Plants & Yard Ideas

Gone are the dark and dreary days of courtyard-level studio living with nary a plant in sight to green your place. Thanks to the innovative combination of LED-powered grow lamps and mid-century modern pendants, one designer has created a terrarium that everyone can keep alive — and in any space. Globe Terrariums are hanging, hand-blown glass orbs masterminded by designer Richard Clarkson, featuring an LED light integrated and hidden right inside the slim stainless steel cable.

Ready for your next weekend project? With summer slowly winding down, all I can think about is spending my evenings outdoor, whether in a friend’s backyard, a restaurant patio, or a city park. Patrick Davis, consultant by day, DIY carpenter by nights and weekends, has just the project to get your outdoor space ready for those early fall hangs. The best part? It only takes up a few square feet!

IKEA hacks are often inspiring, but there are so many I’ve never tried myself because they take too long and require tools that I don’t have–and they’re often furniture pieces that I just don’t need. So when I found myself wandering the floors of IKEA recently, and the TOPPIG lantern presented itself as a possible hanging planter, I knew it was a hack I was willing to try because I could do it quickly and with minimal supplies.

It’s about time to perk up your patio—or at least start thinking about what you might want to replace or tweak about your yard or deck. If you’re wondering where to start your shopping, I’m here to tell you not to discount IKEA. You might even want to move it to the top of your list. This Swedish retailer has really upped its outdoor game in the past couple of years across multiple categories. Seriously.

What is it about thumb-sized terrarium plants that makes me clasp my hands together and coo? If you’re in the market for a truly small plant, consider one of these diminutive options.

This easy makeover proves you don't have to sweat to create an inspired space.

Pothos and snake plants may be pretty, but sometimes, they just don’t scratch that houseplant itch. If you’re in the market for something unique, check out the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla). This plant comes in all different sizes—from tabletop babes to tall, majestic specimens that deserve a corner of their own. Plant shops and nurseries used to carry them exclusively around Christmas. After all, Norfolk pines have the look of a festive, holiday tree.

Curious about growing the feline-friendly catnip (Nepeta cataria)? Why wouldn’t you be? A quick Instagram search brings up thousands of videos of cute kitties going bonkers over the green stuff. But catnip isn’t just for cat owners: It’s a delightful addition to any window herb garden and even consumable by humans. Catnip tea can help with stress and digestion. Here’s how to grow this purr-fect herb. Give your plant as much sunlight as possible.

Because knowing how to decorate so your outdoor space is both functional and stylish can be tricky.

With Spring in full bloom, it’s pretty tempting to bring some of the green inside. This elegant little plant holder can help make your dreams come true in under an hour. Amy walks us through this easy and lovely little project. Skill Level: Easy Time Required: 1 hour Project Cost: $5 Polymer Clay Clay Tools Clay rolling pin To create a marbled effect, use a small amount of four different colors. First, remove pieces from each color and start warming and kneading in your hand.

Name: Erin & Ken Type of Project: Backyard Redesign Location:Upper Tangletown — Minneapolis, Minnesota Type of building: 1930s Tudor-Style Duplex The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step-by-step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here.

Walnut Mid Century Modern Dining Table – $695 – Awesome vintage piece by Stanley. Completely refinished top to bottom. Solid wood , 5 drawers. – NYC From Maxwell: Dear Readers, What are you looking for? We’ve just cleaned out and relaunched our marketplace as Bazaar – the best place on the web for vintage designer furnishings and accessories directly from others in our community. These are my top picks for today.

We know by now that Aldi’s plant game (which includes a variety of hanging plants and foliage in sleek white pots) is strong, and they don’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. In this week’s installment of Aldi Finds, there are basil, lavender, and strawberry growing kits. And since you can never have too many indoor plants (the limit does not exist), here’s a breakdown of what’s inside. The $5.

A piece of furniture has never given me the uncontrollable urge to put on a caftan, blast the song “Summer Breeze,” and whip up a batch of Aperol Spritzes before. That is, until I saw Anthropologie’s new Peacock Cabana Daybed above. The curved rattan and bright pink cushion would make any outdoor space feel like an instant oasis. My new obsession is part of Anthropologie’s new Summer Outdoor Collection, which launched today.

Fresh flowers are happy-makers, and I almost always have some on our kitchen table. But the second my flowers start to show where they’re headed (death), I toss them into the compost pile. Wilting blossoms bring me down. Flowers given to you by someone else aren’t just colorful pick-me-ups, they’re a symbol of care and a gesture of love.

