How to Transform Your Balcony or Patio Into a Garden Oasis

At Satori Flats apartments in Avon Indiana, every floor plan has either a balcony or patio. These covered outdoor spaces are an extension of your living space – a perfect spot for reading a book or chatting with a friend.

With a little effort, you can turn your patio or balcony into a lush garden retreat. Just add some plants, some color, and a few decorative pieces. Take a look at these decorating tips:

Know the Rules

Before you begin your balcony beautification project, take a look at your apartment community’s policies. Many properties don’t allow the use of screws or nails outdoors, but self-adhesive overhead hooks might be allowed (if you use those, make sure they can support the weight of your plants and decorations).

Choose Your Plants

Plants can be as useful as they are decorative. For example, hanging ferns or a potted palm tree can provide shade and privacy, and lemongrass repels mosquitoes and adds a refreshing flavor to soups, stir-fry meals, and curry dishes.

Perennial plants will need to come inside for the winter, so make sure you’ve got space for them. Annual plants – like petunias and lobelia – bloom late into the season and trail beautifully from hanging baskets. If you plan to do plant research online, look for plants suited to Zone 5 (Indiana’s climate).

Pick Your Furniture

Add a colorful metal bistro set or a classic teak bistro set that you can dress-up with cushions. For easy storage, choose collapsible pieces that will fit into your balcony’s exterior storage closet.

Add Decor

Find a small area rug that complements your furniture. Create a resort-like feel by hanging a strand of lights overhead, adding a tabletop water feature, or placing a few battery-operated tea lights in your plant containers.

See for Yourself

Satori Flats is now renting luxury apartments in Avon Indiana, with features that include open-concept kitchens, a washer/dryer in every apartment, and high-end finishes throughout. Community amenities include a saltwater pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areasm and a 24-hour fitness center.