Do you always intend to clean up your balcony (or patio) and finally enjoy a cup of coffee during the early mornings of summer, but just haven’t gotten around to it yet? You’re not alone. Spotted around the city are unused patios with leaves left over from last autumn and a bit of grime from winter, and we’re here to help you make your outdoor space more cozy.

Give it a good clean.
Depending on how much and what kind of space you have, you may be able to just hose down some concrete or brick pavers and call it a day. If you’re cleaning a different kind of surface, grab your disinfectant and get scrubbing! If you have a wooden deck, a good hose down works well for those, too. Furniture can be quickly cleaned with a vacuum so you don’t sit or put beverages on top of cobwebs.

Credit: planete-deco.fr

If you aren’t loving the concrete…
Cover it up! Plenty of stores have easy-to-install tiles for decks that interlock. This gives your floor a bit more of a role in the outdoor area, other than just being covered by furniture. Throw a rug over it and you’re well on your way to a well-decorated patio.

Credit: houzz.com

Grab a few plants.
Drop by your local greenhouse or nursery and pick up outdoor plants or seeds for herbs. Rosemary, oregano, and mint are great to have for your kitchen (or a really fresh mojitos). If you want some pops of color, sunflowers and geraniums bring life to any outdoor space.

Get some pots for those plants.
HomeGoods, World Market, and TJMaxx are all affordable stores to find decorative and stylist pots. Stay with the classic, crisp look of clay pots, or find some with metallic or patterned bases. Or, for a more boho look, snag some mason jars!

If you have a small space…
And no furniture quite yet, an outdoor loveseat or small table and two chairs make for a cozy place to relax! Pick up a few comfy pillows to maximize the comfort. A tabletop plant and a candle can bring your little outdoor spot all together.

If you just want to hang out and read a good book…
Put up a hammock! Hammocks are an awesome addition to your balcony, making it easy to kick back and relax. If you can put them in the right spot, you can likely also fit a small table and chairs.

If your patio is where you entertain…
Get an outdoor sectional! They’re the perfect way to provide plenty of seating for guests. A large umbrella over this space brings the area together and gives a lot of shading. Add some plants for color, and you’re set!

Credit: Mulhalls.com

Make full use of your space.
Add hanging plants or lights to the ceiling! These details will bring a magical quality to your balcony and make for amazing Instagram photos. Imagine yourself having a glass of wine under lights and plants. It would be glorious, right?!

For the zen individual…
Set up a yoga mat, candles, plants, and anything else you feel adds to relaxation– voila! You have your very own outdoor yoga space. Save yourself those studio prices and meditate on your own patio or balcony.

Credit: thejourneyjunkie.com