apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The black iron chair and table look kind of bleak. How about some of that bright colorful outdoor furniture from IKEA? The only other thing I can think of is to add some potted plants.

Are you allowed to paint the concrete as a renter? That would be the easiest solution. You could paint the floor and walls 2 different colors. If not, I think ikea has hanging strings of lights which could add some light and color to the space.

Definitely do something to the concrete block walls. As BrionyCat's suggesting, if you're allowed to paint it, do. It looks like maybe you would be allowed to since one wall is already painted white. Does that space get much light? If so, plant a vining plant in pots and put some kind of trellis or lattice against the CMU wall for it to climb. You could also pretty affordable do a concrete stain on the floor.

I would build a small daybed along the wall opposite the grill. A comfy cushion and pillows could brighten up the area. You can use the daybed as an outdoor lounge or seating while entertaining. If you can't paint, try growing some vining plants to disguise the cinder block walls. A smaller cafe table and chairs for casual dining would be great too.

I apologize for not being able to find a link but perhaps someone can help me out.

There was a fabulous post last season from someone on the West Coast I believe who had a garden level patio like this. One of the things I remember that made it so great was the addition of old mirrors. And of course, lots of plants.

There are polypropylene outdoor rugs - it would be something that you could take with you.

Also, above the window - it looks like there is a wood lintel (for lack of a more precise term). I'd repaint it and mount some brackets for shelf to create a "bar" area.

But the biggest impact would be painting the cinder-block walls, of course.

I would mount planters flush on the top of the walls, and plant something that has a trailing habit (no vines), so it drifted down the wall. Then I'd put in some teak furniture, or adirondacks.

If I were planning to spend more than a year there, I'd trowel some colored stucco on those walls and paint the concrete slab...
...but if you're only going to be there one more summer, why bother? Save your money and efforts for the next space.

Recycled rubber tiles are great for outdoor spaces. I think they come in some bright colors which would lighten up the patio. I'm not sure if they are terribly inexpensive, but for a small space they probably aren't too pricey.

even if you're not allowed to paint the concrete, I bet a good power-washing would do wonders at making it look better. Also, some tiered plant stands would help add some green.

wow. anything would be an improvement here—looks like an exercise yard at a maximum security prison.

A planter box with something quick growing like a clematis. Or a large tomato plant.

Some colorful patio furniture -- maybe Ikea has something.

An outdoor rug.

Some masonry paint.

Check out this month's issue of Domino - I can't remember off the top of my head who's patio they featured but he started out with a similiar looking place (although slightly larger) and really made it look fabulous.

I think it would darling lined with latticework and vines, you could pretend it is a gazebo.

aha - I found it on the website (unfortunately the article and pictures arent online)

"the illusionist
Designer Miles Redd's alfresco living room is the best outdoor party in New York. He shares his tricks for making a small garden seem spacious. "

What about hanging (securely) a picture or two from the top of the wall? That would definitly bring some color and personality to the space, wouldn't be to expensive, easy enough to install without a permanent attachment, and it would be a great way to really make it feel like an extra room! No one ever said you couldn't hang a picture outside! :-p I'm thinking maybe high strength fishline tieing the frame from the top and bottom? Or what about bringing an artificial curtain to the space to soften it up a bit. Hanging fabric that lightly blows in the wind and get something that would be ok to get wet! Well either way, good luck!

I would keep the cinderblocks and go industrial. Get some flashing (cheap at hardware stores) and/or corrugated metal and cover the one wall that is white. Then on the brick side add a stainless steel counter top (maybe over the window?) to use as a prep surface/bar. Ditch the current table and get some bar stool and string some lights. Then you can add color with paper shades, plants etc....

I was thinking something like this for a counter

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80059652

also, maybe you could paint the concrete a bright color...

If you can't paint, you could presumably put up screening just in front of the walls to assert your style. Easy choices would include bamboo screening or possibly sewn-together beach mats. If you want an industrial, Frank Gehry sort of look, you could put up geometric shapes of corrugated metal or fiberglass, bolt them to the wall, and then attach decor items on top.

If you wanted to go kitsch, you could get astroturf and velcro it to the walls using builders' grade velcro, then add a couple of pink lawn flamingo and maybe some tiki torches along with some Chinese lanterns or funky string lights.

