How to Make the Most of a Small Outdoor Living Space

As far as 21st-century design conundrums go, small-space living is up there as a lingering problem. Because of this, we’ve become highly skilled in the art of creating stylish living areas with less floorspace — from decorating small bedrooms and kitchens, to choosing the best pieces to suit a smaller room.

With so much focus on making every square metre of the inside of our home count, it’s easy for our outdoor spaces to become an afterthought, or not be considered at all. “It’s way too small to matter, anyway” you’ll hear yourself say. But as with any other area in a home (and life, really), size is no object as long as you know how to make it work. We enlisted the help of Coco Republic interior designer, Amanda Pocock, to give us her best tips on how to make any small outdoor space sing. Keep reading to find out what she had to say.

Consider Your Purpose

If space is limited, think about what purpose your outdoor space serves and this will guide your decorating options. “Is dining your priority, or is a space to relax and stretch out going to be the main event?” Amanda asks. “Ultimately, try not to over-furnish your outdoor area and instead fine-tune your atmosphere with the use of styling and plants.”

Since you’re working with a small space, it pays to be strategic about the style of pieces you choose. According to Amanda, resist the urge to fill up the entire area with furniture, and instead focus on the essential pieces, like one occasional chair and a side table. “The open space is just as important as your furniture in creating a relaxing, calming space,” she says. “Outdoor furniture that has thin lines, open weaves and appears light and airy are fantastic pieces when you have a scenic view or limited natural light in the area.”

Unlike that prized designer mid-century sofa in your lounge, outdoor furniture has to be able to withstand the elements — the more durable, the better. “One of the best outdoor finishes to look out for is powder-coated aluminium,” Amanda says. “This is a fantastic finish that repels water, doesn’t rust and looks great for years even after being outside in full sun and rain.” Teak is another durable material that will thrive outside, all it needs is a little occasional love by way of a stain or varnish.

“Layering is the key to creating an inviting and comfortable outdoor space,” Amanda says. You can try this with:

• Plants: “Potted plants are the easiest and most affordable way of layering your space and adding that extra touch of nature and colour,” suggests Amanda.
• Cushions: Scatter softer decor items in a variety of fabrics throughout your space. “Introducing that indoor feeling of comfort will transform your balcony or courtyard into an extended living room that you’ll never want to leave,” Amanda says.
• Side tables and stools: Ceramic and stone side tables are your best friends when it comes to layering. “Add a feature piece with a dynamic shape to inject some subtle character while being super practical,” says Amanda.
• Rugs: “Your rug will create invisible walls for your outdoor setting,” Amanda says. They’re also great for tying all your pieces together.
• Lighting: Outdoor lighting can work wonders for transforming an outdoor space and add to its ambience. For example, consider introducing candles or a few statement pendant lights to your dining setting.

Make It Weather Appropriate