Name: Julie P.
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 110 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: I love that even though there are many neighbors close by, it really feels very private. I'm up on a hill, and the view is wonderful. I sit and watch the sunset most every night.

Biggest Design Challenge With This Space: The big utility box and meters are a little hard to ignore. The utility co. doesn't need to get to the box very often, so I propped a trellis up, and planted some morning glories, rather late, but they're climbing!

Tips for Creating a Great Small Outdoor Space: Use what you have. Most of what's on my patio was either given to me, or found in some other room of my house. I like having color to compliment the flowers, so I spray-painted the chairs this year, and bought the red can from Ikea for yard waste. And I always make sure I have two tomato plants (on either side of the birdbath). Tomatoes make me happy! I haven't given as much thought to the outside, as I have inside of my apt., because I just think of it as a place that's meant to change year-to-year, and just a place to relax, without a lot of effort.

Thanks, Julie, and good luck!

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