If you’re lucky enough to have usable outdoor space around your NYC residence, you’ll certainly want to make the most of its curb appeal. Whether you’re dining alfresco, playing outside with the kids, or hosting an outdoor cocktail party, who wants to be staring at an ugly outside air conditioner?While that outside air conditioner is essential to your indoor comfort, air conditioner manufacturers have yet to come out with a unit that’s particularly attractive looking. So that leaves it up to you to come up with a way to camouflage it in your outdoor space.Luckily, lots of creative people out there have dreamed up some ingenious ways to hide an outside air conditioner. Here are some of our favorites.Using lattice to create a screen around your outside air conditioner works well, since the holes prevent the hot air blowing out of the unit from becoming trapped. When air flow to the unit is impeded, your outside air conditioner can overheat. Dress it up with some fancy post caps and greenery.

Beautiful pottery with tall grasses, flowers or other greens are a lovely way to hide that outside air conditioner. Be sure to choose hardy plants that won’t be wilted by the hot air blowing from the unit. And keep them far enough away so there’s enough room to service the equipment.wall unit air conditioner discountWhy not paint an old shipping pallet to match your color scheme, and dress it up with some solar lights and hanging plants?air conditioner for room size 12 x 14If you’re not really a DIYer, you can purchase a privacy screen made out outdoor-friendly resin. outside ac unit cycles on and offThey are available in different colors to match your patio decor.This lovely shabby-chic mosaic screen is made from bits of broken plates, mirror and stained glass, framed by fence posts.

Since this will be exposed to the outdoor elements, make sure the grout is sealed. Also, make sure it’s moveable so your HVAC technician can get at your outside air conditioner when it’s time for service.This one reminds us of a stack of blocks like Jenga or Lincoln logs! You can stain it to match your outdoor furniture. Again, the holes are a great idea since they allow heat to escape.How about an iron trellis surrounded by flowering trees or vines? This look works well if your brownstone has a brick exterior. If you like to spend time outdoors in the morning, we recommend planting morning glories in shades of heavenly blue, purple or white.Here’s another shabby chic idea: paint a set of old shutters to match your flowers or outdoor fabrics. (Also serves as a perfect cat perch.)These are two examples of different ways to create a vertical garden to hide that outside air conditioner. Remember, make sure it’s far enough away from the unit to allow for service.Related article: Air Conditioning Maintenance Doesn’t Cost, It Pays.This idea kills two birds with one stone (not literally!).

You can store small garden tools and hide your outside air conditioner with this quaint garden structure. Just make sure it’s designed to allow enough air flow to your unit.If you love Asian decor, try this simple bamboo screen. You could even try growing your own bamboo plants, but that takes a bit more time.12. Laser cut wood panelsThese laser cut wood veneer panels from Lightwave Laser come in a wide variety of patterns to match any decor. Make sure you have them sealed for outdoor use.If you love modern art, this is the idea for you. Sculpted metal panels conceal the outside air conditioner while serving as a piece of art for you and your visitors to enjoy.We’ll refrain from using the “killing two birds” metaphor here for obvious reasons, but you can use this idea to conceal your outdoor air conditioner and attract some lovely aviary creatures to your outdoor space. (Just don’t pick this one if you have cats.)Combine the tall grasses idea with an ornamental windmill to create a conversation piece for your outdoor space.

Nobody will ever suspect that you did it to hide your outside air conditioner!Don’t block the air flow.If your outside air conditioner doesn’t have access to enough air, it can overheat and break down.Make sure the equipment is accessible for serviceLeave enough space around the outside air conditioner, and/or make your screen easily moveable. If you’re putting plants in the ground, you don’t want them stepped on!And you don’t want to neglect servicing your outside air conditioner; it’s not worth the risk.Related article: Top 6 Air Conditioner Improvements NYC Homeowners Want.If that outside air conditioner is not as effective as it used to be, it may be time to think about a new one. And if you do need a new one, replace it first before designing a way to conceal it, since your new unit may not be the same size.Maybe you’ve been putting off shopping for a new air conditioner because it’s just too overwhelming to pour over all the options and make a decision. Well, now you’re in luck, because we’ve put together a handy guide to help you understand the air conditioning options for New York City residential spaces, and how to choose to right one for you.

