Small Space, Big Dreams

When designing landscapes here on Kaua’i, we often have to account for the fact that we don’t all have large outdoor spaces. Many of us have small yards or lanai spaces that limit the amount of room we can work with. But this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your dream outdoor space! With a mindful approach that focuses on your priorities, your backyard oasis is possible! Here’s how:

Needs vs Wants

While planning your small landscape, it’s important to have a list of your desires for the space. Do you want a patio with room to entertain? Is this your outdoor oasis where you want to escape from the stresses of the day? Make a list of your desires and then sort out your needs vs wants. If this space is meant to be an outdoor retreat and you’re planning the whole space around a water feature, then the water feature should be your first priority when designing the space. Think outside the box with your design. You may not have a ton of square footage to work with, but maximize your vertical space. Find a water feature that has height but maybe doesn’t take up too much real estate, and work your landscape around that feature. Or, utilize hanging plants to add touches of greenery without taking up valuable walking space.

Maximize Your Space

A small space may mean you have to reimagine what your garden looks like. With a small area that needs to fulfill many purposes, each element has to be multifunctional. Start by planning out the flow of traffic in the space, and make sure there is room to move around easily. Identify different zones and how you see these zones working. Maybe one zone is sunny and would be a good spot for a small tree to provide more shade for your dog’s play area. Another zone might be big enough to fit a small table and chairs to entertain. Try to find some seating with built-in storage, like a bench that you can open up to store items like gardening tools. The more you plan out your space and account for your needs, the easier the space will come together and function as you need it to!

Avoid Crowding

The reason it’s so important to prioritize your wants over your needs is that including every element you want can leave your space overcrowded and feeling claustrophobic. Start with the elements that you know are non-negotiable, and work your way through the rest. You may realize the large seating area you pictured isn’t going to work in the space, and a few outdoor chairs and a bistro table make the space feel much more intentional and intimate! Focus on the space’s needs and find creative ways to make your needs fit your limited space. If you want greenery but lack space for a garden, utilize containers and planters. Arrange a few tall pots and maybe some long planters, and treat each container as your individual garden to design! See our blog, Container Garden Theory, for inspiration.

With the proper tools and a vision, your dream backyard oasis is possible! Small outdoor spaces challenge us to design with more restrictions, but this allows us to put more thoughtfulness and intention into our space. Don’t let small spaces deter you. Plan with purpose and your design will follow!