Decorating ideas to make my space more colorful

Sandra
by Sandra
I take care of a space that has concrete floor. I have put in many potted plants, and enjoy taking care of it. But I need ideas for colorful non-living things that I can put out there, but it would have to be something that would go in a pot. I would also like ideas of hardy colorful flowing perennial plants that can survive in partial sun situations. I was able to commandeer a couple old benches to use. This photo was just taken after I had gotten rid of some plants, and I haven't had a chance yet to balance out. I'd love some chimes in there.
  19 answers
  • Kathryne Williams Davis Kathryne Williams Davis on Apr 10, 2016
    An outdoor rug! Try painting a tarp or using colorful carpet squares. If this is your place, consider painting the concrete itself. Paint your pots. Colorful flowers are great but they all die back. Some of my favorites include Gerber daisies and Ballerina lilacs. Consider potting a hydrangea or other "yard" bush. After the flowers fade, you can replant them in the yard. Add wall art: An old window, metal signs, rusted tools. Let your imagination soar.
  • Jane Fiedler Jane Fiedler on Apr 10, 2016
    Perhaps use ceramic or concrete paints and design a variety of area rugs. You could also color a few of the pots ...
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 10, 2016
    In order to plant perennials you must first find out your hardiness zone. Once that is determined I would try using perennials for all seasons as to have continual color.I would also consider a colorful gazing ball as they are truly amazing in the sun.You can also add colorful glass objects into the containers for a different effect. There is a great website for to to research for more inspiration. Flea Market Gardens. They give details on repurposing items you have have hanging around, and show various different ways for plantings .Pinterest is also a great website for creativity.
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @Janet Pizaro I like the ides of colorful glass objects in the containers and the flea market gardens website. I actually have a gazing ball that's not shown in the picture, as I said it all needed rearranging since i'd thrown out some plants. Thanks for your ideas.
  • Mary Mary on Apr 10, 2016
    paint/ tile mosaic on the pots, benches, build/buy some plant stands, use color on everything you can thats non living, and a painted rug or ground mosaic would work wonders.
  • Colleen Colleen on Apr 10, 2016
    You could fill a pot with several colorful garden stakes instead of plants...birds, butterflies, etc. Or, perhaps this idea could be modified to fit your limitations... http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/lighted-gazing-ball-637082. You could stick a tall shepherds hook plant hanger down into the dirt in an otherwise empty pot, from which you could hang the wind chimes you would like. Paint a pyramid shaped trellis a bright color, set it into a square pot and wrap with twinkle lights for a warm glow in the evening and color during the day.
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @Colleen thank you for the website. I think I'll just buy a plastic window box and work from there. It'd sure be colorful.
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Apr 10, 2016
    I guess the first thing to ask is what kind of a budget you have to work with?
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    • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Apr 16, 2016
      @Sandra You mentioned you like wind chimes, have you thought about a rain chain Not much needed so cost might be doable . There are lots of how to on Pinterest and I bet you could find some here on Hometalk. Also checkout wind chimes I have seen them made from forks and spoons that can be bought for very little at thrift stores ( Good Will). One thing with wind chimes just remember some people don't like them!!!! So you might want to keep them near your windows or door. Hopefully now you have some low or no cost ideas. Enjoy your view .As I read newer comments I keep see things that could be expensive but also can be made for very little. Some one mentioned art work ,to make some at a very reasonable like using drop cloths from the hard ware store and paint from the Dollar store. You could hang them on the wall under the balconies.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Apr 11, 2016
    Think the area by benches needs an indoor/outdoor carpet to help define the area and cozy things. I would remove the pots from the benches and add a cushion or two. You can also spray paint pots for added colour.
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @Marion Nesbitt I live in a very humid area. Cushions wouldn't be an option. I like the natural look of the benches and that's why I wanted them, but they are old and are not safe to sit on, Thus the decor for them became Christmas cactuses.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Apr 11, 2016
    Several options.. First, I'd put feet under all the pots, this will prevent the paint from coming up. This is a nice large space. I'd break it into several areas.. one for dining, one for relaxing, Maybe add a fountain, I have one that's battery powered- recharge about 1X a month, from QVC, I love it. Comes on same time everyday. I've had no luck with solar. .I'd add an outdoor area rug.. they are very reasonable priced, not like the old plastic feeling ones from a few years ago. New ones can be hosed off and even left out all year,but I'd bring in... You could stay with the neutral tones in the urn/pots you have and go country Tuscan feel, or something bright. Painters drop clothes make wonderful outdoor accessories in a neutral shade. I'd add an umbrella if you get lots of bright sun.. a dining table and chairs. Even a bistro size small one .with bright colored cushions and tablecloth. A HUGE tablecloth can be made into cushions and pillows..I'd ad a glider, rocking chair or lounge( I love my BLISS recliner), a small table for a conversation grouping with the benches. I've seen large flowerpots, topped with the saucers filled with sand and a few shells, topped with glass as an accent. A single placemat with a candle is inviting. Maybe String a few lights or add candles on timers or in lanterns, even wind chimes.. I'd redo the benches; clean the metal and spray paint it, white or black.. If white tie color of the wood to the rest of the decor and paint.. If black keep it dark then add a cushion or pillow....I'd check with the local nursery or online for hardy perennials with some fun colors for your area..Your big plants are a great back drop, for the punch of color..from the perennials.. Keep us posted.. would love to see how this evolves.. What fun..
