Simple Outdoor Living Ideas for Small Spaces

Entry #1111, April 21, 2012

Now that spring is officially underway there is a desire to take advantage of Mother Nature’s most prized assets – sun, fresh air and to be amongst foliage and nature. Outdoor living can be enjoyable or it can be a challenge if you live in a smaller home, an urban location, or an apartment with limited outdoor space. Here are a few ways to make the most of the season and still bring nature into your small and cozy outdoor space.

Enjoy your small outdoor space

Image via: Cotede Texas.Blogspot

Assess your outdoor living space:  

• While you may not have a sprawling patio to put pool furniture there may be more usable area than you think. Measure out your terrace, patio, or balcony area and take these measurements to your garden furniture or online site. Outdoor furniture in polywood, wrought iron, aluminum, and resin wicker styles are usually smaller in profile than large wood and upholstered furniture styles. Look for bistro chair and table sets that maximize vertical height and still enable 2 people to sit comfortably with a table. Don’t be limited by what you think is a small outdoor living area.

Bring color and textures to your space

Image via: Nicole Bowden.Pinterest

Add color to every corner!

Any small space can become a entertaining spot

Enliven your space with plants and decor: 

• While your area might be small you can still take advantage of nature by adding hanging plants, potted plants and key decor pieces such as lanterns or hanging lights throughout your small patio or terrace area. Bring in a colorful all-weather area rug to place below your furniture and decorate your chairs with gorgeous throw pillows. You will be surprised how quickly your cozy small outdoor space feels comfortable and inviting. When using decorative outdoor pieces, ensure you measure out how much space it will use and that there is sufficient walking space around your pieces. Try and use ceiling hung and wall decor as much as possible to avoid this problem.

Add greenery and window boxes to add texture and warmth

Image via: Paris Nights and New York Lights.Tumblr

Every home should be able to enjoy outdoor living regardless of the space allotted to you. Even if you don’t have a space to call your own, invest in some portable picnic lounge chairs that you can take to your local park along with a picnic basket and a good book. Many cities have community gardens that the community can partake in and lounge and meet your neighbors. If you prefer to take advantage of nature from the inside of your home, consider window boxes full with beautiful seasonal blooms or even beautiful faux varieties. Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t require an expansive area, just the ability to let nature into your lifestyle!

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.