A Tiny, "Neglected" Backyard Became the Coziest European-Style Patio - AOL

A comfortable outdoor space provides tangible benefits for mental health and for a dog. Working from home can make morning outdoor time and breakfast on a patio a priority. When a small apartment backyard had uneven ground, weathered fencing, and scattered dirt, the space was seen as having potential. Renovation planning began with collecting inspiration and identifying preferred colors, textures, and patterns. The first step was leveling the ground before focusing on other design details. A renter-friendly approach used landscape fabric, a thin layer of sand, and concrete pavers sourced cheaply. The design allowed for removal later by picking up pavers, folding the tarp, and disposing of materials.

""It's crucial for me to have a comfortable outdoor space wherever I live for my mental health and for my dog as well," Lauren explains. And because she works from home, Lauren likes being able to work outside in the mornings and enjoy breakfast on her back patio."

""It... seemed to have been neglected for years," Lauren shares of the super-small space. "But I saw potential!""

""What specific colors, textures, and patterns was I gravitating towards?" Lauren shares. When that was figured out, Lauren decided the first step in her renovation process was leveling the ground before moving on to the other details."

""I did it by laying down landscape fabric and a thin layer of sand on top, then put down concrete pavers, which I found for less than $2 a piece at Lowe's," she says. The way she designed it made it an easy renter-friendly hack. She planned that when she moved it out, she'd be able to simply pick up all the pavers, fold the tarp, and dispose of th"

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