Property Brothers: Create A Modern Design In A Small Backyard With Jonathan's Tips

Got big plans for your small backyard, but don't know where to start? This stunning backyard makeover by "Property Brothers" co-star Jonathan Scott is full of valuable tips. In an HGTV series called "Brother vs. Brother," Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott go head to head in a competition that puts their house-flipping skills to the test. Despite having less outdoor space to work with, Jonathan's property outsells Drew's by $115,000, due in part to his incredible backyard transformation. In the process of bringing his outdoor oasis to life, Jonathan imparts essential tips for designing and decorating a small backyard, such as matching the fencing to the cladding of the house, using stone pavers instead of traditional decking, and infusing function and style into every square foot.

In Jonathan's words, via HGTV's YouTube channel, "selling a home is, really, selling a lifestyle," and his successful renovation manages to do exactly that. With this design project, Jonathan proves that the real value lies in how the space is utilized, not the size of the space itself. He uses the entire footprint of the backyard, reimagining every corner into stylish and usable spaces. He also demonstrates how a few tasteful aesthetic upgrades can go a long way to make an outdoor area look trendy and up-to-date. It's time to make the most out of your small backyard by taking a page from this design expert's playbook. 

In the "Brother vs. Brother" competition, Jonathan Scott went all in with his $70,000 budget to turn the backyard of his fixer-upper home into a contemporary retreat. First, he ensured that there was visual continuity in the backyard by matching the home's modern stucco cladding and the color of the fence, contributing to a streamlined look. "In the back, I'll continue the modern theme with a black cedar fence, lush hedging to add privacy, and low-maintenance artificial turf and stone pavers," the star explained via YouTube during the planning stage of the competition. If you'd prefer not to use turf, opt for river pebbles, a low-maintenance ground cover alternative that look equally as modern when paired with stone pavers.

Jonathan's strategic use of space also contributed to the backyard's modern feel. He skillfully converted unused space into dedicated zones, allowing him to incorporate a chic lounge, kitchen, and dining area without making the small yard feel cramped. "The walk-out from the main bedroom suite will be a chic lounge area to kick back at the end of the day. Next to that, I'll add an eco-friendly kitchen with a state-of-the-art electric barbecue, luxe custom cabinetry, and a dining area to host epic outdoor feasts. In the corner, I'm adding something totally fun: a mini-putt area. This backyard will be a true retreat and have buyers dreaming of the life they can have here," said Jonathan. 

There are many ways to adapt Jonathan Scott's design in your own backyard. The HGTV star painted the fence to match the cladding, but you may wish to paint your fence the same color as your home's trim or shutters instead. This will give your backyard a purposeful and cohesive look while remaining understated. Compensate for your backyard's small footprint by creating a modern accent wall with a vertical garden or climbing plants.

Jonathan's fixer-upper home is in California, a state prone to drought, so artificial turf is an excellent water-saving alternative to grass. Depending on where you live, you may want to keep your natural grass intact. You can still install stone pavers on natural grass. However, it's important to create a stable base first by removing the grass underneath and covering the area with topsoil before placing the stone on top. 

You can optimize the full potential of your backyard even if you have a small footprint to work with. Jonathan's home design included a walk-out entrance from the bedroom, which flowed directly to the outdoor lounge. By thinking of your backyard as an extension of your indoor space, the patio will feel more like an adjoining room. If you have the budget, you can incorporate the Property Brothers' biggest secrets to making your yard feel luxe, such as lush greenery, a fire pit, and a pergola.