How To Create a Lovely Balcony or Patio For Spring

Let's talk about ways to enhance your outdoor space for the warmer days ahead

Decorating your balcony or patio for spring is a fun and refreshing way to welcome the warmer weather and to create an extra room in addition to your interior space. If you’re lucky enough to have a yard and loads of space, even better, you have many options that the balcony and patio folks (like me!) simply do not. Still, no matter what size your outdoor space, you need a game plan to get it right.

My first thought is to focus on keeping the space light, airy, and in colors that you love most that also are in harmony with the exterior of your property and that fit the colors of the natural surroundings.

This means that you’ll need to take a moment and look around. Does your red and white stripe table umbrella fit your orange-toned brick house? Does the black rustic-style metal table fit your all white beach cottage? Do your bold purple geometric-patterned cushions on your bench fit your garden and yard which is casual and natural, filled with wildflowers and fruit trees? Harmony matters!

If you’re not a natural decorator and struggle with pulling together outdoor spaces, you can make it much easier if you shop from a single source - many brands this time of the year introduce their outdoor collections. Their designers have already done the work for you as they’ve considered each piece to ensure sure it fits their overall scheme. You can easily shop for core pieces that are harmonious from a single store - no shame in that!

However if you’re like me and you love to decorate and personalize a space, create a mood board to guide your design choices so you don’t make any detours that end up throwing your look off track.

Here is an example below that I made for you using some of my favorite products from House Doctor (not sponsored).

It’s key to also consider what you plan to do in your outdoor space. Be realistic! Here’s a mini checklist:

• Is there enough space to entertain? If so, how many people can be seated comfortably? If not, what else can you envision doing there? Perhaps a small table for two?

• Do you even need a table - will a lounge chair be enough?

• Do you need lighting for the evenings?

• Will you plant or garden in the space?

• Should you add a potting table and tools?

• Do you want to sit upright or lounge with your feet up?

• Where will you store everything off season?

• Where will you store cushions, throws and other ideas during stormy days?

• Do you want the space to be colorful, muted tones, or very monochromatic?

• How much time do you plan to spend in this space each day and when?

Photos: House Doctor

Now let’s move on to some core decorating ideas - here are 8 of them to guide you as your enhance your outdoor space for Spring:

1/ Add herbs, flowers, and plants: Spring is all about new growth and fresh blooms, so add some potted plants to your balcony. Choose plants that thrive in sunlight and can handle outdoor conditions such as geraniums, petunias, pansies, or herbs like basil, parsley, or mint. Look for flowers that are particularly good for bees and butterflies (here is a list).

Photos: House Doctor

2/ Hang some colorful curtains or use an umbrella in a fresh stripe: Hang some lightweight curtains in bright colors or prints to create a cheerful atmosphere. You can also use outdoor fabric, which can withstand the elements. I personally love a crisp black or white umbrella, or a fresh stripe in caramel and white or yellow and white, for instance. Bonus: Stripes are in for the S/S 2023 season - so go for it!

Photos: House Doctor

3/ Add a rug: A colorful or patterned rug can instantly transform your balcony into a cozy and inviting space. Opt for a durable outdoor rug that can withstand rain and sun exposure.

Photos: House Doctor

4/ Use string lights and lamps/lanterns: String lights are a great way to add ambiance to your balcony. Drape them around your railing or hang them overhead for a warm and inviting glow. You can also add battery, solar-operated or battery-operated table lamps or lanterns that don’t require an outlet to your tabletop. Perfect for an evening dinner outdoors!

5/ Incorporate natural elements: Add some natural elements such as stones, shells, or driftwood to create a beachy or earthy vibe. Of course, it needs to be in context, so shell decor on a city balcony that is 1000 miles from the coast doesn’t quite fit, so opt for natural materials that come from your local area. You can also create a small herb garden or install a small water fountain.

6/ Add personal touches: Maybe your son has painted a cute little rock family, or you have a special sculpture or sign to add. Make it personal!

Photos: House Doctor

7/ Comfy seating, throws, pillows: I’ve been to some outdoor spaces where the seating was so uncomfortable or low to the ground that I couldn’t wait to leave. Or there wasn’t a cozy throw or a nice pillow to lean against. Try to find seating that makes you (and your guests) want to linger for awhile. Also, consider the age of your most frequent guests. We have grandma over often and she is 75-years-old and can’t sit in low seating after having two hip replacements. I always keep an extra chair for her that I know will make her comfortable and feel like we care about her wellness and health.

8/ Have a quality wireless outdoor speaker. Music is lovely for creating a little ambiance and a nice summer vibe. You can also listen to podcasts, something I enjoy doing when I’m relaxing outside watching the city go by. Most wireless speakers are created for indoor use only; all of my wireless speakers are from Bang & Olufsen for indoor use, but I still use my Boplay on the balcony. You can find outdoor speakers though with just a simply Google search.

I guess it goes without saying to add plants and flowers that will work depending on your soil, the direction of the sun and how much exposure is there throughout the day, etc. But I’ll leave the gardening part to you - I’ve more than covered the decor part. So my dear friends enjoy the sun and the Spring/Summer seasons ahead, pour some wine, and relax in your special space to unwind at the end of a long day.

Yours, Holly