When I moved into my apartment almost five years ago, one of the biggest perks of my new space was its small, private balcony. It’s only large enough to fit a small table and two chairs, but I felt like I found a real estate diamond in the rough. Finding an affordable apartment in Manhattan with some private outdoor space is about as rare as a couple on “House Hunters” saying they don’t want an open floor plan and hardwood floors.

Few things make the scorching summer heat more bearable than jumping into a sparkling swimming pool. But what to do when you don’t have access to one? Fret not my sweaty friends, there are still plenty of ways to cool off outside this summer without a proper swimming pool, it just takes a little imagination. From sprinkler balls to water balloons, here are seven H2O-friendly ideas for staying cool this summer—sans the swimming pool.

New York City is not exactly known for its camping, I mean, it’s called the concrete jungle for a reason, right? But as a Midwestern transplant living in this hectic city I find myself craving some quality outdoor time on a regular basis. Typically, when that urge hits I grab a train to visit my brother upstate in the Hudson Valley, but he’s currently in Alaska fishing for a few months, and a trip back to Ohio requires advance planning. So what’s a grass-deprived girl to do?

Your backyard needs this.

If the closest you’ve managed to come to dipping your toe in some salty ocean water this summer is Googling affordable beach resorts or longingly scrolling through photos of celebrities hanging out at their dreamy beach homes, consider kicking those nagging symptoms of beach withdrawal to the curb by investing in your very own backyard swimming pond.

Whether you hop on the Jitney to Montauk, cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, or jet off somewhere fabulous like the Maldives, there’s a good chance you’ll go to the beach at least once this summer. At Apartment Therapy, we’re all about living life as stylishly as possible, so why should our beach trips be any different? From fun floats to chic beach chairs, and everything in between, here are 13 beach accessories design fanatics—and beach bums—will love.

This glass-topped patio table was acquired for the sweet price of $0, but it had a few issues. Enter our reader Sydney, armed with a vision, an X-Acto knife, and $2. Oh, and incredible amounts of patience and precision. This is so incredibly fun and poppy now! It’s stylish, playful, and nothing but fun—the perfect vibe for relaxing on the patio.

Maximize your enjoyment.

This summer is about to be lit.

There are plenty of ways to turn your yard into a mini-tropical paradise without breaking the bank!

The battle of charcoal versus gas grills is one for the ages — and the grilling enthusiasts in your life are sure to have strong opinions. But if you’re considering buying a grill for the first time or, perhaps thinking about making the switch from #teamgas to #teamcharcoal (or vice versa), what are the key factors you should consider? We’ve laid it all out here. There are a few reasons to opt for a charcoal grill, not least of which is cost.

With summer entertaining just around the corner, it’s time to refresh last year’s tired tumblers and worn-out tableware. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a ton to get a high-end, high-quality look. Forget the glassware and breakable pieces; this year it’s all about easy to serve, easy to care for melamine. With prints and quality this great, your guests will be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Read on for our choice picks below.

Landscape lovers rejoice: There’s a new trend sweeping Instagram and it’s all about stylish outdoor decor. Lately, every time we check the ‘gram we’re inundated with some seriously savvy outdoor setups, giving us an endless amount of decorating inspo. So to help jumpstart your afternoon daydreams, we rounded up a few of our favorite outdoor design ideas.

As the temperatures rise and we start breaking out the short-shorts and Popsicle sticks, it’s time to start thinking about pools. We don’t mean your local public pool with its plastic lounge chairs and sizzling hot concrete, though. This year, we’re dreaming about jade tiles, infinity designs, retro kidney shapes, and designer patio furniture in impressive city environments. From Chicago to Havana, below are some of the world’s most creative urban pools.

If the fast-approaching summer season has snuck up on you, you’re not alone. Thankfully, designer Emily Henderson chatted with us on how to get your outdoor space ready for warmer weather. Emily, in her ever-so-fab capacity as style ambassador, transformed a space three different ways using Target’s Project 62, Threshold, and Opalhouse collections.

There's ALWAYS room for another one of these.

Get the most floral bang for your warehouse store buck (while you grocery shop).

It's SO much warmer and more inviting than before.

