7 Ideas to Transform Your Small Tacoma Yard into a Cozy Outdoor Retreat

With Tacoma real estate prices near all-time highs, smaller properties are getting much more attractive.

But that shouldn’t mean sacrificing great outdoor space for your home.

The truth is that you don’t need a huge yard to create an outdoor living space that you love spending time in. With a little creativity, you can turn even a relatively tiny area into an outdoor sanctuary.

In fact, a small area can be a helpful constraint, allowing you to create a space that feels cozy and complete.

We’ve helped Tacoma homeowners with yards of every size and shape create their perfect outdoor living spaces. Here are some of our clients’ favorite options for transforming small outdoor spaces.

Put in a Small Deck

One key to a great outdoor living space is defining the area you’re working with.

Installing a deck is one of the best ways to create a specific area to transform into a cozy outdoor retreat.

The size and shape of your deck helps set the foundation for decisions about furniture, decor, and any other installations to complete your space.

And having wood underfoot gives your outdoor space a subtle sense of luxury.

Install a Retractable Awning

When you have the luxury of a large yard you can move between shaded and unshaded areas depending on the weather or the time of day.

But with a small yard you might have to get a little craftier.

With a retractable awning you can have shade (or rain protection) when you need it. But when you want direct light or to stargaze on summer evenings, you can pull it back for unobstructed sky views.

Build a Privacy Wall

Having a beautiful, cozy space is great. But if it’s 10 feet from a neighbor’s kitchen window or visible from the street, you might not feel as comfortable and relaxed there as you’d like.

But it doesn’t take much to fix that.

A simple privacy wall can transform your space from semi-public to invitingly personal.

Make Vertical Green Spaces

A privacy wall can also make a great base for bringing some greenery into your space, without taking up precious square feet.

By thinking vertically you can fit an entire garden into your small space.

Whether it’s adding planter boxes to your privacy wall, hanging plants from a pergola, or building a freestanding vertical garden bed, a small outdoor space can be a great place for growing all the plants you want.

Use Built-In Seating

Furniture is bulky. And when you have chairs around a table, for instance, you need extra space for the chairs to move in and out, and for people to move around them.

Built-in seating solves a lot of these problems for small spaces.

It’s designed to fit your space. It doesn’t move. And often it’s flush to a wall, so it doesn’t require extra space for people to walk behind it.

All of which makes it a great way to maximize your limited space.

Add a Water Feature

Add a touch of luxury to your space with a fountain or waterfall.

Not only does it create a spa-like atmosphere, but the water sounds help dampen any noise from nearby roads and neighbors.

It’s like a privacy wall for your ears.

Landscape in Curved, Natural Lines

When you have a small space it can feel important to use it as efficiently as possible.

But often that means straight lines and sharp angles, which often only serves to highlight the limited dimensions of the space.

Instead, consider curving, natural-looking lines in your landscaping. This draws the eye away from the borders and into the space itself.

Make Your Small Yard an Outdoor Sanctuary 

When you’re starting with a small outdoor space, it might feel limiting at first to create a great outdoor living area.

But our design team has helped lots of Tacoma homeowners realize the potential in their small spaces.

Chances are you have more options than you’d think.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your outdoor space, get in touch today and we’ll help you turn your yard into a perfect little retreat.