Small Heroes — 10 rules for compact outdoor spaces.
Summer is here and the swimming season is upon us. If you’ve spent this blistering hot holiday dreaming of a pool but not knowing where to start, we can help.
We are all leaning a little more to smaller and more manageable (and affordable) blocks of land - ones that we can enjoy and live in, rather than spend our weekends looking after. If you’re looking at transforming a small courtyard or backyard it’s great to go into the project with a good idea of what will work in your space. And although we work closely with those that are GREAT at this stuff, it helps to keep your finger on the pulse sometimes.
I recently read an article by John Storch, he’s the lead designer at A Total Concept. In the article he outlines 10 simple yet effective rules for designing in compact spaces. Enjoy!
Keep it simple
Clean and simple will always give the illusion of space, so ditch the clutter and busy appearance.
Less is best
Think a few large pots and planters over lots of small ones.
Integrate and unify
Consider the transition from the indoors to the outdoors by keeping the colour palette similar. Treat the small outdoor space as an extension of the home.
Colour wisely
Keep it light, bright and breezy to give the illusion of space. Dark colours or feature walls will draw the eye but may shrink the space.
Look to the edges
Consider keeping plants and small gardens to the perimeter. If a tree or planter was positioned in the center of the area it would make the space less usable.
Keep garden art simple
If you’re thinking you need a statue or water feature or something of the sort. Keep it to one only. Don’t clutter an already small space.
Be mindful of paving patterns and direction
Paving patterns can change the focus of a space dramatically. Avoid circular patterns and stick to horizontal or diagonal to extend the space outwards.
Light it up
Lighting is critical. Make sure you’re focused on both mood and functionality and keep them nice and high so you’re not looking directly at them when in the courtyard.
Consider flower colourings
Softer colour flower tones will recede and are not as dominant. Avoid strong reds, oranges and yellow tones.
And last but certainly not least - Add a plunge pool or spa
The beauty of a concrete pool is the flexibility it gives to design the pool that suits your space perfectly. If it’s a small pool you’re after, consider sprucing it up by fully tiling it or adding some spa jets and a heater and let it double as a spa!
Source: Poolside Magazine Issue 1035. Article written with John Storch. Lead designer and founder of A Total Landscape https://www.atotalconcept.com.au