How to Decorate Your Patio for Summer Living
With the weather getting warmer and brighter with each passing day, you might be looking for a new space to entertain and spend some peaceful time in your apartment. And if you have an outdoor space like a balcony, you may already be looking to those doors to make your way out this summer.
Especially as COVID-19 restrictions are lifting in New York City, people still want to be cautious and careful with their health and wellness. So while you might not be ready to go out to the bars and clubs, entertaining friends and family at your place is always an option you can control.
Your patio or outdoor space should be the perfect place to unwind. If you’re looking for the best ways to decorate your city patio or balcony, here are some ideas you can check out.
1. Start With the Furniture
One of the first things you might want to consider when decorating your patio or balcony is the type of furniture you want to have around and use. The kind of furniture you want to include on your patio depends on what you want to do with your space.
If you want to entertain and have places to serve summer treats, invest in a nice coffee table or dining table for outdoor eating. If you’d rather read and listen to music with just one pal, put your focus on comfortable chairs.
2. Plants Everywhere
This pointer can be especially helpful for those who live in urban settings without much greenery outside. Whether you have a flat patio, a tiny balcony, or a terrace, putting plants all around can truly make you feel like you’re experiencing the outdoors.
You can use planter boxes, hanging plants, or simple potted plants. You can even grow fruits and vegetables that are easy in urban environments like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Take inspiration from some of the best-designed outdoor spaces NYC buildings have to offer. Private and community terraces alike offer a more serene setting with plenty of potted plants and greenery to dress up an outdoor seating area. Small trees and shrubbery can be low-maintenance with all the benefits of nature.
3. Light It Up
Even in the summer, the sun goes down. That’s why it can be functional and aesthetically pleasing to find lights that work for your patio.
While using a standard porch light can be a great starting point, finding string lights, fairy lights, and other lighting solutions — like outdoor candles or torches — can both cast light into unexpected places and add to the chic style of your outdoor space.
4. Establish Social Space
This one might depend on exactly how much space you have, but if you’re looking to entertain in your space, leaving a bit of standing room can help out a lot. Nobody likes to feel cramped, especially if you’re socially distancing. Know the purpose of your space so you can design it accordingly. And if that includes a bit of extra room, don’t ignore that need!
Many large residential buildings in New York City have designed patio spaces to accommodate several groups of residents, allowing for small gatherings that don’t create crowding. 25 Park Row, for example, is a tower structured with terraces and balconies to boost its biophilic design philosophy. If you don’t own your own outdoor space, securing a unit with well-design outdoor space can still provide plenty of summer socialization.
5. Throw Some Shade
The summer sun can be a bit hot. That’s why having a place to get outside but still get some shade can be a great balance. Each balcony and patio will require its own shade solutions and shade structures. While some will work best with a parasol, others might require an awning.
If nothing else, a nice umbrella can usually get the job done. Find something that matches your style and you should be good to go!
Decorating Your City Patio for Summer
Each patio and balcony is different. Living in the hustle and bustle of New York, you deserve an outdoor space where you can relax, entertain, or do any mix of the two. It’s all about finding what works with your personal style and taking things from there.
From the furniture to the lighting, there are so many ways to use your outdoor space for function and style. Do you have a favorite decorating technique for outdoor spaces?
About the Author:
Evelyn Long is a real estate writer and editor. She manages Renovated, a web magazine for renters, buyers and professionals. She’s also contributed to Rental Housing Journal, National Association of REALTORS®, and other online publications.
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