Refresh your patio or balcony on a budget: Easy DIY ideas that are perfect for Arizona
We're lucky here in metro Phoenix: We can use our patios and balconies practically year-round, enjoying the outdoors and expanding our homes' livable space.
Whether you have a spacious patio or a cozy balcony, there are plenty of DIY projects you can tackle on a budget to enhance your outdoor space. From simple updates to creative transformations, there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas to breathe new life into your outdoor oasis.
From adding cozy seating, creating a colorful herb garden in recycled containers or stringing up fairy lights for a magical ambiance, easy DIY projects offer endless possibilities to personalize your space.
So grab your tools, unleash your creativity and get ready to turn your patio or balcony into a stylish and inviting retreat where you can relax and unwind.
How to update your patio on a budget
Here are some ideas from James Judge, a Phoenix designer and realtor who is @thehousejudge on Instagram, on how to update your patio or balcony on a budget:
Add privacy: Judge recommends installing artificial grass wall panels as a privacy screen, a backdrop or to hide anything unsightly. You can find them at Lowe's, Home Depot, Amazon and other retailers. “This is one of my favorite DIY outdoor tips because you can get instant gratification with just a few simple changes,” said Judge.
Improve lighting: Enhance your outdoor ambiance with solar lighting or plug-in fixtures. “Consider adding solar landscape lighting into your potted plants or along the ground to up-light the structure. This will create a big visual impact in the evening and really helps to highlight your space,” said Judge. He recommends waterproof outdoor lights. You can find numerous styles on Amazon and at lighting and home improvement stores.
Paint the floor: “So often patios or balconies have a concrete floor, which can be appealing if it's aged. Therefore I recommend adding concrete paint to the floor,” said Judge. This trick helps hide stains, flaws and cracks. Just make sure to choose paint suitable for outdoor concrete surfaces.
Pro tip: “When doing DIY for the first time, I always recommend tackling one project at a time. It's great to have the full picture in mind, but doing one thing at a time can help ensure that you don't get overwhelmed and it will ensure that the project is a success,” said Judge.
How can I make my balcony nice?
To create an inviting balcony space, start by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering the area to establish a fresh foundation. Here are five easy easy ways to make your balcony nice:
Choose appropriately sized and weather-resistant furniture that complements your balcony's dimensions and style. Judge says to wait until June to shop. That's when outdoor furniture and accessories typically go on sale and you can take advantage of the discounts to stock up.
Introduce greenery with potted plants, hanging baskets or vertical gardens to infuse your balcony with natural beauty and a refreshing atmosphere.
Consider adding privacy features such as screens, trellises or curtains to create a secluded retreat.
Enhance comfort with soft textiles like cushions, throws and outdoor rugs, and incorporate lighting elements such as lanterns to extend usability into the evening.
Personalize the space with decorative accents and maximize vertical space with shelving or hanging organizers to optimize storage.
Whatever balcony or patio improvements you tackle, don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
“You will make mistakes with DIY. On social media, it's rare when we see the mistakes people actually make in the progress but they happen and they will continue to happen. I always suggest pausing to decide if the mistake can be resolved or improved before starting over," said Judge.
"Every DIY project has its ups and downs but the end result is always so rewarding.”
Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Update your patio or balcony on a budget: Easy DIY tips
