How To Maximize Your Balcony/Patio/Outdoor Space
*Plant a garden. You can still grow a garden when you don’t have your own plot of land, just use containers! You can grow herbs, veggies, flowers, and even other plants such as bamboo to create privacy. A garden is especially nice if you don’t have a scenic view from your balcony. You can check out my tips for creating a container garden here.
*Get crafty. If photography’s not your thing, move your craft table outside or create a crafting area. This is a plus if you have little ones you do crafts with, so that any messes are easier to clean up and much less of a liability. This year, I placed a folding table outside to work on my watercolors. The natural light is a benefit, even in the shade.
*Dine alfresco: Sure, a bistro set would be ideal to enjoy your meals outside, but you don’t have to spend much to re-create one. Some chairs and a table are all that’s really needed so you can create your own combination like I did with a side table and patio chairs. Even eating just a bowl of cereal outside in the morning adds something special to the start of my day.
*Make it comfy. Use pillows, outdoor furniture, blankets, place-mats, tables, etc. I’ve made my balcony so comfortable that I’ve taken naps out there.
*Use the same or similar color scheme of the other rooms in your home. Keeping a similar color scheme throughout the rooms creates a greater sense of flow in your home. A bonus is that the decor and furniture can easily be interchangeable. Here are some pillow covers I sewed to coordinate the colors between the living room and balcony, which is also visible from the living room:
*Use decor: mirrors, wall hangings, candles, place mats… the possibilities are endless! Just make sure the decor will withstand the weather.
*Create a spiritual space. Bring out your yoga mat, meditation cushion, Bible, etc. You can learn my tips for how to create a sacred space here.
*Pamper yourself. I love to do my pedicures outside: I soak my feet in a cheap, plastic tub, bring out a book/magazine plus all the accoutrements to making those piggies nice and soft. Clean-up is super easy when you’re outside. If you don’t have a pool, this is also a great way to relax and cool off in the heat.
*Take candid photos of animals and nature. Doing this helps keep me present and practice my photography skills. Even if you don’t have the benefit of nature outside your space, snap photos of your garden and plants. These are some photos I’ve been fortunate to snap throughout the years:
There’s no rules on how to use your outdoor space… the important thing is to make it uniquely yours!
Thanks for visiting! Let’s stay connected!
Linked to:
Mums Make Lists: Empty Your Archive Party
Craft Dictator: Craft Frenzy Friday
The Answer is Chocolate: BFF Open House Link Party
A Peek Into My Paradise: Friday Pin Fest
My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating: Flaunt It Friday
Simply Designing: Simply Create Link Party
Nifty Thrifty Things: Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Flamingo Toes: Think Pink Sunday
VMG206: DIY Sunday Showcase Link Party
A Pretty Life In the Suburbs: Our Sunday Best
Kitchen Table Art: Making Monday
Rae Gun Ramblings: Block Party
Huckleberry Love: Much Ado About Monday
Reblogged this on Potted Plant Society.
Love this…I live in an apartment complex and I hate seeing most of the balconies as empty as they are. I’m one of the few with plants and probably have more than everybody else here.
Thank you! If I could afford a jungle of plants out there, I would!
I picked up most of mine after being marked down insanely low or I started from seed. I can’t stand paying a lot for a plant! Lol.
I love those blue herb tubs on the fence, what a great idea! Re the comment above about the cost of plants, I like to “save” the ones that are almost dead and therefore marked right down in price. As long as there is still a little green there is hope! I get a lot of cuttings/seeds/divided plants from friends & family too. I guess it’s all about who you know!
That’s a great tip; thanks for sharing and taking the time to comment!
These are a lot of good ideas. I’ve been working on making our porches better. After I get some seating out there I’m going to have to try your pedicure idea!
Thanks! I appreciate your stopping through and commenting!
Great post! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams, starts on Fridays 😀 Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party.
Thanks for the comment!
It looks lovely out on your balcony. Containers of wonderful plants and flowers always seem to make an outdoor space inviting. Your containers on the side of your balcony are a great use of space!
Thanks! I appreciate the comment!
oh my gosh, that pic of the squirrel is too funny. i love the hanging blue containers.
Yeah! That was the only time I’ve seen a squirrel do that! Thanks for the comment!