Grab a copy: The Ultimate Guide to Air Conditioning for NYC Luxury Residential Spaces.Stash your laundry hampers in extra deep drawers. No one wants to see your messy, overflowing piles of dirty clothes. See how they did this here. Conceal your router in fancy storage boxes. See how she did this here. Or hollow out an old book. Use electrical tape to make over your washing machines. If you get sick of your stripes and polka dots, they’re easily removable. They make removable wallpaper just for this purpose. Or give it a coat of chalkboard paint. A great place to add decorative doodles, grocery lists, and to-do lists. This crown molding shelf hides your paper towels. And you can put pretty things on top like candles and fancy perfume bottles. You can buy this here. Use clear Muji bottle dispensers as an elegant way to store your not-so-pretty beauty products. Your Cetaphil and dandruff shampoo don’t necessarily need to be broadcast to the world.

Empty the product into one of these lovely Muji pump bottles. Use doormats and spray paint to make a decorative vent or electrical box cover. She spray-painted her doormat a metallic copper color. Use an inexpensive printed canvas from IKEA to hide your flatscreen TV. A TV doesn’t have to be the centerpiece of your living room. Similarly, hide a thermostat or home alarm with a canvas on hinges. All it takes is a flip to access it. Get the full directions here. Hide your cords in trim. This will make your television blend in seamlessly with your mantel and fireplace. See how they accomplished this here. Update a dresser to create a drawer for your printer. Your giant gray printer relic doesn’t exactly fit into your classic modern decor. Get the instructions for this clever DIY here. Turn wires into wall art with these wire blooms clips. If you can’t hide it, put a bird on it. Get them from Amazon. Transform a plain door with paint and masking tape.

This easy DIY adds depth and class to any boring entryway. Cover up an AC unit with a chalkboard cover. You’ll have to build a wooden frame, but if you have any carpentry skills whatsoever, it’s oh so worth it. For a window AC unit, hang café-style curtains on a tension rod. Use a stenciled pegboard to cover up an ugly wall. In this situation, there were pipes on the wall so wallpaper or tiles weren’t an option. The pegboard also maximized storage because she was able to hang shelves easily. Camouflage an oddly placed light switch plate with a photo gallery. No one will even stop to ponder why there’s an effing light switch in the middle of the wall. See how she did this here. Hang a black drop cloth behind your desk to hide a tangled mass of wires. This couple used Bucky Ball magnets to affix the cloth, making this a supremely easy DIY. Turn a low drawer into a pet-feeding hutch. Spray-paint your folding chairs. Metal folding chairs, for whatever reason, usually come in that weird ugly brown color.

Make them fun and bright with a little spray paint. Instead of your standard garment rack, opt for a ceiling rope-hung rack instead. Store-bought garment racks tend to look cheap and messy. Get the instructions for this simple rack here. Turn those nettlesome basement poles into stately columns with molding. See how she accomplished this here. And paint them an accent color. It’ll look totally striking in a mostly white room. You can actually paint any ugly tile floors you’re not crazy about. Does anyone actually like that mottled linoleum look? Buy or sew your own crate cover for the pup. This one is available from Bowhaus. Stash peek-a-boo plants in your cinder blocks. Your backyard will look like it’s just bursting with greenery. Install a rolling recycling bin in your kitchen counter or island. Simplehuman makes a nice one. Update your garage door with a fresh coat of paint. Bonus points if it matches the shutters.

Easily update your boring built-in bathtub with airstone. Transition your backsplash into the wall seamlessly with a shelf bracket. Keep your charging station in a kitchen or nightstand drawer, just by drilling some holes. Many nightstands have open drawers in the back too, so you can keep your gadgets out of sight and out of mind. If you have popcorn ceilings, you can actually scrape the “popcorn” off. It IS a labor-intensive project, and make sure you get tested for asbestos before you begin. Many homes built before 1978 have ceilings that contain asbestos. You can also cover them with plaster. Use hooks underneath your desk to keep wires out of the way. Upholster your unsightly box springs with fabric and a staple gun. Add furniture legs to get your bed off the floor. Give your kitchen appliances a stainless steel makeover with stainless steel contact paper.See how Julie Blanner revamped her dishwasher here. Want awesome DIY tips in your inbox four times a week?