Before

This is what the terrace looked like after a long winter of being buried in snow. The table and chairs were left behind by the previous residents.

After

{Shirt: H&M, Jeans: Seven for all Mankind, Belt: Gap, Shoes: Bakers}

Summer Nights

{Futon: Craig’s List, Cushions: Target, End Tables: Bed Bath & Beyond, Table & Chairs: Craig’s List, Lanterns: Pottery Barn, Flowers: New York Flowers Plant Shed}

It has been a while since I posted any apartment pictures, and being this time of year, I thought it was only appropriate to share our terrace make over.  Looking for apartments in Manhattan can be daunting (as I told you here), but when we saw the outdoor space at this apartment, we were sold!  Being from Texas, having a place to get away from it all was important, and this outdoor space provides just that.

When spring approached,  I knew we wanted to take full advantage of our rooftop terrace, so I immediately started scouting for outdoor furniture. Right away, I was discouraged.  I searched the web high and low but could not find a set of furniture for a reasonable price.  I even searched on Craig’s List, but I only found small outdoor sets that were still overpriced.   However, when I was scrolling through Craig’s List, I noticed an abundance of futons for sale for next to nothing and got a great idea – buy a futon and replace the cushions with outdoor cushions.  And, that is exactly what I did!  Once I bought the futon, I realized I didn’t have to stop there.  Next, I found this wooden kitchen table and chair set that my husband simply covered with an outdoor water sealant and voila!

The finishing touch was planting the flowers and adding lights.  Two lanterns from Pottery Barn for the table and white Christmas lights attached to four dowel rods, and we have the perfect atmosphere.