Apartment Patio Decorating Ideas for the New Year

There are many benefits to apartment living—it’s typically more affordable than renting or owning a house, plus you have the added convenience of not having to maintain a lawn. But compared to a house, apartments are often limited in square footage. A simple and affordable way to maximize your space is by giving your courtyard, patio, or balcony a stylish and comfortable update in the new year. From the interior design experts at Fashion Furniture, here are some of our favorite decorating ideas:

Wooden Box Planters

Bring the lush vegetation of a backyard garden into your patio space with wooden box planters. When you place them around the perimeter, they also provide a touch of shade and privacy. The choice of plants can create a magical microcosm of butterflies and birds, especially with bright colored flowers like purple and red. For those who love to cook, herbs are easy to grow in box planters as long as they get enough water and sunlight.

Coordinating Patio Furniture

According to the style editors at Elle Decor, creating your dream patio in a small space is entirely possible when you choose the right furnishings. Start by looking for pieces that coordinate with the rest of your home decor, including styles with lots of texture and color. Your choice of furniture accents like throw pillows and blankets should fall in line with a specific design theme. For a classic look, stripes in bold colors will help create an eye-catching style that gives the illusion of a more spacious patio.

Interior designer Kristen Pena recommends updating the tried-and-true oak styles with a chic blackened version: “Out with the old, in with the oxidized oak…It will provide the comfort and grounding people are looking for in their spaces.” The darkened wood is also perfect for outdoor furniture because of its ability to withstand the elements.

Potted Succulents and Hanging Plants

Succulents are very popular in home decor trends, especially as centerpieces for outdoor tables. For one thing, they are very tough plants that don’t need much attention to thrive. In fact, they only need to be lightly watered once or twice a week. A small potted succulent will fit nicely on a small table while also leaving plenty of room for dining al fresco or enjoying coffee in the morning. If you’re short on tabletop space, another stylish option is decorating the patio wall with hanging air plants, a tough and hearty type of greenery that needs very little attention. Simply spritz with water once or twice and week and you’re good to go!

Cedar Slat Screen

Thanks to their ability to blend in with almost every type of design, natural materials are a major trend in 2019 home decor. Privacy is always a challenge in apartment living, which is why a cedar slat screen is a must-have for revamping your patio. The earthy color easily coordinates with many styles of outdoor furniture while also providing shade from the harsh rays of the early and midday sun.

Hot Tub

After a long and stressful day, soaking in a hot tub will make all your hard work seem totally worth it. Regardless of your budget, it can also transform an ordinary patio into a luxurious outdoor space that is truly fit for a queen. Depending on how much space you have, there are many different sizes that you can choose from, including budget-friendly two-person models or larger styles that fit up to four adults. Besides easing tense muscles, there are many benefits to patio bathing in a hot tub, including plenty of open-air ventilation, which comes in handy when you don’t want to steam up your bathroom with a lengthy soak in the tub or long shower.

This year, get the most out of your apartment with a patio makeover that will make you the envy of the neighborhood.