Spring is here, or almost here, depending on where you live, and it’s a great time to think about the design of your outdoor space. Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of alfresco rooms that really embrace the bohemian vibe. Think assorted textiles, worn wood accents, and, of course, lots of plants. I love this look, and I love that it’s one that you can pull off, even in a smaller outdoor space. Let’s take a look at a few examples.

Above: When I look at this backyard design by Sawyer Berson, I can almost hear the sound of the fountain. What better place to relax after a stressful day? Tall trees add a dreamy element to this Manhattan backyard from Dwell. The high walls make this backyard into a world its own, and the little fountain ensures that city sounds are far away. The separate, square planter areas add a bit of a formal element to this city backyard from Foras Studio, but also provide a place to wander.

We’ve seen plenty of impressive room conversion Before & Afters—closet to nursery, kitchen-turned-bedroom, closet to mudroom—but a balcony-to-bathroom renovation is definitely a first. The space was languishing as a slightly awkward office, when what the family really needed was a bathroom. They wisely turned to the pros for help. Let’s take a look at the full-length “Before,” so we can see both the wood-paneled sloped ceiling and the beige carpet.

“Bring the outdoors in” has always been a line that makes me chuckle. In design school, many of us students would often cite “I wanted to bring the outdoors in” as a concept for an interior design project. But though it’s a common saying in the design world, it’s not a meaningless cliche. Finding a way to connect to the outside when you’re stuck inside might be one of the most important things you can do for your home.

Your neighbor’s yard is home to a community of inflatable snowmen, but you’d like to celebrate the season in a slightly more understated way. If you’d prefer for your exterior decorations to be as minimal and tasteful as your interior ones, look no further than these ideas that will have your home looking festive and holiday-ready, with nary a snowman (or even a reindeer) in sight. Above: Wouldn’t you just love to come home to a place like this?

The previous owners of Karin’s home had used the backyard as something of a doggy dumping ground. After some much needed clean up, Karin called in the professionals to help lay pavers and stone, before attacking the planting herself. Add in a shed and a re-done deck and you have a totally transformed backyard oasis. From Karin: I purchased my house in December, from people who were using the yard as a “doggie daycare”.

Project by: Becky Daly of Daly Digs Location: Tampa, Florida Becky’s client wanted to add some oomph to her outdoor space, so she designed a lanai that reflected her passions, style and personality. The space went from standard to stunning with bold and bright furniture, plenty of greenery and surprising accents sprinkled throughout. From Becky: My client friend Jessica wanted to transform her drab lanai into a tropical, West Indies-inspired oasis.

Jennifer knew not to take her Brooklyn patio for granted, since outside space in New York is a beautiful rarity, and set out to make the most of it. She kept things budget friendly while warming up the space, creating a casual space perfect for outdoor cocktails. From Jennifer: In 2009, I moved from a soulless shoebox on the UES into my (now) husband’s apartment in Brooklyn. One of the perks of the apartment was the ever-elusive (though tiny) outdoor patio area.

I live in a city, which means my backyard isn’t a quiet, outdoor oasis populated by trees and wildlife — where the only sound is the wind and maybe some crickets. Instead I’m surrounded by cell phone conversations, kids whooping it up while waiting for the school bus, and tons and tons of barking dogs. While I love living here, sometimes it would just be so nice to feel like I’m the only person in the world.

Riddle me this: why would someone buy a house on a lake and then grow a bunch of shrubs to block the view of the lake? We may never know the answer to that particular question, but we do know that Ashley’s backyard makeover not only restored the view but made the space infinitely more stylish and safe. From Ashley: When we moved into our home a couple years ago, I knew our back patio had major potential, but it was a big eye sore at the time.

Plant ladies – and gentlemen – unite! Every houseplant is unique, so shouldn’t their planters be unique, too? With some simple supplies, a spare hour or two, and an itch for creating cool color combos, you can easily craft a playful new look for all of your plants. The coiled cotton piping offers the ultimate neutral base for all of your favorite embroidery floss hues, and it makes this DIY perfect for pairing with all things textured, natural and bright.

Expecting the guests at your backyard barbecue to grill their own food would ordinarily be considered a huge faux pas, but when they’re seated at JAG’s innovative table and grill combo, the usual dinner party hosting etiquette no longer applies. The Dallas-based design and manufacturing company’s product is an expert combination of sturdy outdoor patio furniture and a BBQ grill. The multi-purpose table houses a grill at its center and can also be transformed into a fire pit.

