Small Garden Ideas and Designs
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Upper rear terrace is framed by a low stone wall. Borders set into the paving soften the hard landscaping.
Small classic side garden in Dorset.
Small classic side garden in Dorset.


Transforming a small, steeply sloped back garden into a functional and inviting space came with its own set of unique challenges. Careful terracing was required to create a balanced, accessible layout, while the design needed to maximise usable space by incorporating multiple sitting areas. The result is a stunning garden oasis that feels expansive and harmonious.
To achieve this, the design team employed a diagonal layout grid, where each partition sits at a different level, creating a dynamic sense of depth and openness. The largest sitting area, located at the bottom of the slope, is a porcelain-paved patio seamlessly connected to the back entrance of the house.
Midway up the terrace, a cosy lounging area offers a more secluded retreat, while the top level features a practical utility drying area. These levels are connected by sculptural steps crafted from staggered hardwood and metal mesh platforms, blending functionality with artistic flair.
Lush evergreen planting adds softness to the structured design, creating an almost tropical atmosphere. The planting scheme enhances the garden's year-round appeal, providing a vibrant and tranquil backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the clean lines of the hardscaping.
This thoughtfully designed garden demonstrates how even challenging terrain can be transformed into a versatile and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.


A cozy backyard perfect for entertaining. New fencing, landscaping, a new deck, kitchen, and custom-built steel pergola create a backyard paradise ready for company.


Brent A. Riechers
Inspiration for a small contemporary roof full sun garden in Chicago with a vegetable patch.
Inspiration for a small contemporary roof full sun garden in Chicago with a vegetable patch.


In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth.
Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography


Using a refined palette of quality materials set within a striking and elegant design, the space provides a restful and sophisticated urban garden for a professional couple to be enjoyed both in the daytime and after dark. The use of corten is complimented by the bold treatment of black in the decking, bespoke screen and pergola.


Dramatic plant textures, modern hardscaping and sharp angles enhanced this mid-century modern bungalow. Soft plants were chosen to contrast with the sharp angles of the pathways and hard edges of the MCM home, while providing all-season interest. Horizontal privacy screens wrap the front porch and create intimate garden spaces – some visible only from the street and some visible only from inside the home. The front yard is relatively small in size, but full of colorful texture.


Inspiration for a small classic back formal fully shaded garden in London with natural stone paving and a raised bed.


Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
Small contemporary back xeriscape full sun garden in Orange County with a garden path and natural stone paving.
Small contemporary back xeriscape full sun garden in Orange County with a garden path and natural stone paving.


Design ideas for a small traditional side formal partial sun garden for summer in Bonn with a flowerbed, natural stone paving and a metal fence.


Monolithic blue mist granite steps followed by a city hall bricks walkway.
Photo of a small classic front full sun garden for summer in Boston with a pathway and brick paving.
Photo of a small classic front full sun garden for summer in Boston with a pathway and brick paving.


Small traditional back xeriscape full sun garden in Austin with a flowerbed and decorative stones.


New outdoor entry to front door with raised floating planters, concrete pavers and artificial grass walkway.
Small contemporary front formal partial sun garden in Other with a raised bed and concrete paving.
Small contemporary front formal partial sun garden in Other with a raised bed and concrete paving.


This is an example of a small classic front full sun garden in Seattle with a garden path, natural stone paving and a wood fence.


Small contemporary back partial sun garden in Other with a water feature and decorative stones.

Photo of a small contemporary back fully shaded garden wall for summer in London with a garden path and natural stone paving.


Photo of a small contemporary courtyard partial sun garden in Sydney with a raised bed, natural stone paving and a wood fence.


This is an example of a small modern sloped garden in Paris with a stone fence.


Our inner-city client in Redfern had a small outdoor courtyard which was impractical and he never used it for entertaining.
Vogue and Vine were called in to create a liveable outdoor room and maximise space for seating and entertaining.
We put down a new concrete floor and created built in bench seating and garden beds. We broke the space up using different materials and a modern colour palette.
We used outdoor sofas and built in cushions to add a touch of glamour and warmth.
Small Garden Ideas and Designs
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