Living in an apartment can be quite challenging. One of the challenges that you can encounter is the availability of space, especially in your outdoor patio area. While there are apartments that offer wide floor area but the majority of the units are just enough for basic furnishings. But this will never prevent you from having a well-designed apartment.

Let’s start from your apartment’s patio. Well, you can’t expect this area to be spacious. But this can still be a functional and relaxing patio that you wanted. You just have to maximize the space and learn from the experts.

Image via: Deco Dice

[ad#co-1]

If you want to know how to decorate your tiny apartment patio, here are some helpful ideas:

Maximize every corner

Using every corner of your patio will definitely help. For instance, choose any L-shape bench that will cover 2 sides of the patio. You can have them customized with your favorite furniture shop for proper fitting. As for your table, prefer smaller ones that can accommodate your coffee or any drinks. Don’t forget to place rugs at the bottom to add accent on the floor area.

Image via: Pinterest

Think outside of the box

This idea simply means you go out of the ordinary. You can actually save space when you forgo traditional table. Try a small side table that can be used as a chair when needed. It’s small but terrible, indeed! Also try the relaxing lounge chairs instead of the traditional patio chairs you know.

Image via: House and Home

Make use of the balcony ledge

You can free up some space if you make use of your balcony ledge. The patio ledge can be utilized as your plants’ rack rather than using the floor area. This should give you a decent amount of space. The empty space vacated by the flower pots can be used for a comfortable bench.

These are just some of the best ideas on how to decorate your tiny apartment patio. Feel free to implement any of these ideas to enhance your small patio space.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Having a weekend picnic is surely a perfect way of gathering your family and enjoying the outdoors. With a few hours of bonding together outside your home and eating a great meal is a summertime favorite past time. If you aren’t sure what to pack, when to plan it or where to go, these picnic tips will surely help.

Image via

When going on a picnic, have a list of things you need to bring. You have to remember that there are foods that can easily spoil. Make sure to store it in a cooler or pack ice packs inside of picnic baskets. Here are some other important tips to pack for your summer weekend picnic.

[ad#co-1]

Consider the weather

It is very important to check possible weather conditions ahead so that you will know if there’s a need for you to bring coats, umbrellas and other protection from the rain. Even if it isn’t going to rain, also prepare for hot beaming sun. Consider bringing a canopy, beach umbrella or other shading device for extremely hot summer days.

Image via

Check for location

More often than not, people prefer having their picnics near lakes, rivers or in parks. These places offer a lot of fun activities for the whole family. Also, bringing your family to nature is an great way to get out of the house and enjoy the summer sun. If you choose to have it near a water location, consider packing items for activities too! Don’t forget to pack fishing essentials like fishing rod, water goggles and floaters. If you choose to have it in a park, packing blankets, folding chairs and bringing tablecloths and linen should be considered. Visit your local housewares store, many of them have picnic basket kits that are already for your outing. They may include dinnerware, utensils, linen and more, all in a handy ready to go basket.

Image via

Prepare food that can hold up to the heat

To have a successful picnic you need to prepare food that can be cooked an transported easily. A grilled recipe would be one of the best options you have. So, get hold of grilling utensils and ingredients. Research your picnic location in advance for the availability of grilling areas. To prevent your main ingredients like pork, beef, lamb and other meat spoiling, you may precook them. This will also prevent you from bringing lots of utensils. Also, bring the right amount of food intended for the activity. For beverages, consider how much you will be bringing for your own convenience. You should know how many family members and guests you have to properly account the amount of beverages to bring. If hot food is too much work, sandwiches and delicious sides and desserts can still make a great picnic!

Image via

Aside from the above-mentioned packing ideas, always ensure to pack necessary utensils you may need such as bottle openers, glasses, plates and other basic utensils. Your summer weekends just got better with the help of these useful tips. Enjoy your picnic!

For more recreation ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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.

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.

Image via: Nicole Bowden.Pinterest

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.

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.