Although I moved into my Brooklyn apartment a little over three years ago, I only just got my act together with the patio this summer. It had been on my to-do list for a while but a few things made me put it off. First of all, the space is awkward. It’s long and very narrow (around 4.5 feet wide x 30 feet long). And as it’s street adjacent, I couldn’t make it TOO nice (everything needs to be chained up), and there was very little privacy.
My Little Patio
I had two Acapulco chairs that I’d bought from a friend who was moving a few years ago. I think he gave me a set of two for $150 which is a steal, looking back. So I chained them to the fence and that was kind of… it. I knew I could make it nicer but just never bothered. Besides, I was always traveling! And then, we got quarantined. I realized I probably wouldn’t be going anywhere for a very long time. So it was time to finally put in some effort and make it nice. My goal was to transform it into a little place I could retreat to and FEEL like I was on vacation, if that makes any sense!!!
I’m really proud of how it turned out.
The biggest investment was the little love seat. Finding a small couch that wasn’t too wide (it really couldn’t be longer than 48″ and in line with my aesthetic was challenging. But this one is perfect, I love it so much!
The two things I spent the longest time deliberating over were a turf rug (I started with one piece and eventually bought enough to cover the whole floor) and the privacy ivy. Turf can really vary in quality and this one is really nice – thick like a rug and has drainage holes so if it rains there are no issues! The privacy ivy was the best decision ever. It looks great and I can lay out in my swimsuit if I want to! It was easy to install – I just used zip ties that I bought on Amazon and tied it to my fence – the whole thing took maybe two hours?
I will say I needed way more than I thought I would… I initially ordered 3 panels but needed 6. The product page is a little confusing… the ivy stretches but then it’s short, so you can’t really stretch it out.
The items that took longest to arrive were this little pink table and this yellow folding chair/table set. I ordered them back in May and they only just arrived. But they were worth the wait. Inexpensive and very cute!
Other things that make a difference:
At night, these lights are magical (I just nailed them into the brick of my building), and these citronella candles add ambiance but also keep bugs away. Also: this dispenser is great on hot days (usually I keep it in the fridge!) with lots of ice and spa water or iced tea. And this rattan lounger (currently sold out) which is also fun for the park, etc.
clockwise from top left: Pottery Barn Tulum Love Seat // Astro Turf Rug // Outdoor Lights // Citronella Candles // Rattan Lounger // Privacy Ivy // Yellow Table + Chair Set // Pink Table // Spa Water Dispenser
photo of me by Allie Provost.
It turned out great! Love the narrow loveseat and pops of color!
Thank you!
I wish I had a patio space like yours! It looks like a lovely place to hang out! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks Charmaine!
Looks like the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors!!
It is!!! I’m so grateful for it! xo
I love what you have done with the space! I
Thank you!
Love this little pink table! I’ve been looking for side tables for my patio and some of them are SO expensive for an outdoor table! Now that all my furniture is in, lights and citronella candles are next! Thanks for all the links, Grace!
awesome!!! Ya I love this one! Not too expensive but v v cute.
Looks great!
Where is your tiny little table (not the pink one) next to the couch from?
it’s a west elm drink table that i sometimes bring outside!
This looks so good!! I got an indoor outdoor rug for my space but now I kinda want your turf.
highly recommend! i had a rug before and it got so moldy and gross, it was very sad!
I love your little oasis, Grace! Looks like the perfect summer reading spot.
It is! And thank you!!! Have a great weekend.
You inspired me to do the same! I have a balcony and I’ve lived in my apt for over a year and never did anything with it, and also needed something small. PET PEEVE: “small spaces” furniture on major furniture websites are not really for actual small city spaces!!!! I ended up getting this couch and loving it: https://www.cb2.com/cana-outdoor-3-piece-sectional/s500253 (minus the ottoman part), although sometimes I think I bought it for my dog, not myself, since she loves it so much.
Oh I love that, it’s so cute. And agreed. NOTHING I found was small enough, I almost cried when I found the Pottery Barn one! Have a great weekend!
I love it!! I have a deck that’s actually about the same measurements, since it’s so long and narrow it’s been so tricky to decorate! We just have a little table, 2 chairs and a plant but I’m definitely going to look into getting more plants, a little loveseat and lights. So cute!
xx Chelsea
http://www.organizedmessblog.com
Aw good, I’m so happy it was helpful! Hope you have a great weekend!
The rattan lounger is genius! I can’t understand why these aren’t a thing? Would be so handy for picnics!
What a cute little space.
Your patio is adorable! I would want to spend all my time outside!
-Meg
http://www.deposanddemos.com
Thank you!