Building Balcony Gardens

Whether you like to grow your own herbs, entertain guests or just need a little fresh air once in a while, think of your patio as a blank canvas that can be easily transformed into a personal paradise. By focusing on four main aspects: furniture, lighting, decor and garden, you can easily turn your patio into the small, quaint escape of your dreams.

First, focus on the furniture. This will take up the largest amount of your precious patio space, so pick out a couple of simple, yet bright pieces to build the rest of your decor around. The key to picking out the perfect patio furniture is to choose something that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a cushioned bench with a lifting seat provides both a spot to curl up as well as an extra storage space underneath the cushions. Add at least one small table to hold candles, food or a great book. Bronze is your best bet for a table that will resist wear and tear while also matching nearly any color scheme.

Lighting is commonly overlooked, but it can drastically change how a space looks and feels. Twinkling strands of lights are cheap, and can be wrapped around guardrails or hung above doorframes for a quick, festive look. Candles of different sizes within the color palette you selected are another cheap way to give off a romantic, intimate vibe. If you have more time to invest, consider installing outdoor lighting fixtures on the walls. They range from $25 to $300, and look more polished and provide more light than the strands do.

The key to picking out the rest of the décor for your patio is to find pieces that can withstand potentially harsh weather conditions. An eye-catching striped rug ties the rest of the pieces together and gives the space a warm, homey feel. Look for ones made out of polypropylene, as these are both durable and stain-resistant. Also check the label to make sure the rug is UV approved. This will keep your rug from fading in the sun. When it comes to choosing patio décor, be creative! Small fountains, wind chimes and weathervanes are only the beginning when it comes to outdoor decoration. The importance lies in making sure you choose items that are weather-resistant, sun-resistant and not too big. Try focusing on one larger statement-making piece rather than cluttering the patio with many small trinkets.

There are a variety of plants that would complement a small patio without making the space feel cramped or too wild. Look for plants that will add a lot of color and interest without taking up too much space. If you have a guardrail or covered patio, hanging plants may be your best option. For those with a green thumb, try orchids or dwarf conifers. These blooms are beautiful and colorful, but do not take up much space. If gardening is not your thing, you can still enjoy a bit of nature’s beauty by choosing plants that require less time and care, such as small cacti, or salvia, a perennial that is known for its incredible ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The most important thing to remember when choosing plants is to find ones that fit well with the temperature and sun exposure levels of your patio.

Sarah Sosa is a recent graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism where she focused on creating multimedia content. She has worked for multiple news outlets, including two NBC stations, a newspaper and a multi-source news app. Sarah enjoys hiking, going to concerts and attempting DIY projects in her own quest for the perfectly decorated apartment. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Follow her on Google+