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Home Decor

Eight space-saving ways to makeover your outdoor space

Whether you have a condo-sized patio or an urban backyard deck these eight must-haves will get you ready for spring.
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deck ideas ikea floor decking

When the warm weather approaches, make sure you get the most out of the outdoors. We show you how with these patio essentials.

Deck ideas

Woven rug

A small space means you have room to go bold. This vibrant Dash & Albert rug will liven up any outdoor space. Choosing a woven cotton rug like this one will add a cozy element to your patio or deck. 

Cotton Rug, $52-898, Dash & Albert.

Deck ideas stripe woven cotton rugWoven rug

Grass carpet

No longer do you need to settle for concrete under your feet. Invest in some of this artificial grass carpet from RONA to make your patio feel more green and comfortable.

Grass carpet, $90/5x7" square, Rona.

deck solutions grass carpetGrass carpet

Floor decking

If you’re looking for a more formal patio floor, these wooden Ikea stained tiles are easily snapped together to add a natural, urban cool look to your outdoor space.

Floor decking, $20/9 pack, Ikea.

deck ideas ikea floor deckingFloor decking

Multi-purpose furniture

We love anything 3-in-1 and this chair/table is no exception. Fold this out into a lounger, and fold back into a long eating table or a short side table when you have guests. 

Chaise Lounger, $200, Loblaws Real Canadian Superstores

deck ideas multipurpose furnitureMulti-purpose furniture

A sectional

This build your own sectional from West Elm is the seating cure for all small patio and deck spaces.

Buy just one piece, or three, depending on the size of your space. Use as a lounging couch, and then separate the seats when you have guests over.

Corner chair, $1,200, West Elm. Single chair, $1,080, West Elm.  

Deck ideas sectionalA sectional

Fire column

Who says you don't have room to roast marshmallows? This fire column from Home Depot can be used as a decorative piece and keep you warm- without taking up too much leg room. 

Gas Fire Column, $120, Home Depot.

Deck ideas gas columnFire column

Green wall

Use this panel to create a green wall- not only does this look amazing, but plants will be kept tucked away for more seating space. Use the hooks to hang small plants or gardening tools, and fill the shelves with potted greenery.

Wall Panel, $60, Ikea

deck ideas ikea wall panel for plantsGreen wall

Bold lanterns

Match your lanterns back to your outdoor rug for an extra bold pop to your small oasis. Hang them from above so they don't take up table space. 

Plus Ceramic Lanterns, $20, CB2

deck ideas bold lanternsBold lanterns

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Alexandra Gater is a former home editor at Chatelaine who now shares renter-friendly hacks, DIY projects and joyful makeovers with her 900,000 YouTube subscribers.

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