Julene’s backyard had become a bit of an afterthought, more of a storage space than outdoor gathering place. But enough is enough — she decided to apply some crafty know-how and turn the space into a colorful and inviting spot, all on a budget! From Julene: The back patio area has been a dumping station for random unfinished projects and items that accumulated around the yard. I was sick of it looking trashy.

Here's a roundup of beautiful pools, because you deserve a break, even if it's only in your eyes and in your imagination.

If you’re the type who loves nothing more than digging around in fresh soil, harvesting food and flowers you’ve grown yourself, and just generally enjoy being surrounded by greenery, then we’ve got a suggestion for your next vacation. Terra Botanica is a plant themed amusement park located in France. If Disneyland Paris isn’t your cup of tea, then there’s another amusement park you can check out on your next trip to France.

One of the sacrifices you make as an apartment dweller is not having a backyard. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space at all, it’s likely to be pretty small. But there are plenty of ways you can make the most of a small outdoor space, and make it just as lovely and inviting as any giant suburban backyard. Here are ten tiny balconies that get it right. Above: The most appealing thing, to me, about this balcony from Pretty Nice is the plants.

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to get ever so slightly warmer and you suddenly have hope that winter might someday end. It’s also that time of year when people start thinking about outdoor projects, so this transformation of a neglected Brooklyn backyard is particularly timely. Having your own private backyard is something that most New Yorkers can only dream of. K.V.

When Molly moved to her new home she knew her back yard was full of potential, but would require a lot of work. After tearing things up, moving things out and putting in new roots, her backyard is a funky and welcoming oasis. From Molly: When we moved in, the backyard was all dirt and pavers and lattice, everywhere. Eveeeerywhere. We took out lattice in front of the concrete fence, around the raised beds and around the air conditioner.

At this time of year, nothing is nicer than having your own, private outdoor space. And you don’t have to have a giant backyard to create a beautiful outdoor retreat — it’s possible to make an inviting space out of even the smallest balcony. Take a look at these 10 very inspiring (and very small) outdoor spaces. Above: This Swedish balcony from Mainstreet Stockholm looks like a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.

I recently moved from Houston to New York, so my access to actual swimming pools is a lot more restricted than it used to be. I have dealt with this by spending a disproportionally large amount of time looking at pools on the internet.

First, let’s just take a moment to admire that view. Alright now we can talk about the patio. Silvia’s patio was the perfect blank canvas for some truly dramatic design, and she was totally up to the challenge. Check it out! From Silvia: A gorgeous new face for a old and slipshod terrace. It was totally refurbished with wall paint, wood decking, two dark gray panels (Pircher) and a modern Gandia Blasco outdoor set. Thank you, Silvia!

Name: Sidra Location: Drogheda — County Louth, Ireland My balcony was the absolute emptiest space of my apartment. Since it is uncovered it was used for basically nothing. When I decided to turn it into a garden, I wanted to create a calm and peaceful corner for myself where I could enjoy a book in the afternoon or a cup of tea in the evening. I wanted my garden to have an organic, relaxed vibe. So I naturally gravitated towards the Zen style of garden.

Name: Laura Location: Greenpoint — Brooklyn, New York My garden-level patio, though small, makes such a big difference in how I spend my time during the summer. I lived in my apartment for two years before doing anything to this area, which was originally used for bike storage and not much else. Once I started grad school and faced a summer full of homework, I knew that I needed a space to work outdoors or I would go mad.

As soon as summer hits, you may feel the urge to move everything you own outside so you can live under the sun and stars. Utilizing whatever outdoor area you have is especially important when you call a small space home, because it can give you the dining room, living room, or reading nook your place typically lacks. Whether you have a balcony, a rooftop, or an entire backyard to work with, these $100-or-less details will make it feel like an extension of your home. Give your space a glow up.

Name: Katrina Location: London, UK The garden was split into three distinct areas with separate purposes in mind. The first section, adjoining the house, featured a patio laid with mint fossil sandstone in a random pattern. To the right hand side of the patio is a seating/dining area featuring a railway sleeper table and chairs, plus a railway sleeper bench backed by an orange painted wedge-shaped rendered raised bed.

Feeling cramped at home has a limited set of solutions: Get out or grow out. That is to say, you can either move out to a new dwelling, or decide to add on to your existing structure. Or, in the cases of these real homes, do a little bit of both, by expanding your usable living space into a shed or yurt in the backyard. Erin and Nathan are the owners of a bohemian clothing shop, Tavin, in Los Angeles.

