9 Ideas for Styling a Pocket of Outdoor Space
Want to enjoy your outside space this summer without a long-term investment? Check out these nifty, flexible outdoor decorating ideas
Jo Simmons
11 June 2016
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
When you rent your home, sinking plants into the soil in its garden can feel counterintuitive: Establishing a garden is a long-term project, but you may only be in this home for a short while. Your rented home may have only a tiny pocket of outdoor space too, throwing up another set of challenges.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to improve the outside area attached to your rented home, from simple styling to ingenious planting. These ideas won’t cost a ton, either, but will quickly bring color and personality to your patch.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to improve the outside area attached to your rented home, from simple styling to ingenious planting. These ideas won’t cost a ton, either, but will quickly bring color and personality to your patch.
1. Style it up. Take your approach to the interior of your home outside and style your space as you would a room. Here, cactuses, table decorations, versatile furniture and a lantern give this compact balcony masses of character. Choose pieces you can leave outdoors, or simply move indoor items out when needed.
2. Lay down an outdoor rug. Disguise a damaged deck or brighten a shady space with an outdoor rug. Woven from fibers that can withstand the weather, an outdoor rug is an easy and inexpensive way to bring color to a garden, and it feels good under bare feet too.
3. Get clever with pots. Potted plants are ideal in a rented garden: You can move them around and then take them with you when you leave. Rather than invest in planters, though, why not make your own with salvaged materials, like these colorful cans?
Use vibrant decorated tins, remove the labels from regular cans and spray-paint them, or leave them bare if you like metallic accents. Remember to punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
Use vibrant decorated tins, remove the labels from regular cans and spray-paint them, or leave them bare if you like metallic accents. Remember to punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
4. Build some seating. Use a simple row of wooden pallets, stacked a couple deep and topped with foam cushions, to make comfy, stylish outdoor seating. Then use an unadorned pallet as a coffee table. Minimal investment and very little time required!
See how to build a deck chair from a pallet
See how to build a deck chair from a pallet
5. Bring out blankets and light candles. Even the most modest of outdoor spaces can look magical when lit by candles. Invest in hurricane lamps, or simply pop tea lights into jam jars and sprinkle them around.
To help you enjoy the outdoors late into the evening, layer seats with old blankets that you can snuggle into when the temperature drops.
To help you enjoy the outdoors late into the evening, layer seats with old blankets that you can snuggle into when the temperature drops.
6. Think vertically. OK, so your rented home has only a sliver of outdoor space or a micro-balcony. No problem. Capitalize on the available vertical space. Create layers of interest with bright cushions, potted plants on tables or attached to railings, art on walls and hanging lanterns.
7. Decorate with salvaged pieces. Scatter pretty salvaged finds around to ratchet up the character and charm. Ironwork, lanterns, old tools, picture frames, ceramics — anything goes.
8. Add some shine. A small piece of mirror decor will add sparkle and interesting reflections to a plain wall.
9. Make your own handles and latches. Personalize a shed or gate with homemade handles and latches, fashioned from old tools and other clever finds. For this garden, the handle was made from an old horseshoe.
Clever renters: How have you made your garden, patio or balcony your own?
Clever renters: How have you made your garden, patio or balcony your own?
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The daughter's condo has a 4.5x8 ft concrete balcony which came with an astroturf 'carpet'. She recently (and somewhat circumspectly, since all the balconies in the complex sport this fake greenery) spent the weekend cutting the astroturf out in squares. She's now redone the balcony with Ikea decking squares. These 'float' over the concrete, and can be taken up the winter. The balcony is now both better looking and kinder to bare feet!