As you peruse the resources for Phoenix apartment living, it’s time to start thinking about this summer. Outdoor living isn’t just for people with suburban homes and large backyards. Patios, balconies, and porches help people have fun in the sun when they live in apartments. Get ready for the warm season by following these tips for preparing your patio for summer.
Privacy
Depending on where you live, your patio or balcony might not be very private. If you feel too self-conscious to soak up the sun in your bathing suit, it may be time to add some privacy features. You can do this by adding a partial curtain or even a straw skirt on your outdoor living area. Look for options that will block some visibility and light without completely negating your ability to enjoy the great outdoors. Bamboo screens are a great option because they’re inexpensive, effective, and help cultivate an outdoor look.
Lighting
As the weather heats up, nighttime might become the best opportunity to enjoy your outdoor living space. Make sure you’re not sitting in the dark by adding some fun and tasteful lighting options. Strings of lights will give a delightful ambiance while also adding function so you can have a conversation or even enjoy a book. There are plenty of inexpensive options online or at your local hardware store, and you can even find some that rely on solar power. They’ll charge up all day and be ready for you come sundown. If you don’t want to rely on sun-powered lights, you can still find plenty that plug into an outlet.
Set the Mood
Just like decorating the inside of your house, perfecting your patio or balcony is an opportunity to express your aesthetic. Keep in mind that this is an extension of your living space, so make sure the decor will make you and your guests feel comfortable. Give it a good spring cleaning, then pick out some textures, colors, and patterns that strike the right mood. You can even find beautiful outdoor rugs that will add to the design and give you a soft place to put your feet.
Keep Bugs at Bay
If your patio is plagued by pests, there are plenty of options to get rid of them. Sprays, citronella candles, and more will repel bugs to ensure your time outside is more enjoyable. You can also employ a mosquito net canopy to add both form and function. It will give a fun whimsical look to your patio at the same time as it keeps you protected.
Build an Artificial Fire
Open flames and apartment patios aren’t a good mix, and most complexes won’t even allow you to put a fire pit on your balcony. Instead, you can get the campfire feel by adding a fire pit without ever lighting a flame. Get a decorative wood bundle, then wrap a string of little lights around it. Plug in the lights and enjoy the aesthetic of an imitation fire without all the risk. Besides, Phoenix residents don’t need to be generating any extra heat during the summer!
Pick Your Furniture
At this junction, it’s important to think about how you’ll be using the space. If you just plan to sit in the sun and read a book, all you need is a comfortable lounge chair and a side table where you can set a drink. For intimate conversations with friends, you can set the scene with some cozy outdoor armchairs. Dining outside is pleasant when the weather is right, and you can achieve this with a small table and some chairs. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway just outside your home, you may be best served with a hammock. They’re comfortable, inexpensive, and lend themselves to a relaxing vibe while you hang out.
Make sure any furniture you pick is designed to be outdoors so it can withstand anything the weather might throw at it. Secure cushions and other moveable parts to ensure they don’t blow away in the wind.
Breathe Life Into It
Your decorations and furniture will make your outdoor living space feel like an extension of the inside, which is nice for creating comfort. It’s still ideal to get some sense of basking in natural beauty, though, and a small selection of plants can help you strike the right tone. Cacti and succulents are perfect for Phoenix living since they grow here naturally, and they require minimal care. If you don’t have any semblance of a green thumb, though, you may be better suited with fake plants. You can find plenty of options that look extremely realistic, then package them in attractive pots to give your patio a fresh and vibrant look.
Start from the Bottom up
You may not want to deal with maintaining a rug in your outdoor living space since they can attract and hold a lot of dust and dirt. There are still plenty of other options for hiding the concrete slab or whatever else makes up the floor of your patio. Shop around at hardware or home goods stores to find some attractive outdoor tiles. They’re easy to lay out and connect, then you can pick them back up and take them with you when it’s time to move out. Artificial grass is another good option, as it will help you feel close to nature (plus it won’t wilt under the harsh Phoenix sun).
Get the Drinks Flowingi
A cold drink is one of the best companions for a relaxing hangout session on your patio. Refreshing options like water and lemonade will help keep you cool, or you can sip a beer while chatting with your roommate or guest. No matter what you’re drinking, you’ll need a way to keep it cold, prepare it, and serve it. Outdoor bar carts, coolers, and drink trays will all come in handy here. You can get creative and use plastic buckets or other items to organize your drinks in a way that fits in with your aesthetic. Look for options that are easy to clean, store, and move inside when it’s time.
Get Cozy
There are few things more relaxing than spending an entire Saturday on your balcony. If you’re going to be out there for an extended session, you’ll probably want some ways to stay comfortable. Even if you already have nice outdoor furniture, it can’t hurt to add a few outside-approved pillows and other touches. This will give you a place to lay your head if you want to doze off while working on your tan. You probably won’t need a blanket during the summer, but it can’t hurt to have one on hand just in case.
Apartments for Rent in Phoenix
At Heers Management, we are proud to offer Phoenix Apartments with beautiful outdoor living spaces. Our friendly staff is looking forward to showing you around our various communities so you can scout out the patios. Find your new home and prepare to enjoy the sunshine this summer– the beautiful Phoenix weather will make you glad to have outdoor options when you want to relax. Contact us today to learn more or set up a showing.