We’re all thinking about how we can make the most of our outdoor living spaces as the optimism of springtime is upon us. Here we discuss those design tricks we employ indoors, to see how you can make the very most of your space outdoors should it be more compact. Let’s make the very most of home, and celebrate the magic of those small balconies, courtyards and bijou patios.
Take the style outside with furniture and accessories
Just as the furniture commands attention inside, it also sets the tone outside. In those smaller spaces, it’s even more important to get it right so the look flows and feels less disconnected from the house. From the elegant woven rope design of our Woven Rope Bistro Set to the more contemporary Faro Set - it is quite easy to take the style outside and not be restricted by your space.
Outdoor scatter cushions add layers to your space, they’ll help you realise the most from your outdoor by upping the comfort and they won’t absorb the morning dew if you forget to bring them indoors. Use seat cushions - if your patio only has space for one chair, a padded seat will offer better comfort when you’re wanting to relax, not dine.
Use an Outdoor mirror
Draw on those proven interior design tricks to dress your bijou outdoor, such as a well-placed outdoor mirror to reflect on your space and open it up. We hang mirrors in our hallways to bring the light in, and gardens are no exception to the rule. Carefully place a mirror on a balcony or patio, propped and secured to a wall or fence and watch your garden grow.
Style a wall in your garden
Seek out an accent wall on your balcony or patio and use it to display a plant stand or decorative outdoor accessory. For those looking for a DIY project now that the weather has brightened, why not create a panelled wall for the easy display of a variety of pieces? Embrace the backdrop of a panelled fence like you would an inside wall; following the same styling principles of creating a visual story - arrange pieces in odd numbers and group collections together. Creating a layered space reflects your style and will disguise the limited boundary of a compact outdoor.
Add height to compact spaces with planters
Continue the styling of your outdoor by utilising the unrestricted space above. Arranging plant pots and troughs to a plant stand is not only a solution for a limited floor area, it will give the impression of more space and it might also provide a bit of privacy screening if you’re missing the natural borders and beds provided by a larger garden.
What to plant in pots in spring?
Patios and balconies need not be restricted by lack of beds for planting; in April there’s still time to plant from seed - choose a hardy perennial that will fill a pot well like Erigeron. Choose masses of daisy-like flowers to soften and disguise the edges of limited space - removing the definition of any compact space to a magical effect. Choose zinc, fluted planters for a vintage look or rattan ones for a natural scheme.
Clever seating for patios
Consider how you use your patio and balcony so that the furniture you choose serves the space well. If you want to dine outside opt for a bistro set or foldaway table - to prioritise comfort and relaxation opt for a hanging chair (a statement piece can form the focal for your decoration and make the space look larger) - or, for versatility, choose a foldaway deckchair or simply fill the space you have with an Indoor Outdoor Beanbag!
Choose a corner set for the patio
We end our post with this image of the beautiful @tanyaburr - taking in the sun on her patio with a cleverly placed corner set - a great social seating solution for a more compact outdoor because positioning a corner set to the outer edge can really maximise space.
For more tips on choosing Outdoor Furniture, take a look at our Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide.