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It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment with a modest balcony or a suburban home with a generous deck and yard; there are dozens of affordable ways to spruce up your space. Create a relaxing oasis that you’ll look forward to enjoying with a glass of cool lemonade and a book.
Use these simple tips to quickly transform whatever size space you’re working with just in time for enjoying the nice weather and entertaining this summer.
1. Potted Plants
An easy win to make your outside space beautiful is by including a variety of potted plants. Not only will this bring lush greenness to your space, but any of those flowers will bring happy pops of color.
Try varying the size and height of the plant containers on your patio or porch to stimulate the eye. To achieve different heights for your plants, you could install a trellis to encourage plants with vines that like to climb! Hanging baskets will also bring an element of height.
Plants vary in price, but some could even supply you with delicious fruits and veg (depending on your location).
2. Water Feature
While a fountain might not be the most cost-effective option, a bird bath would bring water to your outside space and encourage winged friends to visit!
Bird baths range in price, depending on their material, with stone being more pricey and plastic being more budget-friendly. These will be a beautiful addition to your outside sanctuary, and the local wildlife will thank you for it!
3. Outdoor Furniture
Depending on your space, your patio or porch could include comfortable outdoor furniture. This could range from a bistro table for two to a sofa and chairs or a complete dining set. If you have a large space, it could be all of them!
Try looking on resale sites to find used furniture to save on cost. Also, buying second-hand is good for the environment since all the energy and resources that go into creating the items have already been used. Outdoor furniture will also allow versatility in dining at alfresco, even if it’s just a small bistro table.
4. Cozy Cushions and Throw Pillows
To complement the outdoor furniture, try adding cozy cushions and throw pillows to your outside space. Not only will they add a degree of comfort, but these can also be easily updated each year if you want to change the look of your patio or porch without buying all new furniture.
Again, look on resale sites to find some great deals! To keep your cushions and pillows in great shape, store them inside over the colder months and during heavy rain.
5. Outdoor Rug
An outdoor rug can really tie an outside space together. It will be comfortable for barefoot summers and can also add a degree of neutrality or bold color to your patio or porch.
If your outdoor space is large, you could use multiple rugs to help define different areas. Ensure that the rug you choose is suitable for outdoor conditions. Like the pillows and throws, it should be stored inside during the colder months and heavy rain.
6. Fire Pit
For those long summer nights, why not consider a fire pit to add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor space? While a firepit may seem like an expensive element, some budget-friendly tabletop options are under $50. Depending on your chosen type, you can even roast marshmallows over it!
If you want to splurge on a feature piece, consider a chiminea, which can be as low as $111.
7. Lighting
If a fire pit isn’t suiisn’t for your outdoor area, consider enhancing your space with outdoor lanterns or string lights as an alternative or complementary option.
Lights will add a functional element to evenings spent outside and ensure a cozy atmosphere. You could even try repurposing lights used during the holiday season to save on cost. Looking to be environmentally friendly? Try solar-powered lights!
8. Curtains
Try adding curtains or drapes to your patio or porch to ensure privacy and relief from the sun. Like the outdoor rug, the curtains can add a pop of color or neutrality to your space.
Curtains may also offer some protection against pesky insects, like mosquitoes. A large outdoor umbrella could also be an option if a curtain isn’t suitable.
9. Swing or Hammock
Try adding a hammock or swing to your patio or porch for added comfort. This will provide additional seating and be the perfect place to read your favorite book. It may even lead to a mid-summer snooze!
There are many styles available, including hammocks for lying down or chairs for sitting upright. Some are under $30, so this is a very budget-friendly addition.
10. Textures and Colors
You can keep your outdoor space lively and interesting by including a range of textures, materials, and colors. Mixing wood, metal, wicker, fabric, bright colors, and neutrals provides visual interest to your space.
Don’t be Don’td to embrace bold colors, especially during the summer months!
11. Drinks Station
To ensure your host(ess) status remains on top, why not consider a drinks station for your patio/porch? This could be something as simple as a cocktail cart. You can find these for as low as $35.
The cocktail cart, designed to hold drinks, offers extra tiers for snacks. When idle, it can elegantly display your potted plants. For an enhanced evening ambiance, consider adorning the cart with string lights.
12. Outdoor Art
If your outdoor space features a wall or pillar, why not hang some outdoor art to stimulate the eye? Options such as stained glass, metal wall sculptures, or canvas art pieces can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Whatever art you choose, ensure that it can withstand the elements outside. You could also consider using mirrors to make your patio or porch appear larger.
13. Bird Feeders
While this may not be the most stylish element, it will attract local wildlife, which is a natural beauty of its own. Many different types and styles of bird feed are available, including hummingbird feeders.
If this interests you, you may want to research which types of birds are found in your area so you can encourage local wildlife and address their needs.
14. Storage Benches
Storage benches may sound a bit boring, but they can offer additional seating and a place to add a different texture or color. If you’re really artsy, you could even paint one yourself!
The storage benches will also offer added protection for some of your extra outdoor soft furnishings when not in use.
15. BBQ
Who doesn’t love a delicious meal from the BBQ? Some BBQs can now be found for under $100 (tabletop), and many larger, well-known brands are sold second-hand.
Including a BBQ in your outdoor space will allow you to savor those long summer nights with the perfect summer meal!
16. Customized Flooring
Depending on your patio or porch flooring, you could replace it with tiles (vinyl or ceramic) or incorporate mosaic tiles for little pops of color.
You could paint your existing flooring or use stick-on outdoor tiles for a more budget-friendly option. This will allow you to make bold changes without too much effort.
17. Hot Tub
Depending on your budget and space, you could consider including a hot tub in your outdoor area! Inflatable options are available for less than $350, so you can find hot tubs to suit your budget.
Keep an eye out for sales, too. Experts say the best time to buy a hot tub is Late August – October, particularly Labor Day Weekend.
18. Giant Bean Bag Chair
Another way to add extra comfortable and fun seating is to use a giant bean bag! These beanbags often come in bright, bold colors and are a taste of youth!
Priced as low as $55, kids and adults alike will relish the comfort of these squishy seating options. The family pet may also claim it as their own throne in your outdoor space!
Feels Like Home
Whether you use one, some, or all of these budget-friendly tips, your outdoor space will become the place to be this summer! Check second-hand sale sites for some of the best deals that stretch your budget even further, allowing you to make multiple updates to your patio or porch.
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Do you want a new perspective on saving money? If you think this is another article telling you to skip your morning coffee or give up dining out, then let us tell you—it’s not!
This blog post discusses 18 innovative and painless ways to save cash without sacrificing the things that make you happy.
We believe that a good life isn’t about cutting back on everything you love but about making smarter decisions with what you have.
So, if you’re ready to start saving without compromising your lifestyle or happiness, dive right in!
