{Archive Lovin': My Apartment Balcony Makeover}

As an apartment renter/condo owner, you're lucky if you get a small patch of a garden to call your own, or a teensy balcony to lounge on. But, it doesn't mean you can't still enjoy your little piece of the outdoors. Just because your space is small doesn't mean you can't go big - you just have to simplify. My goal for my balcony makeover was to take full advantage of the space I had, and do it with a little flare! Whether lounging or dining is your priority - think about what you're most likely to use your space for and style accordingly. Here are pics of my balcony makeover...

{It's no shocker -  I love the black and white stripes, so it was a no brainer to add them to my space. I purchased the fabric on ebay and made the pillows myself. The outdoor rug was found on Craigslist for $15 - you can't beat that! The stainless circle sculpture I purchased at an art festival here in Raleigh a few years ago - I love how it adds a modern element to the space.}

{Rutan cushions from IKEA for a little extra seating}

{I just love candles! You should see the space all lit up at night - very romantic and cozy}

{Don't you love my Mr. Gnome? I purchased him at Target -green pants, red hat, and all - and then spray painted him teal to match the decor. I just love how he turned out - definitely adds that touch of whimsy I was looking for}

{Balcony & Patio Inspiration Essentials...}

1. An outdoor couch
2. A throw for those chilly spring/summer nights {sorry this specific throw not available in US...yet}
3. Extra seating for guests...love these galvanized chairs
4. Lots of pillows...of course
5. Bar cart...SO want one of these - just need to find the look for less
6. Tables that can convert into extra seating - love these too
7. Planters for flowers...or a herb garden
8. Lots of lanterns...for lots of candles

{Balcony Inspiration: My Makeover}

Morning loves!! So.....here are the pics of my apartment balcony makeover. I apologize for taking so long to post the pictures, but I've been waiting on a few pillows that I ordered from Furbish. Unfortunately, they still haven't arrived - but I decided to go ahead to show off the space now and then will update the pics once the pillows come in. So without further ado - check em' out!!!

{As you know I love the black and white stripes. I purchased the fabric on ebay and made the pillows myself. The outdoor rug is exactly what I was looking for and found it on Craigslist for $15 - you can't beat that!! I added the teal as a pop of color and once my pillows come in I will be adding a burnt reddish-orange to the space for another splash of color. The stainless circle sculpture I purchased at an art festival here in Raleigh a few years ago - I love how it adds a modern element to the space. Finally my ferns are still alive - they are definitely high maintenance and I can't believe I haven't killed them yet - yeah me!!!}

{Rotan cushions from IKEA for a little extra seating}

{I just love candles! You should see the space all lit up at night - very romantic and cozy}

{What's a queen without her crown?}

{I love the detail captured of this lovely flower}

{Don't you love my Mr. Gnome? I purchased him at Target -green pants, red hat, and all - and then spray painted him teal to match the decor. I just love how he turned out - definitely adds that touch of whimsy I was looking for}

So....real talk here. Comment below and let me know what you think!!! Honestly, your opinion matters. :-) 

{Etsy Love: Pillows + Planters}

As a second part to yesterday's post regarding sprucing up my balcony, I thought I would search around Etsy for additional inspiration. Outdoor Pillows are a great way to add style, color, comfort, and class to your outdoor living spaces.  Check out some of the pillows I found on Etsy - all made with fabric that is water and fade resistant:

1. DIY Pillows 

2. Stephanie Donnelly

3. Kalaidaspoke

4. Whimsy and Nou

5. Melissa J Verch

6. Mazizmuse

7. Independent Reign

Container gardening and garden planters are another great way to spruce up your outdoor spaces. Nowadays, planters are available in a wide variety of shapes and styles, which makes it a synch to find one that will perfectly fit into your space. Take a look at some of the fab planters that I found on Etsy {yep, they have everything!}: The vintage galvanized pale could add a bit of rustic charm to your space. The stackable planters allows you to add a varitey of plants and flowers as well as provide a little privacy from your neighbors. The window box is a classic and the planter bench is just....genius - add the bolster pillow from above and viola!

1. Treasure Again

2. Matt Grosso

3. Studio Cass

4. Terracottage Woodshop

And then for a little tad of whimsy...

{Don't judge! I have big plans for Mr. Gnome - stay tuned...}

{Balcony Inspiration}

As an apartment renter/condo owner, you're lucky if you get a small patch of a garden to call your own, or a teensy balcony to lounge on. But, it doesn't mean you can't still enjoy your little piece of the outdoors! Just because your space is small doesn't mean you can't go big - you just have to simplify. All of these areas are taking full advantage of the space they have, and doing it with flare! Whether lounging or dining is your priority - think about what you're most likely to use the space for and style accordingly.

Take a look at these small spaces for some real inspiration...

{I love the vintage bistro set and the black and white stripes}

{I love the planters and the dark brown wicker chair. It's by Making it Lovely so of course I love it}

{The black planters, pink accents, and silver metal chair...LOVE}

{I only get about an hour of sun so I can't do a full balcony garden, but I'm going to stop by the nursery this weekend to see what fun things I can plant in the shade}

{Again - love the black and white stripes. The painted blue chair and the address pillows are fab too!}

{I'm really diggin the dark brown wicker with the pink accents...hmmm...}

{I really like the idea of making a bench and placing cushions on top for extra seating}

{Pictures via: Making it Lovely, Apartment Therapy, Coco + Kelley, Style North, Luphia Loves}

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling inspired and ready to decorate! So now that the nasty pollen has gone away - it's time for me to spruce up my outdoor space. Stay tuned for the before/after pics...

Enjoy your day!