  • Jennie Lee Jennie Lee on Apr 11, 2016
    As for chimes, I highly recommend Woodstock wind chimes. They are pricey, but last for decades. The big thing about them is that they are TUNED. You get a chime that plays melodies, not random, off-key jangling. They come in many sizes and different selections of notes.
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    • Jennie Lee Jennie Lee on Apr 13, 2016
      @Sandra I checked eBay for you--some of them are less than $12 new! Apparently some models are less than I thought!
  • Ann Ann on Apr 11, 2016
    If you can, a large manzanita branch in a taller pot would be wonderful. Try to get a big enough set of branches so you can hang windchimes and maybe some beaded solar light decor. Add colorful pillows to those benches and maybe some oversize artwork on the back wall. Google how to waterproof art for outdoor display. You'd be surprised what you can hang on that big wall.
  • Patty Patty on Apr 11, 2016
    I have had beautiful blooms with day lily's and cat mint potted in part shade, there are different kinds of climbers you can grow in pots all you have to do is put something in the pot for it to climb on. there are nice metal trellises and they don't have to be very expensive, depending on how big and strong of one you need. The woody vines will be heavy so you would need a sturdy structure for them. You can bring color in by spray painting your pots and colorful outdoor pillows for the benches. You have a lovely space and there is just so much you can do with it without spending a ton of money. If you have friends with flower beds I bet they would be more than willing to share with you. hostas and day lily's and cat mint need to be divided and if they are like me would be more than glad to share what they had to divide. good luck.
  • Ruth Ruth on Apr 12, 2016
    Just painting the pots would,add color. Or the benches. Or both. An outdoor carpet would make sense if there was seating..which could also add color. Or you could paint a rug. Or, as others mentioned, mosaic the pots. All would work.
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @Ruth I live in a very humid area. A rug wouldn't be an option. I like the natural look of the benches and that's why I wanted them, but they are old and are not safe to sit on, Thus the decor for them became Christmas cactuses. I have had a lot of comments to paint the pots, so although they are pretty weather worn and will take some work, I may try that.. I originally wanted to paint a brick sidewalk winding through it, but since I'm financing this endeavor myself, it came off my list. I may recommend staining to the Association Board on the concrete. Thanks for your replies.
  • Dee Lynch Dee Lynch on Apr 12, 2016
    I would stain the concrete, not paint, it lasts longer and you can do patterns that will separate your seating from other areas.....
  • KatAych KatAych on Apr 12, 2016
    You could paint the benches and pots, maybe even add some wall-mounted pots for height and interest. I love to plant begonias and impatiens - they come in all sorts of colors and can grow in sun/shade. Also, ivy geraniums are lovely in mounted pots as they hang down. I'd consider adding a water feature as well - maybe a small fountain. Good luck! :-p
  • CushyChic, LLC CushyChic, LLC on Apr 12, 2016
    What a lovely intimate space you have. Ann's branch idea to hang a wind chime is brilliant. I love the ideas of adding some color with outdoor art and a rug too, it would really define and cozy up your space. Find something for a center coffee table and you'll have the perfect place to spend some leisure time. I just saw a DIY coffee table made from a used pallet with 2x4 legs that would work great. Post some pictures so we can enjoy your results with you!
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @CushyChic, LLC I live in a very humid area. A rug wouldn't be an option. I like the natural look of the benches and that's why I wanted them, but they are old and are not safe to sit on, Thus the decor for them became Christmas cactuses. I have had a lot of comments to paint the pots, so otherwise they are pretty weather worn and will take some work, I may try that. I intended this to be a cozy area, but living in a condo doesn't allow me to do whatever I want. As I do stuff to it, I will post pictures. This is a common area and I have to wait until the association plans to paint it.
  • Pam Pam on Apr 12, 2016
    I'd stain the cement floor.
  • Cindi Cindi on Apr 12, 2016
    I'd paint some of the pots, and the benches, and get an outdoor rug.
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @Cindi I live in a very humid area. A rug wouldn't be an option. I like the natural look of the benches and that's why I wanted them, but they are old and are not safe to sit on, Thus the decor for them became Christmas cactuses. I have had a lot of comments to paint the pots, so otherwise they are pretty weather worn and will take some work, I may try that. Thanks.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Apr 13, 2016
    Stain concrete floor in a nice decorative pattern and seal it. Take your time to find a pattern that fits your region and decor. Consider having a pro do it. Also consider an aviary.
    • Sandra Sandra on Apr 13, 2016
      @Johnchip This is a common area and therefore will eventually be painted by the condo association. I don't know how much influence I would have, but I'll certainly suggest a stain and sealer. I like that idea.
  • Cynthia Potts Cynthia Potts on Apr 15, 2016
    Yes, cement stain/coloring. Also, pilfer small tables/stools (plastic or wood?) garbage picking is where I find my best stuff! Paint them colors, gives added height, color and texture to your space.