Before the start of the coronavirus pandemic Kristy O'Neill, a San Francisco-based director of client experience at tech startup Movable Ink, rarely used her patio. Since a shelter in place order went into effect in San Francisco on March 17, it's become what she has called her "oasis" — something she's worked to transform, scouring Wayfair for deals and waiting for each new paycheck to buy one or two items from her list.
Never one to splurge on furniture in the past, this time she decided to invest in high-quality, sturdy pieces. Still, she and the roommate she shares the space with have managed to create a mini urban retreat right out their window, all for less than $2,000. These days O'Neill reads outside and even cooks outside, using a crockpot.
"This space has been a life-saver, letting us enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air in the middle of San Francisco's Mission District, while still being able to keep our distance," O'Neill told Business Insider. "We've had breakfast out here. Now, on lighter work days with less calls, we pop up the umbrella and work outside. And on milder nights we've been reading or listening to music out there as well."
Business Insider reached out to O'Neill to learn more about how she budgeted for her balcony's makeover, how she decided on the items she purchased, and how she's made the most of the outdoor area since upgrading the space.