If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of an outdoor space, no matter the size. That’s why when Los Angeles-based influencer Tara Millamena (@taramillamena) wanted some breathing room to help make quarantine more bearable, she turned to Havenly. Even as a city dweller with a small patio, Tara recognized the potential for a calming outdoor area to get some sunshine and mental respite. And, since her makeover, she’s been using it every. Single. Day.
“My boyfriend and I use the patio each morning, since we love to start off our day breathing fresh air,” Tara shares. “Since we don’t go outdoors as much during the pandemic, any time we feel a little anxious to be out and about, we utilize our patio instead to give us that extra boost throughout our day.”
Below, see how Tara worked with a Havenly designer to create an outdoor space that perfectly flows with the minimalist vibe inside her apartment.
“My main goal was to have a patio space that I wanted to lounge in, but I wanted to make sure that it represented the style I had throughout my apartment,” Tara says. “My apartment patio is so small, so I knew I didn’t want to overcrowd the space with too much furniture.” With the help of her design partner, Micah, Tara opted for clean-lined yet comfortable pieces to create a serene, Zen-like vibe. To create an extension of the indoors outside, Tara’s design was inspired by the rest of her apartment: minimal, with a neutral palette, and with a touch of wood accents. Tara also loves anything lighten and bright with subtle bohemian accents.
“Micah really listened to what I wanted for the space without pushing other ideas on me, which I really appreciated. She respected my ideas and made me feel that we could accomplish my goal without a problem,” Tara says. “It made me really trust her — and the process.”
Tara had never worked with a designer before, so she admits she “wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since it was online.” Fortunately, the experience exceeded her expectations. “I usually find joy in hunting for good deals and furniture myself, because I trust myself to find good deals that are also high quality,” she says. “But the fact that our designer succeeded in finding quality items within my budget was a pleasant surprise.”
In fact, embracing help was the delight of the whole project, Tara shares. “I essentially didn’t have to do any of the hard work in finding items that fit my budget. I find that to be the hardest part when it comes to designing a space — I love quality items, but I don’t like spending the big bucks for them. The fact Micah found items that were very well made for a reasonable prices was the best part of the process for me.”
Tara says that every item in her home serves a purpose — and now, that same principal applies to the patio. With two comfortable chairs, a functional table, pretty pillows, and an absolutely fuss-free faux plant, the new patio space is clean, chic, and simply beautiful. “My apartment has very large windows where we can see our patio clearly. Every morning when I wake up and see it, it gives me a sense of tranquility. Knowing that I have a place just for me to sit outdoors feels very comforting,” she says.
