For as long as I can remember, the idea of having my own outdoor space—a serene patio to call my own—has been an elusive dream. It all began in my first apartment, nearly a decade ago. I was living in a small second-floor unit, surrounded by the hustle of daily life. It was a cozy place, but there was one thing that always eluded me: a patio. I’d daydream about a quiet nook where I could sip my morning coffee, curl up with a good book, or entertain friends under the stars. But the reality of my building was far from idyllic.
Without a doorman, the stairs were constantly open to anyone passing by, and friends would often take advantage of this openness. They’d show up unannounced and gather on the staircase, lounging comfortably as if it were a community gathering space. “Steph, do you have any wine?” they’d ask. And, of course, I’d drop whatever I was doing—schoolwork, housework, you name it—and join in. Hours would fly by with laughter, gossip, and shared stories, making the evening feel warm and effortless. There was a sense of community on those steps, but deep down, I still longed for a space of my own.
Every morning, with coffee in hand, I’d step outside in my pajamas to greet the world. I’d call out a cheerful “Good morning!” to my neighbors as they left for work. Melissa, my roommate at the time, would join me, and we’d sit together in comfortable silence. We didn’t need to talk to enjoy each other’s company—the fresh air, the sunshine, and the peaceful routine became some of my favorite moments of the day. Yet, as much as I cherished these quiet mornings, I couldn’t help but dream of a private patio. A space where I could escape, unwind, and find a little solitude away from the bustle of everyday life.
When I moved into my next apartment, things got slightly better, but not by much. The new place was a tiny studio, barely larger than my previous living room. The excitement of having my own space quickly faded when I realized that the building was even smaller than I had imagined. There was, however, a small iron balcony—peeking out from the window like a distant promise. “Finally,” I thought, “a patio.” But my hopes were dashed when the realtor explained that the balcony wasn’t up to code, making it unsafe to use. For the next three years, I could only look at the tops of palm trees, wishing I could step outside and breathe in the fresh air. The idea of a patio was still so close, yet still so far away.
It wasn’t until I started spending more time with my fiancé that the dream began to feel more attainable. He already had an apartment with a small balcony, and while the building wasn’t the most glamorous, it offered an incredible view of Miami Beach—and on clear days, the ocean. We often joked that we’d only stay in our respective apartments for “two more years, max,” before buying a house. During that time, we bought a small bistro set for the balcony, which felt like one step closer to creating the outdoor space I had always wanted. It became our spot for breakfast, dinner, and quiet moments together. But it wasn’t long before the reality set in: the balcony had its perks, but it also had its drawbacks—like the noise from rowdy neighbors and the lack of privacy. Still, we enjoyed it as best we could, knowing that someday, we’d have our own place to create the perfect outdoor retreat.
As we began planning (and postponing) our wedding, the idea of investing in a home became even more important. We found ourselves talking more about the future, about buying a house with a yard and a patio—an outdoor space that we could truly make our own. I envisioned a small, peaceful bungalow with lush tropical foliage surrounding a private patio. A place where I could sit in the sun with my coffee, enjoy dinner under bistro lights, and entertain friends and family in a cozy, intimate setting. It was the dream I had carried with me for so many years, now taking shape in my mind’s eye.
I imagined a classic wrought-iron set, with comfortable cushions and throws to invite lounging, a few textured pieces to add warmth, and candles to create a magical ambiance once the sun set. My fiancé’s delicious cooking would fill the air, mingling with the scent of blooming flowers, while soft music played in the background. The dream was to have a space where I could escape the noise of city life, where I could relax and recharge—without worrying about unexpected guests, safety concerns, or the need for landlord approval to decorate the space. A sanctuary to call my own.
During the lockdown, as we spent more time together at home, our longing for this ideal outdoor space grew. The world outside had slowed down, and we found ourselves cherishing the simple joys—like taking long walks in the rain, riding bikes down quiet streets, or just sitting together in silence. The importance of fresh air and sunshine became clear to us in a way it hadn’t before. And with that, the dream of a private patio took center stage in our conversations, fueling our plans for the future.
Until then, we’ll continue to make the most of our current space. We’ll savor our evening strolls, pour a little extra wine on the balcony, and let our imaginations wander as we dream of the day when we can finally create our perfect outdoor escape. I know that when it finally happens, the wait will make it all the more special. And as I look back at the journey—from those unannounced visits on the stairs to the small balcony that has become our daily retreat—I can’t help but feel grateful for the memories and excited for the ones yet to come.