1. Let the sun be your guide

Probably the most important thing to remember as you design your balcony or patio space, particularly if you plan to add plants, is how much sun you get and when. If your balcony is all or partially covered, there are plants that thrive in low light conditions. If your outdoor space gets blasted with sun for a portion of the day, there are plants that love that too—or you may be able to invest in some shade-coverings that work with your outdoor space to give you more options. A small umbrella secured to your balcony railing could provide just enough shade to create a bright and colorful mini-garden of citrus trees, for example, or some flowering succulents used to heavy heat. Whatever you do, don’t assume you can beat the sun. Mother Nature will always win, so work with her, not against her. 

2. How to enjoy a garden in the sky

From floor to ceiling, the trick to the perfect balcony retreat is to get creative. When it comes to your balcony rug, consider using AstroTurf to create the illusion of a grassy oasis, then add plants on stands, small tables or hanging boxes to keep the sweep of green moving upward.  Bonus points for adding colorful flowers, or choosing a mix of painted flower pots to keep the space fun and relaxed.

A covered balcony provides even more possibilities. Consider adding planter hooks to the ceiling and hanging baskets or terra cotta pots in vertical lines to take advantage of the sun while adding a bit of privacy to your space.  

No topper to your balcony? Man-made shade is critical. Look for umbrellas with sturdy grips that you can add to your balcony railing, or sun shades you can anchor to your wall. The sky is (literally) the limit!   

3. Cool and comfortable seating is key

In addition to creating a homey environment for your plants, set up a relaxed seating arrangement for you and a friend, using all-weather furniture, pillows, throw blankets and mini-umbrellas. A cool, clean conversational retreat for two with a rain-shedding rug and space for a small table or plant stand can help you bring the party outdoors whenever the weather allows!

4. Feed your inner chef  

Some of the easiest items to grow on a balcony or other small space are cooking herbs. Basil, thyme, lavender, mint, rosemary and other herbs take very little care and can help not only bolster your kitchen prep, but provide a bright and cheerful addition to your outdoor space. Hanging box planters can grace your railing or climb the wall in a ladder of gourmet goodness.

Making the most of your balcony or patio can be a challenge, but with a little creativity, color and imagination, it can become one of your favorite places in your apartment. Here’s to fresh air, sunshine, and a beautiful new space to enjoy!

The post Making the most of a balcony garden appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. The wonderful world of stickers (and vinyl cling wallpaper!)

Trendy wall decals are all the rage for decorating, from small flowers, stars, and artfully stenciled words to full-wall images of Starry, Starry Night. With minimal prep (clean, flat walls are the best for these kind of stickers) you can dramatically change the look and feel of a room without any special skills, other than the patience to hang strips of sticky paper straight. Do a quick internet search on wall decals and lose yourself in the idea of sleeping next to a serene tropical beach or beneath a tree swaying in the breeze or beside a spray of positive messages!

2. Make a splash with colorful furniture

If you can’t do anything about the walls, what about your furniture? With some brightly colored throw pillows, blankets, and furniture coverings for your couches and chairs, you can make your furniture do the heavy color lifting in the room, serving as a bright distraction from the cool stillness of the walls behind them. Area rugs with bold color and funky patterns can also give some much-needed dimension to a neutral space.

3. Hang a collage of fun and funky art

Pick a theme—any theme—and start hunting for great art to transform one (or more!) of your walls into a celebration of what matters most to you. Whether you find your artistic treasures at thrift stores, flea markets or garage sales, you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make a fantastic statement. Most art can be hung with your basic hammer and nails, but if you purchase a particularly heavy item, you may want to invest in a stud finder as well to ensure that your art stays on the wall.

4. Light it up!

Whether your idea of a star-filled night is a curtain of falling strands of fairy lights or a delicate twine of lights strung along the ceiling, there are dozens of artful light options from classic white to multicolor to LED. Just make sure to have sufficient outlets (and extension cords) that make sense for your space, plus an easy one-click option for turning your lights off and on, and you’ll be ready to light up the night.

5. Drape your walls in color

For an easy solution that requires nothing more than a few yards of fabric (or colorful bedding) and tacks or wall staples, consider draping your walls in fabrics. From pretty silks to airy gauze to bright cotton, there are literally thousands of patterns, colors, and textures to choose from. Cloth is an easy-up, easy-down decorating option that can help your rooms stay fresh and fun all year round. Be careful to keep cloth away from any sources of heat, and if you have pets (or small children) this may not be your best decorating option. If it suits you, however, decorating with fabric can be an inexpensive, artful feast for the eyes.

Bottom line, let your imagination flow and cover that creamy canvas in whatever bold color you wish—without cracking open a single can of paint!

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