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When we first bought our little place at the ranch, I didn’t have a perfectly planned design vision. What I did know was that I wanted the space to feel calm, relaxed, and a little bit like a tiny resort getaway.
Over time, that vision started to take shape. I kept gravitating toward neutral coastal colours, natural textures, and simple pieces that felt warm and inviting rather than overly styled.
Think soft sand tones, gravel and stone, cedar accents, black details, and cream textiles that soften everything up.
The goal has never been perfection. It’s simply creating a small retreat that feels peaceful, welcoming, and a little bit special without spending a fortune.
In this post I’m sharing the design approach I’m using to create our neutral coastal tiny retreat, along with some of the affordable decor ideas and styling choices that help the space feel elevated without blowing the budget.
And since the retreat is still very much a work in progress, I’ll also be sharing updates as each new project comes together.
If you’ve been following along with our tiny retreat journey, you might also enjoy my post on tiny retreat fence plans and landscaping ideas, where I share how this project started to come together, along with some of the early design decisions that shaped the space.
The Vision for Our Tiny Retreat
Before diving into projects, I wanted to establish a simple design direction for the space — not something overly styled or complicated, but something that would feel calm, relaxed, and easy to maintain.
I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel effortless. The kind of places where nothing feels too “done,” but everything still works together. A mix of coastal calm and desert-inspired simplicity kept coming to mind — soft neutrals, natural textures, and materials that feel like they belong outdoors.
At the same time, I knew this wasn’t going to be a high-budget, perfectly planned project. This is real life, real weekends, and a lot of figuring things out as we go.
So instead of chasing a perfect look, I focused on creating a simple formula we could stick to. Something flexible enough to grow over time, but cohesive enough that each new addition still feels like it belongs.
The Neutral Coastal Colour Palette I’m Using
Keeping the colour palette simple has made decorating much easier.
The base tones we’re using include:
- sand and warm beige
- soft cement greys
- natural cedar wood tones
- black accents
- cream textiles and cushions
These colours feel relaxed and natural together and help the space look cohesive even when projects are done gradually over time.
- Neutral textured throw pillows (great for softening outdoor seating)
- Large cream ceramic planters (perfect for layering plants)
- Solar outdoor string lights (adds instant ambiance)
- Woven baskets for storage and texture. ** Pro tip: be sure to staple a plastic bag around the inside rim if you are adding a plant.
Outdoor Projects That Are Transforming the Space
Most of our focus right now has been on the outdoor space, and honestly, that’s where the biggest transformation is happening.
We started with the fence, which completely changed how the space feels. Before that, everything felt a bit open and undefined. Once the fence started going up, it instantly created structure and made the area feel more intentional.
From there, things have been evolving step by step:
- planning and building the gate
- laying out gravel and paver areas
- figuring out where planters will go
- adding small landscaping touches
- and now working on a simple bar area for entertaining
Not everything has gone exactly as planned, and that’s part of the process. Some ideas looked better in theory than in reality, and others came together unexpectedly well.
The biggest takeaway so far is that you don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. Each project builds on the last, and over time the space naturally starts to come together.
This phase of the project really builds on the initial plans I shared in my tiny retreat fence and landscaping ideas post, where I mapped out the overall direction for the space.
Affordable Decor That Makes a Small Space Feel Elevated
When working with a smaller space, I’ve found that it’s less about how much you add and more about what you choose to include.
Instead of filling the space with lots of smaller decor pieces, I’ve been focusing on a few elements that make a bigger impact.
Things like:
- textured cushions and throws — these soften the space and make it feel more inviting, especially against wood or darker tones
- large neutral planters — even just one or two can make the space feel styled without looking cluttered
- simple outdoor lighting — this makes a huge difference in the evenings and instantly adds that relaxed, resort feel
- natural fibre baskets or accents — these bring in warmth and texture without adding visual noise
- ceramic or stone-style pieces — they help keep everything grounded and cohesive
The goal is always to keep things simple, layered, and comfortable rather than overly styled.
