I’d been staring at my tiny, cracked Brooklyn patio for months, thinking about all the ways I could make it usable. Last weekend, I decided to just go for it. I laid interlocking pavers I grabbed from a local supplier in Williamsburg, and for the edges, I added gravel so water drains properly.
Next, I built a simple fire pit with bricks I already had, and a bench using pressure-treated wood. I added a couple of string lights and potted plants, and suddenly it didn’t feel like a sad leftover space anymore—it became a spot I actually want to hang out in.
Honestly, I didn’t spend much, and I didn’t hire anyone. The biggest lesson? Start with small, practical steps. You don’t need to redo everything at once to make a space enjoyable.
