Geometric flair

Winner: Small space

The tiny San Francisco backyard appears larger than its 1,000 square feet. Alternating bands of stone paving and pebbles give the ground rhythm and movement, while polished steel balls reflect light and clouds, adding the illusion of space. “It’s low maintenance but high style—a garden to live in but not take care of,” our judges said.

Why it won:

• Diagonals. Set at a 62° angle to the house, the courtyard provides the illusion of space.