If you’re looking to recreate this relaxed, neutral coastal look without spending a fortune, I’ve curated some of my favourite affordable finds.
These are the kinds of pieces I look for when styling the tiny retreat — simple, textured, and versatile enough to work in almost any space.
👉 You can browse my full collection here:
[Simple Patio & Tiny Retreat Finds]
Styling Tips That Make Neutral Decor Look Expensive
One thing I’ve learned is that neutral decor can either look beautiful or look a bit flat depending on how it’s styled.
A few simple tricks make a big difference:
- mix different textures instead of colours
- use larger pieces instead of many small items
- stick to a limited palette
- add natural materials like wood, stone, and linen
This keeps the space feeling intentional rather than overly decorated.
Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Tiny Retreat
This is something I’ve learned as we go — and probably will continue learning.
A few things that can easily throw off the look or feel of a space:
- Trying to do too much at once
It’s tempting to finish everything quickly, but adding things slowly actually helps you make better decisions. - Mixing too many colours
Sticking to a simple palette makes everything feel more cohesive, even if projects are done over time. - Choosing decor over function
Especially in outdoor spaces, things need to hold up. If it doesn’t work practically, it won’t last. - Using too many small items
A few larger pieces usually look more intentional than lots of smaller ones. - Overthinking every decision
Some of the best parts of this space came together without a perfect plan.
What’s Coming Next for the Tiny Retreat
There are still plenty of projects ahead.
Over the next few months we’ll be finishing:
- the fence and gate
- painting the structures
- adding planters and landscaping
- building a small bar area for entertaining
And eventually we’ll start working on the inside of the retreat as well, which will likely become next year’s project.
The fun part about a place like this is that it evolves over time.
Why I Love Tiny Retreat Living
One of the things I didn’t expect when we started this project is how much I would actually enjoy the process itself.
It’s not just about how the space looks. It’s about the time spent working on it, the small progress each weekend, and the way it slowly starts to feel like something meaningful.
Some days are just about getting a little bit done — moving things around, testing ideas, or finishing one small project. Other days turn into full weekends with friends, good food, and everything happening at once.
There’s also a real sense of simplicity here. It’s not about having everything perfect. It’s about creating a space that feels good to be in.
And with events like the annual gala weekend at the ranch, this space becomes more than just a project. It becomes part of a bigger experience, something that’s been shared for years and continues to evolve.
That’s probably my favourite part — it’s not finished, and it doesn’t need to be.
Follow the Tiny Retreat Transformation
If you enjoy seeing real-life projects come together over time, you can follow along with the tiny retreat transformation here on the blog.
I’ll continue sharing updates, ideas, and lessons learned as we go.
Because sometimes the best spaces are the ones that grow gradually, one small project at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiny Retreat Design
How do you make a small outdoor space feel bigger?
Stick to a simple colour palette, use larger statement pieces, and avoid clutter. Keeping things cohesive visually makes the space feel more open.
What is neutral coastal decor?
Neutral coastal decor focuses on soft, natural colours like sand, beige, and cream, combined with textures like wood, linen, and stone to create a relaxed, beach-inspired feel.
Can you create a resort-style backyard on a budget?
Yes — by focusing on a few key elements like lighting, seating, and textures, you can create a high-end look without spending a lot.
If you enjoy following real-life projects and simple ways to create a beautiful home, feel free to save this post or come back for future updates as the tiny retreat continues to evolve.
If you’re planning your own outdoor space or getaway, you might also find inspiration in my Cabo all-inclusive travel guide, where I share the kind of relaxed, resort-style atmosphere that inspired parts of this retreat.
You Might Also Like:
If you’re in the mood for more simple, stylish ideas for your home and lifestyle, here are a few more posts you might enjoy:
- Tiny Retreat Fence Plans and Landscaping Ideas
- Cabo All-Inclusive Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
- Planter Box Ideas for 2026: DIY Inspiration & Styling Tips
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