This is shed turned living space. The owners wanted to be able to entertain many guests while the inside of their shed was small. We accomplished this by building a big wraparound deck with a TV, sofas, hammock, and bar.

The small backyard off the patio was carefully landscaped to include lush flowers and plants that can grow year-round. The cute playhouse with raised vegetable beds were a must for this owner, and our team was eager to make a custom nook for the children, all the while incorporating the small space and patio it includes.

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Desination Garden

Sun or Shade Garden Design

If you want to entertain in the backyard you can remove the hammock and add a table with chairs plus a few extra design elements. Now you have a fantastic area for entertaining.

West Sac Waterfall

Geremia Pools

A Down-Sized Dream Garden

Landscape Projects, Inc.

Created for a couple moving to a smaller house and lot in order to “down¬-size” after their children had left home, this garden’s design presented many challenges. The wife, an ardent gardener, had a long wish list: a water feature; specific plants (including a river birch, a gingko tree, oakleaf hydrangeas, plants to attract butterflies, and trilliums), fragrance, a small patio, and a potting shed. She also wanted to eliminate grass from any part of the property, and to have space to plant annuals (in containers and other areas). In short, she wanted a small “dream garden” created from a site that even she characterized as “disastrous-looking” at the outset. The wife wanted pathways that would allow her to visit all parts of the garden. The patio space did not need to be sizable because of the high deck off the back of the house, but the views from the deck were important. We accomplished all of the clients' goals, and designed a series of small "garden rooms" in the backyard to create the illusion of a larger space. We also designed a "faux potting shed" front to screen the area under the deck and incorporated a raised planting bed for annuals and herbs, which was featured in an article in Fine Gardening the following year as an inventive way to disguise an eyesore in the landscape. This garden received an Award of Distinction in 2009 from the DC/MD/VA Landscape Contractors Association. A view from the deck into the corner of the back yard, with a crape myrtle to provide seasonal interest.© Melissa Clark Photography

A Down-Sized Dream Garden

Landscape Projects, Inc.

A path of irregular pavers in a sea of mazus breaks up the space in this small garden and makes it look bigger. © Melissa Clark Photography
Inspiration for a small shabby-chic style partial sun backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro for spring.

Small Spaces

Maria Hickey & Associates Landscapes

This is an example of a small shabby-chic style partial sun backyard landscaping in Boston for summer.

Outdoor Dinner Party

Dolce Design Group

Ali Mae Photography
Design ideas for a small shabby-chic style partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County for summer.

Tiny Mountain Cabin

Durham Designs & Consulting, LLC

With cows grazing in the adjacent pasture and goats scampering along, a donkey braying in the distance one can escape the hustle bustle of city life into a picturesque bucolic scene. Photo by Melodie Durham. Photos owned by Durham Designs & Consulting, LLC.

A Down-Sized Dream Garden

Landscape Projects, Inc.

Created for a couple moving to a smaller house and lot in order to “down¬-size” after their children had left home, this garden’s design presented many challenges. The wife, an ardent gardener, had a long wish list: a water feature; specific plants (including a river birch, a gingko tree, oakleaf hydrangeas, plants to attract butterflies, and trilliums), fragrance, a small patio, and a potting shed. She also wanted to eliminate grass from any part of the property, and to have space to plant annuals (in containers and other areas). In short, she wanted a small “dream garden” created from a site that even she characterized as “disastrous-looking” at the outset. The wife wanted pathways that would allow her to visit all parts of the garden. The patio space did not need to be sizable because of the high deck off the back of the house, but the views from the deck were important. We accomplished all of the clients' goals, and designed a series of small "garden rooms" in the backyard to create the illusion of a larger space. We also designed a "faux potting shed" front to screen the area under the deck and incorporated a raised planting bed for annuals and herbs, which was featured in an article in Fine Gardening the following year as an inventive way to disguise an eyesore in the landscape. This garden received an Award of Distinction in 2009 from the DC/MD/VA Landscape Contractors Association. Another view of the small patio and millstone vountain from the deck.© Melissa Clark Photography

Patios and Enclosures

Yale Lighting Concepts

With these naturally beautiful pendants, who'd ever want to come indoors late in the evening? These 1 light outdoor pendants feature an olde bronze finish and natural wicker style globe shade that provides a casual, laid-back look. Spice up your patio, porch, gazebo and more!

