Apartment living: how to create the perfect outdoor space

City living has almost too many benefits to list but acres of garden space admittedly isn’t one of them. That doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of your outdoor space, however. In fact, there are many ways you can create a perfect little suntrap all of your own this summer. Here are just a few handy hints and tips to get you thinking.

Bring the indoors out

To make the most of you garden, patio or balcony, treat your outdoor space like another living space. Use furniture, tables, chairs and benches to make an outdoor area that is functional all year round. If you have room, consider investing in a chiminea or brazier that can double up as a source of heat for chilly evenings and as a barbecue on sunny days. Fabrics, hammocks and cushions are all cheap and effective ways to create a comfortable outdoor area you can enjoy when the sun shines, whilst also being easy to pack away and store in a cupboard when the rain pours and there’s no chance of spending any time outside. 

Make use of valuable wall space

If you have a little yard, balcony or garden, using wall space is incredibly important in order to pull the outdoor decor together. If your outdoor area only has room for a shabby-chic table for two, attach plant pots to the outdoor wall instead of potting plants on the ground. Weave fairy lights over the balcony bannisters or use a corner plant stand to add intrigue.  Take the time to plan your outdoor space as meticulously as the rooms indoors and you will find yourself drawn out there more and more frequently for some valuable Vitamin D. 

Plant up

Of course no outdoors space is complete without an injection of greenery. For balconies or tiny patios, plant creepers up trellises to make the most of your space and add a generous lashing of foliage. If space allows it, pot a large fast-growing plant or sapling such as a budleia, cherry laurel or blue blossom. If you consider yourself a cooking connoisseur and want to opt for something more practical, hanging baskets and window boxes for your herbs are a great choice. They will not only brighten up a space and add aroma but they may also improve the dishes you produce in the kitchen, too.

Make it guest friendly

What is a homely space if you have no one to share it with? Make sure your little haven is prepared for guests in the warmer months. A collapsible table and fold-out chairs are perfect for small garden spaces as they can be stored relatively easily. Choose accessories such as lanterns that you can hang up, or outdoor candles to illuminate your night when entertaining late into the evening. 

Flooring

Mix things up with a flooring switch up. With a small garden, every bit of space counts so why not make your flooring just as attractive as the rest of the space. If your budget allows, buy wooden slats to give the impression of high quality decking – a particularly affordable option for balconies and little patios. If space is seriously limited, why not buy an attractive patterned outdoor mat to create a slip resistant surface when the rain inevitably falls.

However, you like your outdoor areas, why not take a closer look at Quartermile. As Edinburgh’s most dynamic and exciting district, the 1050 luxury new-build apartments that will make up this development in total promise to create a vibrant community. Find out more about The Apartments today.