With our gorgeous climate (and especially now it’s spring), we all crave a bit of outside space - an outdoor “room” where you can escape the world and while away the hours… preferably with something delicious to drink (I would say wine but right now it would be a very strong cappuccino!) and a good read.  Bliss!

Being an urban dweller and somewhat “challenged” in the garden department, I’m in awe of what people can do with just a tiny bit of outdoor space.  Be it a balcony, courtyard or even a roof terrace, there are some truly magical outdoor "rooms" that make the very most of their small size.  Sometimes all you need is some potted greenery, string lighting, cushions and a comfy spot to sit (and maybe a touch of imagination) to create something wonderful.

Just a little balcony in this London flat but a beautiful spot to sit away from the hustle and bustle of a big city -

I’m a sucker for string lights in outdoor spaces -

I love rooftop gardens (not to mention cityscape vistas like this one…oh my) –

Another lovely rooftop oasis -

This terrace house manages to squeeze in a deck, a pool AND a lovely patch of grass -

Gorgeous outdoor space in this Sydney terrace restoration by Arent and Pyke (featured in Vogue Living May/June 2014) -

A lovely little Parisian courtyard -

Hanging lanterns work beautifully in outdoor spaces -

I do love an internal courtyard and especially love the eclectic mix of plants in this Erskineville house (quite liking the combo of brass kitchen benchtop, black tapware and butler sink too!) -

 

Black is a gorgeous backdrop for this lush courtyard greenery -

Small but lovely -

This is the courtyard of BedNest director Nicky's backyard in her former home in Sydney - tiny, but full of life -

For us urban dwellers, a little bit of outside space is pure luxury - be it a balcony, courtyard or even a rooftop.  And no matter how small...

Images via Pinterest, Vogue, BedNest and Gardenista