Lucky you, you snagged a place with outdoor space! Sure, it might not be as big and glamorous as a huge backyard, but, hey, at least don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or critters crawling into your pool. Now it’s time to turn your small square-footage into a boho balcony, tropical terrace, or whatever vibe you’re going for. Ready to enjoy a breath of fresh air?
Find your seat under the sun and shade
First things first, you’ll need seating for lounging, reading, and people-watching. Compact couches and lounge chairs are a winning choice for your patio or porch, but you’ll also want to look for rust-free and weather-resistant construction and cushions. My Playspace Sectional not only fights the outdoor elements, but it also has secret storage…and you and I both know that when it comes to small spaces, the more storage the better!
Make room for morning coffee and evening drinks
My outdoor end tables and accent tables are ready for all your beverages and snacks! Planning on using your sunny space for dining more often than relaxing? Instead of a sofa and ottoman, add a small bistro table and chairs to your Parisian terrace, and transform it into your own personal café. Big perk: You’ll never have to wait in line to get your cup of coffee.
Warm up your space with throws, pillows, and rugs
After figuring out the major furniture pieces, it’s time to add the cozy stuff. Toss on blankets and accent pillows for comfort and to add a splash of your favorite prints, colors, and designs. Remember that secret storage I mentioned earlier? That’ll come in handy here for storing your couch accessories.If you love going barefoot in the warmer months, then you’ll want to snag an outdoor rug. They’re durable enough to keep outside, and they make any floor instantly feel homier and comfier.
Light up your nights
Make every night a starry night with twinkling lights. Here’s a bright idea to get you started: Try budget-friendly string lights to bring a peaceful ambience to your space. Candles and lanterns will also create a beautiful surrounding glow, or you can hang pendant lamps to really maximize floor space. Don’t forget that bulbs make a difference, too! Go for warm LED lighting and avoid harsh fluorescent lights. Just be careful not to overdo it… You don’t want your space looking like a Christmas display (unless that’s your thing, of course).
Plants are your friends
While you’re at it, spruce up your space with greenery. After all, you are hanging out in nature, so live like it! Plants are more than just a pretty addition and great for the environment—they can reduce stress and boost your mood. If you don’t have a good history of keeping plants alive, don’t worry; artificial plants are fabulous additions, too. Pop them in a planter for an extra thriving look. My planters come in many different materials, like stone, metal, and wood, so you can tie in your style. An eclectic look works well for an outdoor area, so go ahead and mix and match furniture and decor—A ceramic tabletop paired with a rustic chair sounds like a stylish staycation spot to me!
And there you have it, easy ways to bring your big dreams to your small outdoor space.
