Before and After: A $1100 Redo Turns a Bare Patio into Cozy Central

With spring well underway and summer just around the corner, you’re probably spending a lot more time outdoors — which means it’s a perfect time to give your patio, deck, yard, or balcony a spruce-up to make it more comfortable and inviting.

Take inspiration from this redo of a totally bare balcony from Shruti Chopra. Shruti, whose Toronto condo strikes the perfect balance of modern and glam, had put off finishing the empty balcony when she moved in with her husband Madhukar last fall. “We bought this house last fall but left the patio project for spring because let’s face it, during Toronto winters patios are useless as G in lasagna,” Shruti jokes.

The only things on the balcony were some faux grass on the floor and string lights on the railing, but the 50-square-foot space had lots of potential — and Shruti wanted to make it lounge-ready. “We wanted to turn it into a space where we could spend time after work or have a coffee in the morning,” she says. “We knew we’d be able to fit in a seating for four and used that as a starting point.”

Shruti and Madhukar started by planning their layout using the Magicplan app to see what they could fit and what they’d have to pass on. Once they decided on an arrangement that worked, they started shopping patio furniture. Since they got everything from IKEA, they were able to keep costs low.

Two padded seats provide cozy lounge spots, while a storage bench acts as a multifunctional coffee table — a smart small-space solution. A slim rolling cart also makes room for lots of pretty potted plants. Over top the faux grass, Shruti and Madhukar added a herringbone patterned rug in a neutral pallet.

What makes the space extra special, though, is an feature wall made with wood trellises and accented with a decorative neon light. It makes the patio feel just as cozy at night as it does during the day.

Total cost came to $1100 for this patio, just over the couple’s budgeted $1000, and they’re pleased with the results. Best part? The project finished up just in time for warm weather.

“With this patio I feel we have been able to add additional space to our house,” Shruti says. “It provides us with some more space to relax and entertain.”

Inspired? Submit your own project here.