Another thought would be to use marine canvas in a pleasing color, set the edges with big grommets, and then stretch canvas panels onto PVC or wood frames that you set in front of the walls, for a more nautical look.

Removable decking tiles and plants.

Some kind of built in bench along the wall where the chair is would be great, you could rig up something inexpensive using a few 2x4's and some legs if your handy, then cover it with square sitting cushions in outdoor fabric, and other throw cushions to protect from the wall. Choose a fabric you would be ok to use indoors (as floor cushions, or stacked on each other) in the winter, or in your next house. Plants for sure, and definitely lights of some kind...or buy some kind of outdoor sofa or chairs you'd be ok with having indoors in another place (see dante's recent housetour for a gorgeous example) Even get a couple of ikea benjamin stools, they stack on each other for storage, and can be repurposed for lots of things, though they would need to be brought indoors each time you were done....at $20 each you could even use them as supports to hold up a bench, and throw them away at the end of the summer....

Here is Domino: http://www.dominomag.com/magazine. Click on view a few pages from our current issue, and you can see what suziegoombs is talking about. Definatly worth picking up the mag.

Definitely add lots of plans if you get enough sun back there, add some colorful chairs or benches, and if there's anything wood - paint it! Also, give it a thourough power washing. It must just be all grime back there. Especially the windows.

Good lighting would help too. Maybe tiki torches in pots, outdoor candles, lanterns, etc.

Thanks all! The Domino link makes me realize *just* how depressing the current state of affairs is! I love the bench idea .... I think I need to ditch the furniture that's there -- It's too big for the existing space.
Re: mounting planters. The added twist is that the walls aren't flat, but actually rounded. Any ideas on how to mount a planter over a rounded cinderblock wall?

outdoor flor tiles formed into a carpet for under the table

http://www.flor.com/service/flor/shop_by.html?id=eWVKB65s&mv_arg=05

Cheap bamboo reed fencing or even bamboo blinds mounted sideways could cover the concrete and make a nice natural backdrop without doing anything permanent. Or build a free-standing frame of 2x4s and cover it with 4x8 sheets of lattice - you could staple fabric or a plastic shower curtain on the back if you think it needs more coverage.

Then, add some plants, an outdoor rug, some kind of lighting -candles or an extension cord that gets brought inside when it's not being used. A little decoration for the table - flowers, a hurricane lamp, a tablecloth. A bright cushion for the chair....

Paint would be cheapest, though, if your landlord would let you.

...wish you had told us the square footage.
it is critical to give any reasonable suggestions.
regardless, the 'courtyard' look comes to mind with that wall.
get the junk off it.
Line the wall with a display of potted plants.
Bamboo? it won't ' stick out' either.
Can you put 16 inch square stone pavers on the ground?
about $4 each.
Start with an appealing 'shell'.
then fill the 'room' appropriately.
Is there any cover overhead?
light and exposure?
view from the apartment out to it?
soft lighting pointing from the ground/ wall to the outside wall.

I'd paint the grey walls
white or pastell tones if you're allowed
and add tons of plants
and install a cozy/vintage/diy looking
fire place for bbq-ing.

i'd change the furniture eventually, too.

hmilne,

To put planters on the rounded wall- turn over the planter & take two strips of wood (maybe 2" x 2" or thereabouts and the length of your planter) and nail them to the bottom of the planter if it is wood or hot glue them to the bottom if it is plastic. The two rails should straddle the rounded top when in place.

You can do so much with that space, it all depends on your style. And think of it this way - anything you use as hardscaping, etc will only require a little of it, so it is cheaper!

west elm has some great outdoor stuff right now.. i was just in there and thinking that i SO wish i had a terrace to decorate!

potted plants (trees even, if you can swing it), outdoor rug, colorful furniture and/or pillows and it will brighten right up. Also get some hurricanes (candeholders with tall glass sides) for nighttime lounging :)

Speaking of West Elm they have some attractive wood tiles for outdoor patios which could warm up that concrete floor. Other local garden/home stores likely have similar ones and you can just pick them up and take them with you when you move.

There are a lot of small and very small garden books out. Go browsing at a Border's or similar and you will probably get lots of ideas! Even if the gardens are larger, they can easily be scaled down and will probably even be easier on a smaller scale!

I'd probably start with trellis, or bamboo/reed fencing, or even curtains lining the walls and then go from there- casual, funky, japanese, overgrown, formal, modern, tiki - lots of different styles would work!