How to Make Your Small Front Yard More Functional

Your front yard doesn't have to be just about curb appeal. It can serve multiple purposes, especially if you're working with a small space. Whether you want a space for relaxation, play, or even entertaining, creating a functional front yard can transform how you enjoy your home.

What is a functional front yard?

A functional front yard is a front yard that is designed and utilized for purposes beyond just aesthetic appeal. Rather than simply being an entry to admire, a functional front yard is also used for practical purposes such as outdoor activities, gardening, or as an extension of the home's living space.

Examples of functional elements that could be incorporated into a front yard might include a vegetable garden, an outdoor seating area on a patio or porch, a play area for children, or even a pollinator garden for attracting wildlife.

Read on to learn how to think about changing the layout of your yard to make it more functional -- and get inspired by some unique front yard ideas.

8 Ideas to Make a More Functional Front Yard

When it comes to creating a functional front yard, inspiration can come from a variety of sources. One great way to start is by taking a look at other homes in your neighborhood or online for ideas. Consider what features and designs stand out to you, and how you can adapt them to fit your own space and needs. Scroll to see some of our favorite Bower & Branch plans with different functional front yard ideas!

1 // Add Privacy

If you are looking to add privacy to your yard there are many design ideas that can help. Different trees or hedges are great options depending on your local codes or HOA rules you can often solve privacy. Just make sure any plants you add to your yard are appropriate for your local climate.

2 // Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space

If you're lacking room in the backyard, consider a front patio or a nice social space to entertain or relax. A simple setup like Adirondack chairs or a more established brick patio with lounge seating can make all the difference.

3 // Vegetable Gardens Aren't Only for the Back

Vegetable gardens need a lot of sun! If your backyard isn't sunny you can consider adding a vegetable garden in your front yard. Just make sure you have an easy way to water and harvest your crops.

4 // Fire Pits Make Great Use of Front Yard Space

A fire pit space in the front of the house? Why not! Utilize all your outdoor spaces. The whole neighborhood can enjoy the fire while the kids bike down the sidewalk.

5 // Treat Your Front Porch as an Outdoor Living Room

Style your front porch as an outdoor living room. Add a small seating area, such as a couch or chairs and turn your front yard into a relaxing space to read a book or enjoy a cup of coffee.

6 // Have a Clear Path to Your Front Door

For something to be functional, it needs to provide a helpful purpose. A path or walkway will create a sense of structure and organization in your front yard, as well as making it easier to access different areas of the space. Make sure your walkways are in the most functional places - such as to and from the garage, sidewalk or leading to a backyard gate.

7 // Play Areas for Outdoor Living

Front yards aren't just about curb appeal. If you have children, consider incorporating a play area into your front yard, such as a sandbox, swing, climbing rings on trees. You can do a lot with a little space.

How to make your front yard functional?

When planning a functional layout, consider these key steps

Establish Your Yard’s Purpose

First, evaluate how you currently use your front yard and what improvements you'd like to see. Do you want more space for kids, pets, or guests? Are you looking for a quiet relaxation spot or a garden bed area? Knowing who will use the yard and for what purpose will help guide your design.

Prioritize Your Front Yard Needs

How do you want to use your front yard? Are you looking for a social front yard? Is a low maintenance design of utmost importance? Do you want space for kids? A front yard can still feel functional with the right solutions in place.

What are Your Barriers to a Functional Space?

Are there any barriers that prevent you from utilizing your yard as you hope that can be fixed through your landscape design? For example, is it sloped? Do you need a retaining wall to create more usable space? Is it on a busy street? Could you add a white picket fence for some separation to keep the kids safe? Is your backyard tiny and you could create a seating area on your front porch to double your entertaining square footage?

Once you've established any barriers you can then see if there is a good solution to reach your yard goals.

Determine Your Budget

What is your budget for creating a functional front yard? How much time and money are you willing to invest in your outdoor space? This will affect the size of the changes you make, the materials you pick or how you prioritize your list of wants and needs.

Tips for Planting in Front Yards

You don't have to be a landscape architect to create a beautiful landscape design, however we know it can be intimidating! Here are a few tips on how to think about updating your front yard:

1. Consider Your Climate and Zone: Different plants thrive in different environments. Consider what zone you are in and the amount of sunlight and soil type in your front yard when choosing plants. Choose native plants to help your local wildlife thrive!
2. Create Layers and Texture: Use a variety of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers to create depth and texture in your front yard. Layer your landscaping with tall plants or shrubs in the back, then a middle layer and then lower plants in front. Having only two of three layers can leave a space feeling blank, varying heights and textures will add interest and dimension to your design.
3. Keep Maintenance in Mind: Consider the amount of time and effort you're willing to devote to maintaining your front yard when choosing plants and a design. Opt for low-maintenance native plants, drought resistant or xeriscaping if you're looking to relax more than you weed!
4. Add a Tree: A tree can add both beauty and function to your front yard. Consider choosing a smaller species that won’t overwhelm the space but provides shade and visual interest. Trees also offer privacy and can enhance the overall curb appeal of your home. When selecting a tree, consider your climate, how much sun your yard gets, and whether you want an evergreen or deciduous variety.
5. Sometimes Less is More: If you aren't sure where to start, go simple! Start with a small plant palette and color palette and place your plants symmetrically around your front door. If your front feels overgrown, remove plants you don't love - sometimes it's easier to see a vision when the space is less busy!
6. Seasonality for Curb Appeal: The most beautiful designs make the most of the seasons. Work to have some greenery year round and then different plants blooming at different times of the year. Not only will people passing by enjoy this, but your local wildlife (as long as the plants are native) will thrive too!
7. Remember the Mature Size: When planting, remember that you are not buying a full size plant. Check how large your plant will grow and place it the appropriate distance from its neighbor!