Even if your patio or balcony is limited in size, your sense of fun can still be as big as all outdoors.
We show you how to make the most of your space, all while sticking very much to your own style.

You mix color, pattern and textures inside your home all year long, but this is where Mother Nature can get in on the act, too.

Social butterflies: A hand-painted, folding bistro table—a step up from plain iron versions—can be the center of activity from morning coffee to evening cocktails with friends. Add all-weather dining cushions with flirty tie-backs. Pull up a ceramic garden stool for extra seating or keep it in the background as a sculpted accent table. And for true fun that saves on space, we like a serving cart that rolls from kitchen to patio, serves as a drink station and includes shelves for storage.

Say it with flowers: Take advantage of outdoor wall décor that’s designed to endure the elements but still look bright. And an indoor/outdoor rug anchors the entire look while softening a so-not-charming concrete surface.

Keys: Your own fresh take on flowers, a versatile outdoor rug and practical, pretty, hand-painted serving options.

Bring what you love—traditional silhouettes and classic patterns—outside with a bright, fresh palette and a few well-chosen updates.

Hello there, sunshine: You can’t get more classic than white wicker. But you can take advantage of a modern-day improvement— synthetic rattan. Still hand-woven and comfortable, this new all-weather material is far more durable. Make it your own with sunny, fade-resistant cushions and pillows in timeless prints.

Art lovers need fresh air, too: When you don’t have room for garden sculpture (or even, you know, a garden), you can still enjoy flowers and lush color with outdoor wall art. And if you happen to have a collection of gallery-inspired glassware or hand-painted dinnerware, now is the time to show it off on the neutral backdrop of a wicker table. Stick with three or four main colors and everything will play well together.

Keys: Outdoor seating that’s weather-resistant and durable, bright cushions inspired by a Victorian pavilion.

When an outdoor space is filled with sleek shapes and bold accents, it begins to take on the feel of a luxury resort. In the design world, this is what’s known as “niiiiice.”

Mod as in modular: The beauty of modular patio seating (aside from, you know, its beauty) is that pieces can be combined for comfort, pulled apart for parties or turned to face the indoors, creating a larger, continuous living space. Look for clean profiles that still offer interesting textures and visual interest. Quick example: All-weather rattan that’s been woven by hand. Complement the contemporary lines with tailored outdoor cushions and pillows. The effect will be restful and inviting.

Simple genius: Let a few statement-making pieces fill out the scene. Oversized outdoor lanterns, a potted agave—a faux version designed specifically for patios—and a flat-weave rug in a neutral color.

Keys: Dramatic faux plants that you can display outdoors, floor vases that are more like sculpture, wall art.

A festival of color. An al fresco art gallery. Your own personal casbah. You really can blend influences from other cultures without creating a look that’s all over the map.

Departure time: The trick is to start with a strong focal point. A wrought-iron patio dining table topped by handcrafted mosaic tiles can set the tone for the entire space. Just like that, spicy colors, cool touches and artisan-created details work together. (Note about metal patio furniture: Always look for a powder-coated finish; it’s an extra step that helps prevent rust.)

Wish you were here: If you choose an outdoor rug in the same color as your table, you can create interesting little contrasts around the edges. Bright outdoor cushions. Exotic glass lanterns and tabletop oil burners in colors picked up from the mosaic. A hand-carved ceramic garden stool, in a solid color for maximum impact. Yeah. It’s beautiful here.

Keys: Iron tables with mosaic tops, exotic glass lanterns and anything created, carved or painted by hand.