St. Louis, MO
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Residential Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces in St. Louis Hills, MO: A Big Transformation
When it comes to transforming small outdoor spaces, creating a functional, inviting atmosphere is key to making every square foot count. In this guide, we’ll explore three essential elements that can turn a compact backyard into a vibrant, functional oasis: functional zones, color selection, and ambience.
1. Creating Functional Zones
One of the biggest challenges in smaller landscapes is making the space both usable and beautiful. In this project, we divided the yard into three distinct zones, each designed with purpose.
Zone 1: Outdoor Kitchen & Dining Area
- Under a sturdy gazebo, we set up an outdoor kitchen with electrical wiring for lighting, fans, and appliances. This area features essentials like a grill, a triple drawer unit, and a trash receptacle to keep the area tidy without taking up excess space. Small kitchens work best in compact backyards, as they provide the necessary amenities without overwhelming the area.
Zone 2: Cozy Deck Space
- Instead of letting bulky stairs eat up valuable room, we modified the deck to create an inviting, compact seating area perfect for morning coffee or a quiet reading spot. By relocating the stairs, we opened up more ground space for adjacent zones.
Zone 3: Intimate Gathering Spot with Water Feature
- To add both visual and auditory appeal, we included a simple bubbling water feature, perfect for small yards. This area, framed by a privacy screen, provides a relaxed setting for social gatherings or quiet evenings.
2. Choosing a Cohesive Color Palette
Color choice plays a huge role in the harmony of a landscape. For this project, we selected colors that complemented the earth tones of the home. This included:
- Deck & Privacy Screen: We used a walnut stain for the deck and opted for a slightly lighter shade on the privacy screen to add visual contrast while keeping the palette cohesive.
- Pavers: Earth-tone pavers in a timeless style added warmth and structure, grounded by a mocha border to outline pathways.
Pro Tip: Match colors to your home’s architecture to maintain visual harmony. Earthy tones or neutral shades work especially well in traditional, suburban settings.
3. Setting the Right Ambience
Ambience transforms a space from functional to memorable. Here’s how we achieved this:
Outdoor Media and Entertainment
- Adding an outdoor-rated TV and speaker system elevated the backyard’s functionality, making it a perfect spot for movie nights or game days. Outdoor-rated TVs are designed to handle sunlight exposure and weather, reducing glare and extending longevity.
Water Features and Privacy Screens
- Incorporating a simple water feature adds a calming, natural sound. To boost ambience, we used a privacy screen with a shiplap effect, complementing the color of the gazebo and creating a focal point.
Lighting and Sound: Finally, subtle outdoor lighting and speakers extend usability into the night, creating a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere.
It all starts with a 3D Design Plan
In order to accomplish such a large project, it is crucial to start with a 3D landscape design plan. Without a design plan, the proper architectural drawings cannot be created, the permits cannot be pulled, and the crew and client would be lost. It is 100% guaranteed to be the smartest investment you will ever make with a landscaping project!
Bobby K’s GIVEAWAY:
The Top 25 Focal Points
If you want to have your backyard landscape design POP, then incorporating the right focal points is a must. Learn what a focal point is AND what are some of the most eye-catching ones for your backyard.
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