Sometimes all you really need is a little vitamin D. And what better way to soak up the upcoming summer sunshine than on your outdoor patio. Yes, it might be a little drab and maybe it’s a space that you’ve been neglecting for a while, but it could be your one connection to the great outdoors. After all, huge lawns could be considered a luxury and sometimes you must make do with what you have, which in quite a few cases is a tiny patio, small balcony or even a mid-sized driveway.
It’s understandable that you should feel some reluctance towards this task, especially if you’re renting. Decorating a small outdoor area that may not be yours in a year can feel like a waste of money. However, EZ Living Furniture has put together a list of the most cost-effective ways in which you can turn your mini courtyard into a beautiful sanctuary fit for…..well, you. And what’s more, these non-permanent tips include accessories and items of furniture that can be easily transported to your next property should you need to move sooner than expected.
Remove Any Clutter
First things first, you must take a few minutes to assess your patio or balcony. If it is filled with barely-alive potted plants and rusted chairs, you have some important decisions to make. You will need to find a way to recycle these old pieces of furniture if they are damaged, and dispose of your plants in the most eco-friendly way possible. This will take time and research. Composting is one of the easiest ways to rid yourself of old plants, and a few internet searches for your nearest recycling centre will solve the issue of the rusted chairs. Alternatively, you could try upcycling old garden furniture and repurposing them throughout the house. If it is still in working order, an egg chair could become your new perfect indoor window seat.
Consider Multi-Purpose Outdoor Furniture
Once you have a clear outdoor space to work with, the world is your oyster, even if it’s relatively small. Starting with a blank canvas can make all the difference and give you a sense of what you would like to achieve with the space. Starting with essential pieces of furniture can give you all the clarity you need to create a cosy and unique outdoor space. Still, it’s important to be clever here. Prioritise what you actually need and purchase those multi-functional items first. You can always keep adding to this collection over time. Most individuals will require a chair or a cosy seat to sit in when lounging on their outdoor patio. For this, you should consider an egg chair because they are relatively small and will fit on most outdoor patios and balconies. Did we also mention that they are extremely comfortable? Well, they are. And although they are primarily used outdoors, these can be used indoors too, which means they are the perfect investment. If you find yourself moving to a place that no longer has an outdoor area, an egg chair can then become the new cosy corner in your sitting room. Don’t forget, you will also need a side table or smaller lamp table to be able to rest your coffee on when relaxing too!
Make Space for Artificial Plants
Your patio should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. So, once you have invested in those essential items of furniture, it’s time to turn your attention to the smaller home accessories. After all, it’s the home accessories that add the finishing touches to a space and help to make it feel full of character and charm. For an outdoor space, your focus should lie on decorating using foliage or more specifically, potted plants. This will help to create a garden vibe in an area that has no real room for one, such as a balcony, patio, or driveway. Using artificial potted plants is even better because, if, like me, you tend to kill every real plant you own, you needn’t worry about watering the fake ones. Faux plants have come a long way too, they are being produced to look more realistic with every passing day, and some even come in their own decorative pot, so that is one less purchase to worry about. Fake foliage is durable, requires less maintenance, and can be used in multiple locations if you ever get bored with its positioning.
Use Textiles to Warm Up Your Outdoor Area
An outdoor rug, decorative throws and a few cushions can go a long way toward making your outdoor space look as cosy as can be. These inexpensive home accessories can make a set of outdoor chairs look incredible, even if they are a little withered and you still haven’t gotten around to painting them yet. Just like you would indoors, you need to bring in textiles, colour, and texture to an outdoor patio to visually warm up the space and tie it all together. Without these, your balcony will appear bland and uninviting. This will eventually lead to avoiding this area at all costs and never venturing out there, even for a quick cuppa.
EZ TIP: Look for outdoor cushions and rug materials that are both mildew and fade-resistant if you plan to keep them outdoors on a permanent basis. If your textiles are not weather resistant, don’t forget to bring them back in with you when you wander back indoors.
Play with Lighting
If you plan on hosting late-night intimate dinner parties on your patio, you’ll need some lighting to be able to see the other diners and most importantly, the food. Similarly, for those of you who wish to use your outdoor oasis as a quaint reading nook, you will also need enough lighting to light up the pages of your favourite novel. If your patio is shaded or is awkwardly covered by an awning or part of another building, lighting becomes even more of a necessity. You may not get much natural light, and this is why you need to consider all the various types of lighting. From table lamps to floor lanterns, string lights to LED candles, each one is worth careful consideration before making your final decision. Feeling indecisive? There is no law that says that you must choose one lighting option and stick to it, in fact, interior designers recommend introducing multiple lighting options to a space to bring even more interest to your outdoor oasis.
And….it’s just that EZ! By following these simple tips, you can create your own outdoor sanctuary in no time. Ultimately, your aim is to design a space that brings you joy every time you step outside, and this takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and that’s ok. Don’t be afraid to continuously add to this area over time because every addition is another reflection of your personality and there really is nothing better than that.
Looking to host an impromptu garden party in your newly designed outdoor patio? Read: Create An Impromptu Garden Party With Items You Already Have.
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