From Patio to Personal Oasis: How to Style Your Apartment’s Outdoor Space

With the warmer temperatures finally here to stay, it's the perfect time to transform your patio into a sanctuary where you can enjoy a happy-hour drink with your BFF or sip a cup of coffee in the morning. In order to create a space that makes you want to get outside, follow these tips.

  1. Pick furniture carefully. You probably have limited space out on your balcony, so don't overstuff it with tons of furniture. Find appropriately sized chairs that either fold up or can pull double-duty—like bench seat that opens up to reveal more storage. If you have room for a small bistro table, go for it. If not, skip the table and opt for seating only.
  2. Create a secret garden. Next in order of importance: the greenery out on your patio. If you surround the space with hanging plants and potted plants, you'll feel like you've actually left your apartment altogether and stolen away to a secret garden. Pick plants that are easy to maintain and can withstand the elements.
  3. Skip the knick-knacks. You might be tempted to decorate your patio with hanging signs, centerpiece vignettes, and other odds and ends, but fight this urge. When you're designing a small space, there's no room for knick-knacks. Stick to functional pieces and greenery to create an oasis that's both practical and pretty, not cluttered.
  4. Add a throw rug. If you like to kick off your shoes as soon as you get home, find an outdoor rug to lay down on your deck. These rugs can stand up against rain and wind, and they'll add some cushion and comfort if you decide to go barefoot on the patio.

How to Make the Most of Your Seriously Small Apartment Balcony [Apartment Therapy]
Make the Most of a Small Patio [House Beautiful]
Decorating Tips for Your Apartment Patio [ResidentShield]