How To Maximize Your Balcony/Patio/Outdoor Space

This year, I set a personal goal to spend more time out on my balcony. Here are some ways you can also do so with your balcony, patio, deck, or other 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!

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