I’d aim for a “soft modern” look: clean lines and durable materials, then layer in warmth so it doesn’t feel like a hotel lobby. Start with a low-profile modular sofa in powder-coated aluminum or slim teak, and choose cushions in weather-resistant fabrics with a textured weave—think oatmeal, charcoal, or muted olive. Add a couple of slatted lounge chairs and a small side table that can handle rain and sun.
To make it cozy, treat the floor like an outdoor room: a flat outdoor rug, a couple of oversized floor cushions, and a fire pit or a compact tabletop fireplace. Warm LED lighting is key—string lights across a pergola, a rechargeable table lamp, or small post lights at different heights. Keep it layered but not crowded: one sculptural planter with grasses, a few scented herbs, and a privacy screen if you’re on a balcony.
If space is tight, go for a bistro set with a bench and two folding chairs, and use a storage bench for blankets and cushions. The trick is mixing hard, modern shapes with soft textures—canvas, rope, chunky knits, and matte ceramics—so the space feels urban and pulled-together but still inviting enough to curl up with coffee or a glass of wine.