When it comes to our private outdoor spaces — gardens, balconies, patios and more — a bare-bones space just won’t do! Get inspired with these unique, quick, budget friendly tips that’ll radically make over your small outdoor space. When finished, just add frosty cocktails, snacks and a good book. Cheers!
Add a Bucket of Blooms
Tulips are the quintessential spring flower. The colourful bell-shaped flowers are easy to grow and look lovely in bunches. Plus, they’re inexpensive. Penny Ausley of Happy Days Farm created this spring-time ode to the tulip on her porch. Get the look by corralling as many tulips as you can into a bright vessel. Add coordinating pillows – gingham is divine – and a welcoming sign for good measure.
Related: Beautiful Backyard Ideas
Pile on Pillows
This chic little balcony — it even has art — is as elegant as a living room. Follow the same thinking on a balcony. Pile on the pillows to up the cozy factor. If you’re on a lean budget, buy a sofa secondhand and cover the imperfections with a seat cushion a blanket. This stylish set-up by the blogger Interior By D was pulled together on a dime.
Build a Vignette Around a Seat
You don’t need a conversation set to create a friendly scene. One lounger will do it. Add plants of varying heights to create a lush look (use interesting pots for fun) and fabric to block the view from the neighbours. Voila! Your own little oasis.
Put Up a Chalkboard
A vintage chalkboard is a focal point in this charming porch by Janna, the designer behind Yellow Prairie Interior Design. And how fun is it to change up the message on that board? This is a particularly good outdoor idea for families with kids. Give them a creative outlet while having fun in the sun!
Throw Down a Rug
A rug instantly anchors a space and makes it feel purposeful. Plus, they’re a great tool for compartmentalization of outdoor spaces. For example, lay a large rug down beneath your patio dining table or seating set to designate this space as your outdoor “living room” of sorts and differentiate it from the rest of the patio. This will make your outdoor seating area feel more like a proper room of its own.
Suspend Lights
No need to call up an electrician to hardwire lights. String lights (or fairy lights) create a lovely ambience when dusk hits. Read more about Ashley of Joyfully Growing’s budget patio here.
Hang Drapes
Billowy white curtains are both breezy and cozy-making, as seen in this inviting porch by Kay, the decorating diva behind Once upon a 1912. The summery rattan and wicker furnishings are a natural complement to the white drapes.
Create a Green Wall
Cover the concrete with a green garden wall. Attach the containers to just about anything from a repurposed metal grate (as shown) or a wooden pallet. Be sure your containers have holes in them for water drainage.
Put Up a Wreath
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best: Peg up a seasonal wreath on the front door — fresh or artificial, it’s no one’s business but your own. Use a Command Hook so you don’t damage the surface. Paint the door a bright colour for a joyful touch!
Line the Floor in Tiles
Cover unsightly concrete with wooden deck tiles. So warm and elegant! These ones are made of eco-friendly, oiled acacia that you click together and dissemble to reuse when you move. Add a no-nonsense folding bistro table and a plant and you’re good. Bring on the sunshine!
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