It’s funny how one small update can spark everything.

I wasn’t planning a full front and backyard refresh—but after picking up a few pieces I loved, it just kind of snowballed from there.

I already had a few staples at the front door:

• the large black planter
• the black metal lantern
• my “Bonjour” rug

But it always felt like something was missing.

So I added:

• a larger layering rug
• two rattan solar lanterns
• two lush ferns

And honestly… it took maybe 15 minutes to pull it all together.

Just a bit of moving things around, adding, removing, stepping back—and suddenly it felt intentional.

That’s the part people don’t always talk about.

👉 It’s not about getting everything perfect
👉 It’s about playing with what you have until it clicks

If you’re looking for the exact pieces I’m using (and similar finds), I pulled them all together here:”
→ https://sharmedlife.com/amazon-outdoor-decor-backyard-resort-small-space/

🛍 Shop My Tiny Retreat Outdoor Favourites

If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to picture everything coming together without seeing the pieces in one place.

So I pulled together the exact styles I’m using (and planning to use) in this space—from planters and lighting to rugs and simple decor that actually works in smaller yards.

👉 Browse my Tiny Retreat outdoor favourites here:
(https://amzn.to/4rz0zjW)

These are pieces I chose because they:

• make a space feel pulled together quickly
• work in smaller layouts
• keep that calm, neutral look without overdoing it

I’ll keep adding to this as the space evolves.

🌿 Simple Tiny Backyard Ideas That Actually Work

If you’re working with a smaller yard like I am, these are the things that make the biggest difference:

• layering textures (rugs, baskets, cushions)
• using greenery instead of clutter
• keeping colors neutral and cohesive
• working with what you already have

It’s not about doing more—it’s about choosing the right pieces.

---

🧼 Starting With a Clean Slate

Before any styling happened, we started with the least glamorous step:

👉 pressure washing

I didn’t get photos (of course), but it made a huge difference.

And this came right after we had our retaining wall replaced late last year.

The old wood landscape ties worked at first, but long term? Not ideal.
It should have been reinforced properly from the beginning.

Now we have a much stronger (and better-looking) wall—but I quickly learned:

👉 it collects mildew fast

Jason tackled that in a couple of hours, and it already looks refreshed again.

---

🪑 Working With What I Have (For Now)

I’ve been tempted to replace our patio set…

But realistically?

👉 I can get another year out of it

And honestly, I still love the look.

So instead of replacing everything, I’m doing a simple refresh:

• a couple cans of spray paint
• new seat cushions for comfort
• a fresh outdoor rug

Sometimes it’s not about replacing—it’s about reworking what already works.

---

🧺 A Simple DIY I’m Planning Instead of Buying New Pillows

I almost bought new throw pillows—but I couldn’t find anything that felt right.

So instead, I’m trying a simple DIY using kitchen towels (which I’ll share once I’ve finished it). It’s an easy way to get the exact look I want without settling for something that’s “close enough.”

🌱 The Backyard Reset (Right Before the Good Part)

The backyard is… not pretty right now 😅

About five weeks ago:

• we removed most of the grass
• dealt with a pretty bad grub situation
• cleared weeds
• turned over the soil

So currently?

👉 It’s all dirt—but ready.

We’re finally getting sun this week, which means:
✔ new turf is going in
✔ landscaping can start

We also picked up a grub treatment to (hopefully) avoid round two.

Fingers crossed.

---

🌿 The Part That Feels Overwhelming (But Worth It)

Because we live on a corner lot, our yard wraps around both sides.

Which means:

👉 everything is visible
👉 and right now… very exposed

A lot of the original plants were removed when we redid the retaining wall, so it’s basically a blank canvas again.

Exciting? Yes.
A little overwhelming? Also yes.

I’m not an expert when it comes to planting layouts—but I love the process of figuring it out.

And honestly, that’s part of what makes it so satisfying.

🌿 A Few Things That Are Already Making a Difference

Even though everything isn’t finished, a few small updates have already changed how the space feels:

• cleaning everything first (huge difference)
• layering rugs at the front door
• adding greenery instead of more “decor”
• working with what I already have instead of replacing everything

It’s not about doing everything at once—it’s about doing the right things first.

---

🔗 A Couple Things That Helped Me Along the Way

If you’re working on your own outdoor space, these might help too:

👉 I shared the full Tiny Retreat journey here (this is where everything connects):
https://sharmedlife.com/tiny-retreat-series/

👉 And if you’re thinking about structure changes like we did, this made a bigger impact than I expected:
(https://sharmedlife.com/ranch-fence-project-progress/)

Both of these posts walk through the process a bit more and might give you a clearer starting point depending on where you’re at.

---

🌿 You Might Also Like

If you’re into simple, practical ideas that still look good, these are a few other posts you might enjoy:

👉 (https://sharmedlife.com/how-to-make-and-sell-diy-bug-spray-with-pretty-labels/)
This was one of those quick projects that turned out way better than expected—and actually looks nice sitting out.

👉 (https://sharmedlife.com/planter-box-ideas-for-2026-diy-inspiration-styling-tips-finds-youll-love/)
An easy way to add a little personality without overcomplicating things.

👉 (https://sharmedlife.com/coastal-neutral-decor/)
If you like creating calm, intentional spaces, this one ties in really well.

---

✨ What’s Next (And Why I’m Not Rushing It)

I used to think everything needed to be finished quickly.

Now I’m realizing:
👉 the slower pace actually works better

It gives me time to:

• see what the space actually needs
• avoid buying things I’ll regret
• make changes that feel intentional

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be:

• laying new turf
• adding plants and greenery
• working on a few simple planter ideas
• continuing to refine the layout

Nothing drastic—just steady progress.

---

💡 Why This Stage Matters More Than the Finished Look

It’s easy to love a space when it’s done.

But I’m starting to appreciate this part more—the figuring it out, adjusting, trying again phase.

Because this is where:
👉 the space actually becomes personal
👉 the decisions feel more intentional
👉 and the end result feels earned, not rushed

---

💬 Real Thoughts (The Honest Part No One Talks About)

This is the part that doesn’t always show up in finished photos.

Right now, it doesn’t look like much—and that’s probably the hardest part.

It’s easy to get discouraged when everything feels unfinished or a little messy. I catch myself second-guessing decisions, wondering if I should have just left things the way they were.

But I’ve learned this:

👉 the “in-between” stage is where the magic actually happens

It’s where you experiment, adjust, and slowly figure out what works for your space—not someone else’s.

And even though it doesn’t feel like it yet, this is the part that leads to those finished spaces we all love.

So if your backyard or home project feels halfway done right now…

👉 you’re not behind—you’re building it

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.