6 Designer Tips to Instantly Make Any Outdoor Space Look Ten Times Bigger

The sun’s out, flowers are in bloom—and all this nice weather finally beckons us to enjoy our outdoor areas. However, if you have limited space, it might not feel like the most comfortable place to unwind. So, how can you make the most of your square footage?

All it takes are a few design tricks. Whether it’s introducing tall plants or using lighter colors, there are plenty of ways to make a petite patio or small balcony feel bigger than it is.

Ahead, we tapped two designers for their top ways to make a small outdoor space look larger—so that you can sprawl out and enjoy al fresco activities to the fullest.

Add Vertical Elements

Adding vertical elements, especially taller plantings or tree canopies, can increase the perceived volume of the space.

“If the space allows, trees can create a sense of enclosure and intimacy, forming nested but connected spaces that feel like destinations, even within compact gardens,” says Nahal Sohbati, co-founder of Topophyla.

You can also add architectural features like trellises, pergolas, or tall planters.

“This not only draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height, but also maximizes usable space without increasing the footprint,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen.

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Maintain a Cohesive, Light Palette

Creating visual continuity in your outdoor space allows it to flow better and minimize distractions. This can be achieved with a consistent palette of materials and colors across flooring, furniture, and planters.

“This cohesion reduces visual clutter, allowing the eye to move freely and perceive the area as more open,” Lenhart explains.

Lighter colors, in particular, help brighten up a space, creating a sense of openness and airiness.

“The same principle applies to planting design—including layers of lighter-toned foliage can enhance depth and add visual interest, making the space feel more expansive,” Sohbati says.

Opt for Tiered Plantings

While you want to choose similar furniture colors, your plantings should be more varied, especially when it comes to their shapes.

“A playful mix of foliage textures, sizes, and colors adds richness and dimension, drawing the eye through the space and making it feel more dynamic,” Sohbati elaborates. “Avoid using a uniform or monochromatic texture in planting, as it can make the space read flat and dull.”

Lenhart also suggests implementing layered plantings so that your space looks like it has more movement.

“Arrange plants in tiers, from low groundcovers to medium-height shrubs to taller vertical elements, to create depth and draw the eye outward,” he says.

Look Beyond the Boundaries

If your yard offers views beyond your home’s boundaries, Lenhart suggests highlighting them—and utilizing them to your advantage.

“Use lighter plantings and view-through fencing at the perimeter to create a seamless transition between your space and the landscape beyond, effectively ‘borrowing’ scenery to expand the visual field,” he says

Sohbati agrees that drawing the eye toward outward viewpoints can deepen the mental map of the space.

“Soften boundaries with trees, vines, or layered hedges to blur the edges and invite the eye to wander,” she suggests. “This approach creates a more garden-esque feel, encouraging exploration rather than containment.”

Incorporate Curved Pathways

Similarly, curved pathways encourage a sense of wandering—especially in gardens or landscaped areas.

“Incorporating gentle curves in walkways or planting beds adds movement and a sense of exploration, tricking the brain into perceiving more space,” Lenhart explains.

Decorate With Lightweight Furniture

Furniture that is light and easy to move around can be especially useful in modestly sized yards.

“They allow for easy rearrangement throughout the day and can adapt to different uses or users,” Sohbati says. “Bulky furniture tends to visually and physically dominate small spaces, making them feel crowded and limiting functionality.”

Low-profile designs with open frames or slim silhouettes can also help to maintain views of nature and your surrounding landscape. Meanwhile, built-in seating or multifunctional pieces can give your small outdoor space more customized proportions.

“Built-in seating can be tailored to fit specific areas, maximizing utility without creating a crowded layout,” says Lenhart. “Benches with built-in storage, stools that double as side tables, and expanding dining tables [also optimize space].”