Bring the Indoors Out

One of our signature design philosophies, especially when it comes to outdoor spaces, is to treat your patio like an extension of your home. Whether you’re working with a compact condo balcony or a sprawling rooftop terrace, thoughtful design and a few well-chosen pieces can make your outdoor space feel just as considered and cozy as your living room.

Take our Nouveau Penthouse project, for example, a stunning rooftop retreat with city views and a layout that seamlessly blends comfort with sophistication. The key? Layering textures, curating cozy zones, and designing with indoor living in mind.

Want that luxe look for your own space? Below are our go-to designer strategies for upgrading your patio this season, regardless of square footage.

Ground the Space with an Outdoor Rug

There’s nothing more indulgent than bare feet on a soft surface, yes, even outside. An outdoor rug instantly defines a space and adds comfort underfoot. Choose something with texture and pattern to hide a bit of wear and tear, and don’t be afraid to size up.

Install Patio Tiles for a Custom Finish

In small spaces, flooring matters. We love using snap-in patio tiles to instantly elevate the look of concrete balconies or older decking. They’re affordable, renter-friendly, and surprisingly transformative. Click HERE for our favourite cost-effective tile for balconies!

Pro tip: Install the tiles in the same direction rather than alternating them for a cleaner, more custom look.

Focus on Mood-Setting Lighting

There’s something magical about outdoor lighting that glows just right at golden hour. We always include rechargeable LED table lamps or lanterns in our projects, and yes, we use them across all budgets.

Try mixing portable lights with overhead string lights for that full layered effect. Bonus points if you mount your string lights in an interesting pattern, think zig-zags or radial spokes instead of just outlining the perimeter.

Don’t Skip Scent

We often think about how our spaces look, but how they smell is just as important. Lighting a favorite scented candle outdoors makes the whole setting feel more luxurious and curated. You probably have a few you didn’t finish over the winter; this is their moment.

We especially love our own MB L’Orangerie candle, which brings a fresh citrusy brightness that works beautifully in summer.

Add Something Old (And Unexpected)

Want to truly elevate your outdoor space? Incorporate found objects or antiques, just like you would inside. A vintage garden stool, a weathered brass vase, or an old floral bucket can give your outdoor space character and charm.

We love sourcing these kinds of pieces from Gild & Co., one of our local go-tos for antiques and unique home accents.

Keep it Simple, But Considered

If all of the above feels like a lot, here are a few easy-start ideas anyone can try this weekend:

• Layer throw pillows in weather-resistant fabrics for a quick style lift
  
• Add a side table for drinks, snacks, or citronella candles
  
• Use planters with varying heights to create dimension
  

• Install a shade umbrella or canopy for both form and function

Ready to Refresh Your own Outdoor Space?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to elevate what you already have, our team can help. From full-scale terrace designs to virtual consultations for small patios, we tailor every project to feel layered, livable, and unmistakably you. Click HERE to view our services!