Summer is here, and there’s one thing on every apartment-hunter’s mind—outdoor space. These two words can put sheer delight into the heart of any New Yorker. In a city as energetic (and just plain jam-packed) as this one, it’s always a rare pleasure to have your own al fresco refuge for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying warm nights outside. When you reside at the luxury East Village apartments for rent at EVGB, this enviable outdoor space is easy to come by.

For open-air activities at home, look no further than EVGB’s 19,000-square-foot rooftop, which includes a bocce court, yoga lawn, and plenty of space to barbecue and hang out with friends. And in many of the homes at EVGB, you’ll have access to private outdoor terraces and balconies that afford you the luxury of indoor-outdoor living in the heart of the East Village.

The best part of all of this is that you have extra space to decorate and call your own. There are plenty of local home goods and houseware spots in the neighborhood that will help you to furnish, light, and even add a little greenery to your outdoor oasis.

Here are some of our tips for decorating a balcony or terrace, along with a few of our favorite places to pick up supplies.

Know How You’ll Use the Outdoor Space

Want a quiet little spot for sipping wine at sunset while reading? Or a nook for breakfast while basking in the sun? How about a place to entertain friends for the warm-weather holidays? The space at EVGB is incredibly versatile, so it’s good to know how you want to use it before getting started. There’s no need to worry about it or to be too rigid in your planning. Just keep it in mind as you go about decorating.

Pick an Aesthetic

Whether you like a boho-chic or a modern minimalist moment, the vibe of your balcony will inform the purchases you make for furniture and other decor. This is the part of your home where you can be daring with your design and ideas. For example, if your interior is neutral and monotone, try adding bright and bold hues to the outdoor space. Think: a striped balcony wrap, a colorfully patterned outdoor rug, or even some funky vintage furniture to add that Downtown NYC appeal.

For the ultimate in unconventional yet high-end, Lancelotti Housewares is an East Village mainstay. Here, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces, ranging from dinnerware to unique cookbooks, that will take your outdoor fêtes to the next level.

Go Green

Whether you’re a novice or an expert green thumb, plants are a perfect way to add a bit of nature to your private space. And, according to Healthline, studies have shown that having a bit of flora around may reduce stress and elevate your mood.

Pick up the gardening accouterments you need at Saifee Hardware & Garden on First Avenue, including all of the tools, seeds, plants, flower pots, and, of course, soil to turn your balcony into a verdant hideaway.

Don’t Take Lighting Lightly

Once you have the basics of your balcony in place, add the finishing touch to it with some atmospheric lighting. A string of bistro or twinkle lights from H. Brickman & Sons adds an ambience that will make you feel as though you’re on vacation every time you step outside.

There are myriad ways to make your balcony or terrace feel special. See what these sought-after spaces look like in person with a tour of EVGB.