Design Solutions for Oddly-Shaped Backyards
Is your backyard tiny, sloped or an awkward shape? Try one (or more) of these sneaky and striking landscaping ideas on for size
While odd-shaped backyards do present design challenges, their imperfections make them so much more interesting than cookie-cutter square or rectangular gardens. The key to landscaping a rear yard that’s poky, narrow, sloped or not quite symmetrical is to embrace its quirks and use creative design tricks to accentuate or work around its unusual shape. If you’re stumped for ideas on how to landscape your irregular rear garden, take design cues from the 12 outdoor spaces below, each of which are great examples of oddly-shaped backyards done right.
Problem: Long, narrow yard
Solution: Divide and conquer into zones
Dividing a long, narrow yard into smaller distinct zones will break up the expansive space. Rather than slicing up the space using physical structures like privacy screens or tall hedges, which will make the tight area feel even more closed in, create different zones by using visual tricks instead. For example, play around with your furniture placement; lay down an outdoor rug or introduce contrasting flooring; and strategically position built-ins and garden beds around the space.
See more of this compact outdoor zone
Solution: Divide and conquer into zones
Dividing a long, narrow yard into smaller distinct zones will break up the expansive space. Rather than slicing up the space using physical structures like privacy screens or tall hedges, which will make the tight area feel even more closed in, create different zones by using visual tricks instead. For example, play around with your furniture placement; lay down an outdoor rug or introduce contrasting flooring; and strategically position built-ins and garden beds around the space.
See more of this compact outdoor zone
Problem: Curved edges and odd angles
Solution: Fake it ’til you make it
Does your backyard boast curves or lots of odd angles? A simple (and sneaky) way to create an outdoor space with a more traditional and basic footprint is to fill any awkward nooks and gaps along the edge of your rear garden with trees, flowers and shrubs so that you’re left with a square or rectangular space in the centre of your yard. The vibrant colours and textures of the plants will also offer loads of visual interest and draw attention away from the irregular shape.
See more of this tropical backyard
Solution: Fake it ’til you make it
Does your backyard boast curves or lots of odd angles? A simple (and sneaky) way to create an outdoor space with a more traditional and basic footprint is to fill any awkward nooks and gaps along the edge of your rear garden with trees, flowers and shrubs so that you’re left with a square or rectangular space in the centre of your yard. The vibrant colours and textures of the plants will also offer loads of visual interest and draw attention away from the irregular shape.
See more of this tropical backyard
If you desire a backyard that oozes character and visual drama, take design cues from this stunning Sydney backyard and celebrate the quirky angles and curves of your property, rather than camouflaging them. Embracing the unique shape of your yard will also ensure that you make the best use of the area, instead of wasting space trying to correct or disguise its flaws. If your backyard is quite angular in shape, like the spectacular outdoor zone above, introducing lots of lush, leafy plants; circular design features; and soft furnishings will help to soften its harsh angles.
See more of this beautiful Sydney garden
See more of this beautiful Sydney garden
Problem: Sloping
Solution: Work it to your advantage
Have a sloping backyard? Here’s a creative way you can use its irregular shape to your advantage. Rather than taming the slope, transform it into a play area for the kids. This child-friendly incline has been outfitted with a concrete slide and pull-up rope. Genius!
More backyard additions for kids
Solution: Work it to your advantage
Have a sloping backyard? Here’s a creative way you can use its irregular shape to your advantage. Rather than taming the slope, transform it into a play area for the kids. This child-friendly incline has been outfitted with a concrete slide and pull-up rope. Genius!
More backyard additions for kids
Another way to use a slope to your advantage is to introduce terraces, which will minimise awkward inclines and transform the slope into a more functional and user-friendly outdoor area. Plus, as you can see looking at this stepped alfresco space, multi-level gardens also offer loads of visual drama and add dimension to compact outdoor zones, too.
Problem: Awkward corners and nooks
Solution: Add a statement feature
Water features, sculptures, planters, sandpits and garden seating nooks are the perfect fillers for oddly-shaped corners and crevices that you’re not quite sure what to do with. Not only will these accents rescue a space that may otherwise go unused, but they’ll make an attractive design statement, too. Whatever space filler you choose, make sure it fills the entire nook so the area looks cosy and complete, rather than bare and unfinished.
