With steady warm weather finally upon us, it’s time to move some of our indoor activities outside! A morning coffee in your favourite patio chair, a cocktail party in the sun, or a romantic candlelit dinner surrounded by greenery - some needed escapes from months of hibernation. And what better way to start off these summer celebrations then by revamping the outdoor space you're going to host them in - a bohemian backyard garden that you and your friends won't be able to step away from (yes, even on your apartment balcony). 

With just a few key elements in mind, you can easily transform your balcony into a personal oasis. I used this past weekend to put the finishing touches on mine and I’m absolutely loving it!

  

1.    Organized Greenery 

No matter how small your balcony is, you can optimize the garden space by hanging plants or storing them on shelves, or in railing boxes.

 

  

 

2.     A Cozy Seating Area

 Of course you need a place to rest in your garden oasis! Adorn your outdoor furniture with colourful throw pillows like the ones from Ebb & Flow’s ChiChi collection for that “laid-back luxury” feel. 

On a smaller balcony, choosing a patio set with a side table and folding chairs is a great option for maximizing the space and providing easy storage. If you’ve got room to spare, a rectangular table is perfect for hosting outdoor dinner parties - style it up with extra details like a textile table runner.

 

 

 

3.  Outdoor Rugs

Especially in a smaller area, a beautiful rug is an absolute must to transform drab wood or cement flooring into the focal point of your outdoor space. Rugs come in every shape, colour and size so choosing the one that is going to work perfectly for you is really a matter of choice. This year I decided to go with an all-weather polypropylene rug for my deck and absolutely hit the jackpot with the selection they had in store. With all the rain we’ve had this spring in Toronto, a polypropylene rug seemed like the natural choice for my uncovered back deck. They are: reversible, water resistant, mildew resistant, fade resistant, easy to clean with soap and water and 100% recyclable! 

 

 

 

4.     Whimsical Lighting 

String lights have always topped my list when it comes to hosting a starry evening outdoors, but lately I’ve been falling more and more in love with lanterns. (Paper lanterns are a fun and quirky touch - not to mention affordable).

 

 

5.     Decorative Ornaments 

Lastly, to add a little personal touch to your space, try finding unique pieces to line the edges of your balcony or to sit on your patio table. Look for plant pots in fun colours, statues, lanterns, baskets or candle holders. My favourite addition to my patio decor is the Moroccan basket I keep stocked with La Cabana Blankets that my guests can to snuggle up in on cooler summer nights.