The design of interior patios will generally follow the same rules for the design of small gardens. The real big difference is paying more attention to vertical space: the walls that surround the patios. Some small gardens require this attention, but almost all patios have this additional consideration.

Generally, the first thing that comes to mind when decorating walls and vertical spaces is to cover them with vines. While this has a lot of character, it just decorates the existing boundary without creating depth or the illusion of a boundary.

In most cases, I’ve found that creating a free-standing tall fountain in front of patio walls and/or in corners can create a 3D effect much like that found in paintings. In a sense, it turns the freestanding item into a focal point while using the decorated walls as a backdrop or frame. Framing an element in this way helps create boundary depth behind that element.

Some good items to use are small trees with tall trunks, tall pots, pots on stands, groups of pots, trellis, and decor. Creating beds along the walls, filling them with the same vines as the walls, and placing some tall specimen plants or trees also makes a nice dramatic framing effect with lots of depth.

The color of your walls also makes a big difference to the depth, atmosphere, and mood of your patio garden. Bright, light colors have a more closed-in feel, while darker colors add more depth and a feeling of more space and distance.

Wall decoration, wrought iron wall decoration, clay ornaments and wall fountains are also some good elements to effectively use vertical space in small enclosed gardens. When using elements like this, pay special attention to the principles of unity, simplicity, and repetition. Stay consistent. Using more and varied objects can start to look very messy.

Small garden design and patio design should pay more attention to detail rather than fill the space. Using more is not always better. And sticking to a few elements and a few basic design principles will create a much more elegant clean atmosphere.