Outdoor Dinner Party

Dolce Design Group

Ali Mae Photography
Photo of a small shabby-chic style partial sun backyard landscaping in Orange County for summer.

West Sac Waterfall

Geremia Pools

A dream playhouse, combined with natural landscaping and raised plant beds, create a magical corner in the small yard for kids.
This is an example of a small shabby-chic style drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard concrete paver outdoor playset in Sacramento for spring.

Pool on Shaded Slope

Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC

New pool patio set on the existing steep slope in the backyard. Custom cable railings surround the pool area set on top of the concrete block retaining wall. Patio space for dining and bbq with chairs arranged for optimum views to the adjacent dense woods.

Turn your closed outdoor space into a flexible laundry room Discover an affordable laundry solution that fits your closed outdoor room perfectly. JONAXEL can be customized to your space and personal needs and can fit even in the smallest of balconies!

San Carlos Cottage Garden

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Inspiration for a small shabby-chic style backyard landscaping in San Francisco.

G A R D E N - Pacific Northwest

Lore Patterson

garden vignette | Lore Patterson In the garden, a table set with a vintage linen cloth. Under the pear tree, a sweet arrangement of purple phlox.
Design ideas for a small shabby-chic style partial sun backyard formal garden in Seattle for summer.

Small Shabby-Chic Style Backyard Design Ideas

Even though outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yard renovations and redesigns frequently pack the biggest punch. Your shabby-chic style outdoor living area is your first chance to inspire and make an impression on neighbors and guests, so sprucing it up can give your blah house a much-needed boost. When browsing shabby-chic style outdoor decorating ideas and remodel inspiration, keep in mind the following advice to make the most out your great outdoors: Because such dramatic changes can cost a pretty penny, it’s important to carefully consider all shabby-chic style outdoor ideas before delving in. Set your budget ahead of time, and work carefully with your designer to make sure you stick to it. Research materials and landscaping techniques that are appropriate for your location and style, and don't forget add the plan for the final touches, like outdoor decor and furniture, to complete the space.

What are my shabby-chic style outdoor design options?

When making changes to your shabby-chic style front yard or backyard, be sure to consider what makes sense for your home and the local weather. For those in dry desert climates, avoid water-thirsty grass and opt for less-thirsty alternatives, then invest in a pool that will keep you and the neighbors cool in the heat. For more mild climates, a pool may not be the most practical of outdoor ideas, but a hot tub or unique water feature could be just the right element for you. On top of thinking about climate, consider maintenance as well. If you have the time and energy to work outdoors every weekend, a flower or vegetable garden would be a worthy investment. If all that effort isn't in your future, consider a nice rock garden, pond or intricate hardscaping instead. Finally, think about what works for your family. Some plants and flowers are poisonous for pets, and kids should have plenty of space to run around and play with friends, whether it be grass or pavement. Ultimately, yards should act as shabby-chic style outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.

How do I create an shabby-chic style outdoor room?

During the summer, your outdoor designs become key for entertaining and should flow like an extension of your indoor space. With a few key components, your patio, porch or deck can easily be turned into an entertainment haven; after all, when the weather is nice, most people don't want to be stuck indoors. To make your shabby-chic style outdoor living space really feel like part of the house, create an outdoor kitchen, complete a grill, prep station, countertop and mini fridge. To become the neighborhood party house, you should also invest in a fire pit and hot tub, which are both great outdoor ideas for those cooler nights. If expensive renovations are out of your reach, new outdoor furniture and accessories are great for a cheap yet effective end result. A typical concrete patio or front porch can get a major makeover by simply implementing a few easy shabby-chic style outdoor decorating ideas, such as new furniture cushions and string lighting, or some brightly colored pots and accent statues. Take a look at a variety of pictures and shabby-chic style outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.

Home Depot Catalog 2017

Summer Casual

The outdoor Alveranda Bistro. Other custom cushion colors available.
Example of a small cottage chic backyard patio design in Austin