See more of this petite, angular backyard
Solution: Add a statement feature
Water features, sculptures, planters, sandpits and garden seating nooks are the perfect fillers for oddly-shaped corners and crevices that you’re not quite sure what to do with. Not only will these accents rescue a space that may otherwise go unused, but they’ll make an attractive design statement, too. Whatever space filler you choose, make sure it fills the entire nook so the area looks cosy and complete, rather than bare and unfinished.
See more of this petite, angular backyard
Problem: Short and fat garden
Solution: Play with horizontal and vertical lines
If you have a backyard that’s on the squeezy side, make the area appear larger than it really is by working horizontal and vertical motifs into the space. Here, square pavers are arranged in a stepped and linear pattern and direct the eye to the back garden wall, creating the illusion of greater depth. Meanwhile, the ipe wood slat wall draws the eye from one side of the garden to the other, which visually widens the area and amplifies the feeling of space.
See more of this small zen garden
Solution: Play with horizontal and vertical lines
If you have a backyard that’s on the squeezy side, make the area appear larger than it really is by working horizontal and vertical motifs into the space. Here, square pavers are arranged in a stepped and linear pattern and direct the eye to the back garden wall, creating the illusion of greater depth. Meanwhile, the ipe wood slat wall draws the eye from one side of the garden to the other, which visually widens the area and amplifies the feeling of space.
See more of this small zen garden
If you desire a more dynamic look, introduce a diagonal linear pattern into your poky backyard instead. Like horizontal and vertical lines, slanted stripes will visually expand a space and will add a sense of energy and a jolt of visual drama to the area, too.
See more of this compact city garden
See more of this compact city garden
Problem: Large, empty space
Solution: Introduce an attention-grabbing accent piece
Adding a focal point to your backyard is a great way to deflect the focus away from its tight dimensions or awkward shape. Design elements like a striking sculpture, water feature, accent wall or a petite pergola with seating like the one that takes centre stage in this cosy rear garden are guaranteed to make a big design impact and dazzle visitors, so they won’t even take note of your backyard’s shape or size.
This is also a good trick to try if you have an expansive backyard and need something to fill and anchor the area so it doesn’t feel empty and overwhelming.
More fun garden features
Solution: Introduce an attention-grabbing accent piece
Adding a focal point to your backyard is a great way to deflect the focus away from its tight dimensions or awkward shape. Design elements like a striking sculpture, water feature, accent wall or a petite pergola with seating like the one that takes centre stage in this cosy rear garden are guaranteed to make a big design impact and dazzle visitors, so they won’t even take note of your backyard’s shape or size.
This is also a good trick to try if you have an expansive backyard and need something to fill and anchor the area so it doesn’t feel empty and overwhelming.
More fun garden features
Problem: Boxy space with harsh lines
Solution: Introduce curves
Introducing gently curved or circular design elements to a boxy or angular backyard will instantly soften its harsh lines and make it feel more soothing and inviting. If your alfresco area is cube-like in shape or features sharp angles, take design cues from this backyard and consider incorporating a curved bench, paving circle, round fire pit or winding garden bed (or all of the above) into the zone.
See more of this inviting garden
Solution: Introduce curves
Introducing gently curved or circular design elements to a boxy or angular backyard will instantly soften its harsh lines and make it feel more soothing and inviting. If your alfresco area is cube-like in shape or features sharp angles, take design cues from this backyard and consider incorporating a curved bench, paving circle, round fire pit or winding garden bed (or all of the above) into the zone.
See more of this inviting garden
A flowing curved path will also add width and depth to a small or narrow backyard, and trick the eye into thinking the area is larger than it is. Plus, as you can see looking at this charming rear garden, winding walkways are pleasing to the eye and evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, too.
See more of this charming compact garden
See more of this charming compact garden
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Do you have an irregular-shaped backyard? We’d love to see the space and how you’ve worked with its footprint. Post your photos in the Comments.
MORE
11 Ways to Max the Benefits of a Small Outdoor Space
Cheap Tricks to Landscape Your Garden Without Spending the Earth
11 Clever Tricks With Side Gardens
Do you have an irregular-shaped backyard? We’d love to see the space and how you’ve worked with its footprint. Post your photos in the Comments.
MORE
11 Ways to Max the Benefits of a Small Outdoor Space
Cheap Tricks to Landscape Your Garden Without Spending the Earth
11 Clever Tricks With Side Gardens
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