For most people, condo living doesn’t exactly come with luxury outdoor spaces like a shed or a pool. But if your space comes with a balcony or patio, rejoice! You have your own little piece of nature to customize exactly how you want. A little attention to detail (and of course our expert styling tips!) can transform a small, drab balcony into your very own outdoor oasis.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when remodeling your patio.

Start with furniture: The first thing you’ll probably want to add is some furniture. But remember that anything you put on your balcony will be exposed to the elements. Materials like resin wicker, wrought iron, teak and plastic can handle most of what Mother Nature throws at them.

Decorate with plants: Next, it’s time to add some items that will help make your balcony shine. Plants are great for sprucing up the space. Flowers such as geraniums and begonias, robust plants such as bamboo and fresh herbs thrive in a balcony garden. The list of outdoor plants is long – just think about the hardiness zone you live in and how much light your balcony gets before making any decisions.

Invest in privacy: Finally, consider whether you’re looking for privacy in your outdoor space and how much of it you want. While shared living spaces like condos and apartments can make complete privacy difficult to achieve, there are a variety of balcony ideas that will help you wave goodbye to nosy neighbors and claim more personal space. Tall plants, climbing vines and shrubs are great quick fixes. Weather resistant textiles and fabric hangings are great for closing off your space a bit and adding some much needed shade too. You can even buy privacy screens made from anything from metal to bamboo.

By now, you’ve probably realized that there are tons of balcony ideas to incorporate, even for the smallest space. Ready to start? Check out the charming examples below.