22 ways to make your small outdoor space look incredible

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Urban Courtyard for Entertaining, Bestall & Co Landscape Design Ltd Bestall & Co Landscape Design Ltd Modern garden
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Here at homify we often talk about how to make the most of what you've got, whether it be fantastic design tips, small renovations, or simply rearranging your furniture. But one particular thing that a lot of us face in increasingly urbanised residential areas is shrinking outdoor spaces. While some are lucky enough to have gardens, more and more of us have to make do with a small balcony or patio area to get our sunshine at home, but that doesn't mean it can't look fabulous!

Today we're going to show you how to make your small outdoor areas look incredible with a few clever tips that are simple, economical, and inspiring. Things as basic as innovative plant arrangements can completely change the way you view your outdoor area to make sure that you can spend your afternoons reading in the sun, and glamorous evenings dining al fresco in the moonlight.

1. An Asian styled feature piece

A shrine inspired feature will look fantastic in any area. Blending traditional design with a modern sensibility, use Chinese lanterns, giant vases, and bamboo for a timeless appeal.

2. A miniature garden

Even with a tiny space you can still have an entire world of greenery; just go mini! With a little bit of tending and planning, use bonsai trees, trimmed bamboo, and figures or small models for a Vietnamese style Hòn Non Bộ.

3. Innovative planters

There are so many different kinds of planters available, just see for yourself! Pick one that works with the style of your garden, like this stone piece featuring offset planter boxes that looks just stunning!

4. Cooking outside

There's no better way to entertain guests than with a summer barbecue, and it really doesn't matter how big the space is. From giant pizza ovens to small charcoal barbecues, you'll be cooking delicious smokey meals and filling your house with intoxicating aromas.

5. Hanging planters

Hanging planters work literally anywhere in the home, but they always look great outside, especially if you're growing herbs or flowers that need a lot of sunshine. All you need is a wall for a hook, or a little overhang, and you've got your very own garden swaying gently in the breeze.

6. A balcony bar

City balconies can offer up some pretty breathtaking vistas, so set yourself up to enjoy them! Build a bar along the rail of your balcony, and you can use it as a fantastic summer workspace or just a place to reflect over a pint of beer at night.

7. Hanging furniture

There's a lot to like about this particular balcony, especially with the innovative wall garden, but we are all about that swinging chair. A hanging chair is a great way to while away the hours, softly rocking in its comforting embrace, plus it's easy! Simply build a sturdy swing, add a few cushions, and you're done! 

8. A dining area

We don't always know what to do with our balconies, and too often they go unused. But if you get some patio furniture and set up an al fresco dining area we know you'll be out there every chance you get!

9. Floating planter boxes

Floating planter boxes always look stunning, and they're a great way to build your very own garden even when the only space you have available is a single wall. These rustic planter boxes are built from recycled wood if you're up for a DIY challenge!

10. An outdoor bar

This is a fantastic idea for warmer climates. If you have a small covered patio area or terrace, building a stocked bar, complete with a fridge and utensils, will have you hosting glamorous evenings in the waning sun.

11. Artificial turf

Artificial turf is a great way to introduce a little fun to your balcony. Low maintenance and tidy, artificial turf will set the tone for your garden with a bed of green, enhancing any potted plants you may have. 

12. Spas, baths, and hot tubs

You don't need a huge space for a bath, but it will make a huge difference in your outdoor area! Whether it be a spa pool, or a small fire bath, there's nothing more relaxing than soaking in the tub in the fresh air.

13. DIY furniture

For a cheap and fun way to quickly liven up your balcony, try building your own furniture! This simple coffee table is made of two wooden crates and a pane of glass, and has a cool modern charm. Using recycled materials is always a good way to go, it looks trendy, and it's eco-friendly.

14. LED pots

This LED pot looks positively alluring. There have been all kinds of advances in LED lights that have resulted in amazing innovations like this one to help give your next party some Hollywood style!

15. Reuse old furniture

We bet you haven't seen anything like this before! With a little imagination and out of the box thinking, typical from the homify experts, we have another awesome idea; repurposing your old furniture. This set of drawers, with the lower draw converted into a planter box looks like it's straight out of a fairytale, and the chair looks so quirky and whimsical! This is a fun project to work on with the kids.

16. Hammocks

Hammocks may just represent the apex of human achievement. They're comfortable, light, and you can hang them anywhere, especially in an outdoor nook!

17. A hybrid planter bench

If you find your small outdoor area has you deciding between furniture or plants just combine them! This great bench/planter box gives you the best of both worlds, not to mention some cool shade.

18. Innovative lighting

Light can completely change the way we perceive a space, just take a look at the dramatic shadows cast by this theatrical lighting. Have a talk to our lighting designers for some fantastic ideas for illuminating your balcony or deck.

19. Replace outdoor tiles with miniature gardens!

This unconventional idea takes a post modern approach to form, with the garden spilling into the floor in specific tiles. It's a novel idea that is sure to impress.

20. Water features

Promote relaxation and reflection with the gentle sound of trickling water. Water features can come in a variety of styles, whether they be fountains like this one, or miniature waterfalls, but the best bit is you can find one to fit any space you have available.

21. A small patch of succulents

These super low maintenance plants require little to no care as they can absorb water through air moisture alone. This is perfect for those of us who don't have a lot of time at home to be tinkering in the garden.

22. A fireplace

Outdoor fires are a great way to ensure you can spend time outside even in the cold months. Whether it's a full stone construction like the one pictured here, or a small brazier, consider warming up your patio with a fire!

We hope you're inspired, and remember no matter how small your outdoor space is it can still look incredible! For more fun ideas check out these unique DIY projects!

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