Nothing feels quite as rebellious as bringing something that doesn’t belong right through your front door. That’s why it’s so fun to have a tree in the living room at Christmas, or if you heed the advice in this post, set up a living room or bedroom outside for the night. Let’s get glamping! The recipe is really as simple as bringing some of your inside furniture outside to enjoy and feel defiantly luxurious for a night. Like camping, but a heck of a lot more fun.

Name: Beth Location: San Diego, California Our new home was empty for a while before we moved in so the yard wasn’t being maintained. Once we move in, we immediately started renovations on the inside and continued to neglect the yard. It was an overgrown mess by the time we started the renovations. We love to entertain but also knew we were going to have children. The space, which is about 1/4 acre, needed to be family friendly but able to accommodate parties and get-togethers.

The Tiny Canal Cottage is 1920s Craftsman-style house near the Venice Beach Canals in Southern California. Because the home itself is only 362 square feet, most of the furniture is built into the space, so they don’t move furniture around on a whim. That leaves the outdoor space as Whitney’s design playground, where she switches things up as needed.

The outdoor design for an urban dwelling is something totally different to a sprawling suburban or country yard. There’s much less space, to be sure. But you also have to take in mind your neighbors (and how much you want to see of them) and also what feels appropriate for your area and even your type of home.

Sunrooms are like bit players of a home. They don’t get top billing on the floor plan, like the living room and bedrooms do. But they’re important, still. They can be decorated and redecorated to serve a million different uses. Just check out these house tours for inspiration. Why waste that gorgeous sunlight on anything else? The sunroom in Irene & Evan’s Los Angeles home makes for a great spot to curl up with family, or to entertain and serve up cocktails.

Our best picks for breezy outdoor games that can be picked up quick to invite everyone in on the fun.

So you somehow got roped into a family camping trip this summer. If the word camping inspires a particular feeling of dread in the pit of your belly then you need our help. You CAN get through your ordeal vacation. Follow this guide. Maybe you think sleeping on the ground is for suckers or maybe you don’t fancy the idea of being shower-free for multiple days. These problems have solutions!

With a shared driveway behind her home, Anne had no private outdoor space to relax and entertain. This overgrown side yard might not scream outdoor oasis, but that’s what Anne created: From Anne: Thank you Anne!

Having a summer party that looks like a million bucks doesn’t have to mean spending a million bucks. Here are nine easy DIY ideas that will make your next outdoor party especially memorable… and that won’t break the bank. Above: A wheelbarrow makes a great impromptu drink cooler. Spotted on Style Me Pretty. DIY low table (cinderblocks and plywood perhaps?) + blankets and pillows out on the lawn = an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. Image from Eye Swoon.

You can still have the backyard or patio of your dreams, even if you rent. You just need to use temporary, removable accessories or decor that you can take with you at the end of your lease. Easy peasy. Outdoor Decking: Temporarily mask the ugly tile on your patio with these deck tiles that can move with you. The above photo is from a Swedish apartment seen on Dust Jacket Attic, but you can buy those tiles from IKEA. 32 square feet will cost you about one hundred bucks.

Anna had these basic folding chairs and wanted to use them on her balcony, but they needed some style first. Using a colorful oilcloth as inspiration, check out her quick and budget-friendly makeover: From Anna: The whole project took 8 hours: 3 hours to separate the seats and the backs from the aluminum frame 2 hours to paint the frame 2 hours to change the fabric of the seats and the backs 1 hour to put together the chairs. It cost €29.58: – 4 spray paint cans X €3.

Now that sunshine and warmth have arrived, it’s time to start hosting BBQs, parties, and outdoor hangouts. If you’re looking for some activities to jumpstart your gatherings, here are ten DIY ideas that will liven up any lawn. Top Row: 1. Yard Toss Game via A Subtle Revery: Bright colors make this yard toss set even more fun. 2. Giant Jenga via Momoluv on Instructables: If the blocks seem unwieldy, you could also use a rubber mallet to nudge them free. 3.

When it comes to outdoor space in the city, you often take what you can get. That was Julia & Bruno’s thinking when they purchased their Montreal home and inherited this dumpy backyard. If you remember their House Tour from last year, you’ve already seen part of the colorful transformation! From Julia: We did all the work ourselves with a small budget of about $3000. The main problem with the backyard was the old and dangerous shed. The first thing we did was to demolish it.