making the yard feel chaotic and smaller than it actually is.
Expert Fix: Create distinct “rooms” within your yard to establish purpose and flow. A cozy seating area, a small dining space, or a reading nook with a lounge chair—each zone helps break up the space in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered. Strategic landscaping and hardscape elements, like planters or subtle level changes, can naturally define these spaces without closing them off.
Pictured Above: The dining and lounging spaces at our Oak Grove Estate project, Photographed by Mellon Studio
Final Thoughts
A small yard doesn’t have to feel limiting—it just needs thoughtful design. By maximizing vertical space, keeping the layout intentional, incorporating smart lighting, selecting the right plants, and defining zones, you can transform even the tiniest outdoor space into a retreat that feels open and inviting.
