Tiny outdoor space? Turn it into an inviting retreat

By KIM COOK Whether it s a modest balcony a pocket-size patio or a tiny backyard small outdoor spaces have big probable With a limited smart design choices and specific creative flair even the majority of limited square footage can become a welcoming and rejuvenating retreat Related Articles What is the majority effective discovery to ask for Caring creative Lily loves music journaling TV Q A Will Amazon Prime show return to Night Sky Try these great pickleball adventures perfect for newbies and pros alike Rumble win gives Ghouls a career jumpstart The very constraints of a small area can inspire more thoughtful and impactful design decisions Here s how to make the the greater part of your petite patio balcony or urban garden and turn it into a space that wows Think vertically Make use of walls and railings When floor space is at a premium the only way to go is up Vertical gardening is a game-changer for small spaces Hanging planters wall-mounted herb gardens and tiered plant stands help you layer in greenery without sacrificing room for seating or movement And it will help with privacy as well If you re squished up against your neighbor in an urban setting strategically placed containers with vining plants can form a green privacy wall noted House Beautiful editor Kate McGregor You could also try trellis panels or fencing to ensure you don t feel like you re invariably on display when you re outside Vining plants with attractive flowers include black-eyed Susan vine mandevilla sweet pea star jasmine and trumpet honeysuckle If you ve got actual ground to work with on a small outdoor patio for instance consider something heftier like climbing hydrangea or shrub rose Trellises rail planters and vines create the illusion of a taller larger space as they draw your eye upward Mini gardens and container plants Containers allow you to grow herbs flowers or a limited veggies just about anywhere Go minimalist with a couple of sleek planter boxes or add visual interest with specific artsy pots in different materials and sizes Layering plant heights from low succulents to tall grasses or small trees adds depth and makes the area feel lush and vibrant Low-maintenance options like lavender rosemary and ornamental grasses can add greenery with minimal upkeep Grasses can look pretty in a breeze and anything with a scent is worth planting Ahh al fresco Put a sturdy bin or basket near your patio or balcony entryway to stash yoga mats and small weights You ll have a handy - meditation or workout space right outside the door Fill a planter with zesty citrusy-scented lantana soothing lavender or night-blooming moonflower to add a mood maker Fold it stack it store it When space is tight think flexible lightweight and dual-purpose furniture Foldable bistro tables and chairs can be tucked away when not in use while storage benches offer a place to sit and stash outdoor cushions garden tools or a cozy throw blanket for chilly evenings Stackable stools or nesting tables can be pulled out when you re entertaining and tucked away when you want more open space Look for all-weather and multi-functional pieces Cozy lighting big ambiance Lighting can utterly transform an outdoor area especially in the evening A string of simple battery-operated fairy lights a solar-powered lantern or LED candles add warmth and a festive vibe without needing an outlet For extra impact combine lighting types overhead string lights with a couple of lanterns at ground level can make a space feel layered and create a cozy atmosphere Rugs textiles and texture Bring the comfort of indoors out by adding textiles All-weather rugs come in dozens of patterns and textures Use peel-and-stick tiles if you re permitted Either will define a living area and help bring in whatever d cor style you re going for Cushions and throws come in loads of colorful weather-resistant fabrics adding homey softness to the space This undated image provided by Kim Cook shows her back deck Absorbing planters full of colorful blooms an all-weather rug and a minimal simple pieces of outdoor furniture create a welcoming spot for morning coffee and neighbor visits Kim Cook via AP Style with personality Just because a space is small doesn t mean it has to be boring Treat your outdoor nook like any other room in your home by infusing it with personal style Use outdoor-safe mirrors to reflect light and make the area feel larger Hang weatherproof artwork or decorative panels to add a creative focal point Accent with items that reflect your taste whether that s a boho lantern a modern metal sculpture or even a vintage watering can repurposed as d cor A consistent color scheme can tie it all together whether you go for calming neutrals or punchy brights Shade and shelter Free-standing umbrellas or more space-saving free-standing retractable awnings are renter-friendly options that require no installation Besides protecting you from the elements these items also help define your outdoor space making it feel more private and purposeful So whether you re sipping your morning coffee on a city balcony or hosting a minimal friends on a tiny patio it s not about how much space you have it s about what you do with it New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP Follow her on Instagram at kimcookhome For more AP Lifestyles stories go to https apnews com lifestyle