Reader Lila sent me this photo of the private patio adjacent to her new apartment (lucky girl!), asking for suggestions on what to do with it (apparently she can paint, renovate…whatever she likes). Because this is exactly the kind of problem I’d like to have, let’s do a little fantasizing.
The possibilities with something like this are endless, so a good place to start is by figuring out what kind of overall look floats your boat. For me, that’d be one of these four styles:
Country Cottage
Feel: Feminine, cozy, perfect for breakfasts in the sun with a cup of tea.
Key Elements: Wrought iron table and chairs (preferably white), mismatched floral cushions, chandelier or votive candles in glass holders.
Moroccan-Inspired Glam
Feel: Bohemian, stylish, a little over-the-top, perfect for those who love entertaining.
Key Elements: Tons of color, pillows everywhere, ornate details, metallics, starburst wall hanging.
Chic Lounge
Feel: Ritzy, glamorous, relaxing, ideal for entertainers who are a bit more St. Barth’s than Cancun.
Key Elements: Yellow, green and white palette, lots of plants and candles, natural fabrics like wicker and jute, elegant accessories.
Retro
Feel: Fun, playful, casual, a great bet for anyone who loves beer and BBQ.
Key Elements: Primary colors, faux grass, fairy lights, hanging lanterns, plastic flamingos.
And regardless of the decor style you go for, I’m going to insist that it include a garden gnome.
Things To Consider When Decorating Your Patio:
– Use weather-friendly materials (vinyl cushions, plastic furniture, or treated wood/metal pieces).
– You might want to purchase seating options that incorporate storage, so that you don’t have to cart everything you’ll need for entertaining out from your apartment every single time people come over. Examples of items you might want to store include extra cups, plates, and cutlery, a blanket for chilly evenings, and extra floor cushions.
– If you enjoy moving things around and redecorating, keep the pieces that you purchase on the lighter side. Flower pots, for example, can weigh a ton, but you can purchase plastic versions that look just like the real thing.
– Keep the feel at least somewhat consistent with your apartment’s interior so that there’s nice indoor/outdoor flow.
– Are you a good gardener? If so, there’s nothing better than a patio space filled with plants (and herbs! and vegetables!)…but if you’re like me and kill everything green that you come into contact with, it’ll be more of a pain than a pleasure. Go for the fake stuff, or create atmosphere using things like fairy lights and colorful fabrics.
– If you don’t think the noise will bug your neighbors, I highly recommend installing a small fountain – it’ll block out any outside noise and create an unbelievably relaxing atmosphere.
