Living Large on Small Patios

Even when it's humble, a patio's where you'll want to spend as much time as possible in nice weather. We'll show you how top designers make even the smallest patios special.

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November 25, 2014

By: Susan Kleinman

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Potted Foliage

Terra cotta pots filled with citrus trees, roses, lavender and decorative foliage turned this little patio into a veritable plantation. "If you want trees" says landscape designer Deborah Gliksman, "look for specimens that will stay small. There is a wide selection of patio trees – everything from Japanese Maples to Crape Myrtles. Just be sure to check the label for mature growing size before you buy."

Scaled Furnishings

"It's important to keep your plants and furniture scaled down if your space is small," says Gliksman, "but that doesn't mean that everything has to be puny. Sometimes a well-placed piece of larger furniture can set the mood." The floral-upholstered chair in this little patio was found in an alley. When not in use, it's covered by a tarp to keep it dry.

Maximize Space

When space is as tight as it is on this 11-foot-wide terrace created by Outhouse Design, attaching benches to a wall is a great way to maximize space. An array of pillows adds color and comfort, and metal art on the back wall adds visual interest to the long, narrow space.

Unique Look

A reclaimed door, installed over a standard issue portal, adds visual interest to this urban patio by Jeffery Erb Landscape Design. Salvage yards, architectural-antiques dealers and eBay are good sources for vintage pieces like these to add distinction to your own space.

Built-In Fire

You don't need a vast space for a fire feature. Architect Kimberly Goforth, AIA, simply had a hole cut in the concrete slab flooring of this small patio to create a wood-burning fire pit – the perfect place to warm up or roast marshmallows on a chilly evening.

You Might Also Like: 10 Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Burst of Color

The bright orange back wall adds distinction to this space at the far end of a garden designed by Mark Haynes, Allied ASID. When choosing paint colors for outdoors, consider what the garden will look like in all four seasons, and make sure the hue you select will complement nature's palette all year long.

Modern Space

Chair cushions in the same shade of green as the surrounding trees help this small patio by Patricia Warren of Warren Architecture, LLC, feel like an integral part of nature. Strong geometry, seen in the limestone paver pattern, the openings at the top of the newly-installed wall, and in the muntins of the French doors, make it feel fresh and modern.

Double Impact

Visually doubling a space with a mirror isn't an indoors-only trick, as designer Michael Tavano proved on this small patio in New York City. If you're thinking of mirroring your own outdoor space to create the illusion of greater depth, be sure the mirror's frame is weatherproof, and that the wall you're hanging it on is strong enough to support it.

Alone at Last

No matter how small your patio is, you can turn it into a relaxing haven. A cedar screen and plants offer privacy in the outdoor space garden created by designer B. Jane. A sinuous lounge chair provides the perfect perch for reading and relaxing. And don't forget, says Jane, "side-tables are just as important outside as they are inside for easy access to your beverage, book or tablet."

Funky and Fresh

If you can't go grand, go funky. Designer Melissa Mascara used a vintage tub as a planter on this teeny-tiny (120 square feet) patio in Venice, Calif. Succulents and spiky plants lend a Dr. Seuss-like vibe.

Think Vertical

If you're working with limited square footage, don't be afraid to design upward, incorporating the walls to add interest to a small patio. On this terrace designed by Jeff Tohl, a fireplace hearth made of raw industrial panels serves as a stunning focal point for the contemporary seating area.

Tiered Design

A tiered design can add dimension to a petite patio, as well as defining areas for seating, dining and other uses. Here, cement steps wind their way through a garden filled with topiary trees, ornamental grasses, shrubs and flowering plants.

Tranquil Elements

A simple, soothing design is often ideal for a small patio, as overly elaborate decor may overwhelm the space. In this urban Zen garden designed by Joan Grabel, mature bamboo adds privacy, while the cool colors of Bluestone, Agave and Echeveria bring tranquility to the space. Water from the basalt fountain, hitting the aqua pebbles below, adds to the meditative mood.

Romantic Details

A few well-placed, luxurious accessories can add a hint of grandeur to a tiny outdoor space. On this brick patio, decorative columns, lush plants and a chandelier suspended over the dining table create a secluded, romantic retreat.

Space-Saving Built-Ins

When designing the patio of HGTV Green Home 2011, Linda Woodrum managed to squeeze in a gas fireplace by building it into a narrow wall faced in thin-set brick. Two contemporary-style sofas upholstered in durable Sunbrella fabric flank two industrial-style coffee tables for a cozy conversation area.

Multipurpose Patio

Even with limited square footage, this Mediterranean-style rooftop patio manages to act as a lounge area, a dining space and an herb garden all in one. Opt for smaller furniture and scaled-down planters to maximize your outdoor space.

Minimalist Approach

Space is at a premium for urban gardens, so landscape architect Alexander Gunn kept the look of this New York City terrace simple by balancing ipe wood decking with artificial grass for a clean, minimalist look. Planters with evergreens create a natural wall of privacy.

From: Gunn Landscape Architecture

Diagonal Design

In this courtyard patio, natural stone pavers laid out in a diagonal pattern make the space appear much larger than it is. The built-in benches are anchored in the landscape, so they don't take up valuable patio space.

Outdoor Bath

If your patio is too small to accommodate a crowd of people, consider creating a more personal retreat. Designer Jamie Durie turned this small patio into an outdoor bathroom complete with a vanity, shower and Japanese soaking tub. A large mirror reflects the facing vertical garden, making the space feel like it's surrounded by nature on all sides.