01 Apr How to Make Your Smaller Outdoor Space an Oasis

How do you make your smaller outdoor space an oasis?

I mentioned that we had to re-invent our deck. After nearly 20 years of living in this house, the deck needed some help. Some abbellimento! (beautification).

My hubby and I enjoy sitting on the deck for meals as well as working on our laptops, so it was time we made it more of a welcoming space.

Plus, my sis in law and brother are moving here tomorrow and we wanted it to look fresh and new for the Season.

We don’t have a very large deck, but it is spacious enough to create a warm environment, by adding some new details as well as a new patio set that seats 4.

We are also surrounded by my garden in which I have planted Azelea bushes, Coneflowers and Knockout Roses, that will bloom next month or so. There I am looking to add a Birdbath this year.

Make it Light, Make it Colorful

1. Planters– spice up your outdoor environment with some colorful planters. After looking on Target, Hayneedle, and Wayfair online, and not being thrilled with the selection, we opted to go to ATHOME. When you walk into this home goods store, you feel like a kid in a candy store! Brightly painted and mosaic pots of all sizes are there and there is a continued row of ceramic planters that go on for rows and rows. Lots of choices with size and color. I bought these for our deck. And fun fact: the Sunflower is the National flower of the Ukraine!
2. A side table– this little table comes in a soft green color, black and white. It is made not to rust as it has a coating and will not do so in the rain. On this table, I put some artificial plants, to add more texture and visual interest. You could also use it as a side table to put your drinks on, if you have another chair out for a guest.
3. Artificial plants- You can add some various artificial plants in different heights.
4. A colorful outdoor rug. I chose this one from Hayneedle and was thrilled with the quality and green design.
5. The patio set ( similar )  since the space is limited, we bought this 4 piece chair and table set, and our umbrella is off set. Since the table doesnt have a hole for the umbrella, make sure your umbrella has a  weighted base. Our patio set is currently sold out.
6. Self-watering planter– I bought this one- and we have put it on the railing of our deck to add additional color. I have planted Gerber Daisys and Pansies in there and am curious to see the “self-watering” works out.
7. Pillows! – I have these colorful orange and yellow floral pillows my mom gave me, and I love the addition of them for your space. Whether you have a bench or small table, they will add to your colorful look.

Our Deck Project

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This was after power washing and sanding. Here my hubby begins to stain.

I have two of these planters a the corners of the deck.

Small green table and artificial plants. The table comes in many other colors.

the outdoor rug. 

After staining a Teak Honey.

Here is some other small space inspiration:

Love the egg chair and the planters.

photo credit-Leslie Unruh

Love this firepit table and beautiful, yet simple styling

Just as you would decorate a small room in your house, think about texture, color and natural elements like flowers and plants.

Have you added anything to your outdoor space this year, or do you have plans to? Let me know in the comments.

Have a great weekend

Jess xx