3 Creative Ideas For Apartment-Sized Outdoor Living

Are you troubled by your small outdoor space? No problem! The !nspire team is here with a few tips and tricks to make it feel luxurious and comfortable!

With the second half of summer setting in, it’s important to savor what’s left of the season by enjoying your outdoor space.

Are you working with a small balcony or tiny deck?

It’s easy to make even the smallest outdoor space feel luxurious and comfortable with a few creative tips and tricks from the !nspire team!

Small Space Outdoor Living Idea #1: Go Eclectic With Unique Accessories

Just because you have a small outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with eclectic accessories. In fact, accessory-driven eclectic elements look beautiful in small spaces and add a punch of life to an otherwise lackluster area.

It doesn’t matter what your style is: whether you’re bohemian, modern or traditional, color is a fabulous place to start.

Set the tone of your small space by choosing a vibrant outdoor carpet; this gives you a base to begin building your outdoor patio.

Next is choosing furniture. This can be tricky if your space is tight, but rest assure there are pieces that will work for you—even in the smallest of spaces.

Let’s say you live in an apartment and you’re working with a box-sized balcony. A patio set is likely out of the question.

We suggest finding a 2-in-1 piece like the Nias Accent Table in Natural Teak that doubles perfectly as an accent table or as a quaint stool when guests come to visit.

2-in-1 pieces are great for saving space.

2-in-1 pieces are great for saving space.

Opting for 3 or 4 of these eclectic pieces creates a funky vibe to your outdoor space, while giving you a place to enjoy a margarita in the warm August sunshine.

Small Space Outdoor Living Idea #2: Create Interest With Pots And Planters

Who says apartment dwellers can’t have a beautiful garden? It’s all about using your creativity to make it happen.

Let’s be honest, caring for an entire front and back lawn takes a lot of time and requires ongoing maintenance. It’s a commitment.

A small garden space is easier to care for and forces you to be more strategic with your design plans, allowing you to hone in on your likes and dislikes.

Potted plants are big in home décor right now. The combination of small pots vs. large pots and unique planters are a fabulous way to add interest to your small space while showcasing your personal design aesthetic.

Looking to make a bold statement? Paint all your ceramic pots one vibrant color, or place them at different heights around your balcony.

The addition of a unique accent piece like the Hue Accent Table in Walnut gives you a special place to showcase your favorite plant, while providing a second space underneath to grow herbs and spices.

Making a bold statement is easy with the right accent piece.

Making a bold statement is easy with the right accent piece.

Using small accent pieces to display your plants adds depth to your space, making it feel large, luxurious and fragrant to boot!

Small Space Outdoor Living Idea #3: Create An Outdoor Bar Experience

While it’s true you might not be able to design a complete outdoor bar in your small outdoor space, it is possible to create an outdoor bar experience.

An outdoor bar experience is all about the ambiance, and of course, the signature drink!

To achieve this, we recommend choosing a unique accent piece like the 2-Tier Munich Console. This piece can be placed directly against your balcony wall to create an area specifically designed to mix and serve your favorite drinks when guests come over.

Use a console as the perfect drink-mixing station.

Use a console as the perfect drink-mixing station.

If taking up an entire wall steals too much of your square footage, you could try a smaller cart like the Arion 2-Tier Trolley in White, which can be wheeled in and out of your apartment as needed.

Every great bartender must have proper mixing supplies; so keep in mind these essential tools before you start crafting your signature drink!

Showcasing your unique mixing skills is a great way to add something special to your outdoor bar experience. It’ll impress your guests so much they won’t even think twice about your small space woes!

 

Do you have any other advice for making your small outdoor space feel beautiful? We’d love to hear your suggestions and ideas in the comments below!