Balconies are the best place for apartment dwellers to get some sun, fresh air and connect with nature. But they are often neglected in our houses and we end up using them as a storage space or even a dump yard! Imagine reclaiming that extra 30sqft of expensive urban real estate and putting it to use.
Since most of the urban population live in apartments, the closest to having our own outdoor space is a balcony. So why not use our balconies to create cozy and relaxing outdoor spaces. If you have 2 balconies, then you can dedicate one to utility and deck up the other. But if you have one balcony then the key is to find a balance between beauty and utility. One way to do this is to make a dedicated spot for your washing machine, cleaners, and other tools. Organize them well so that the spot doesn’t look like an eyesore. Here in the image I have arranged my washer and dryer and tucked all the unpleasant items under the make-shift bench in one half of my balcony. This bench is made using two small empty gas cylinders and I’ve used a wooden plank on top of them. This way I hide the unpretty things as well as create a space to fold my laundry. You too can get creative with what you have around. Use wall hooks to hang your brooms and mops and clear up as much floor space as possible. If the floor space is clear, it gives an illusion of a bigger space and cleaning becomes easier as well!
To begin your balcony makeover journey, here are a few design pointers
Think of it as a living room: Use a living room design formula on your balcony to make sure it’s a place you’ll actually want to spend time in. To do this, you’ll need comfortable seating, a small table, some source of mood lighting, and a rug. Since it’s an outdoor area, use furnishings which are meant for outdoor spaces (easy to clean. waterproof) or those which can be tossed into the washing machine often.
Give it a Vacation Vibe: If your balcony is large enough, opt for some comfortable chairs for reading and sunning. You can also hang a swing from the ceiling or from a stand. Use fun bright colours. Since tropical prints are in vogue now, you can use tropical cushions to give it the holiday vibe. Add in a canopy and greens, and there you have it. Your own vacation spot.
Allow it to be the Focal Point: If your bedroom or living room leads to a balcony, take advantage of that view by facing the bed or the sofa outwards. If the way to your balcony is narrow, don’t load it up with furniture and décor that’ll block the view.
Create Flow from Inside Out: Make your balcony feel like a natural extension of your living space. This will also make your room feel bigger.
Add in a Sense of Privacy: In apartments, it’s common to have your balcony open to other homes, so to create privacy, you can use a room divider or use a wooden sectional and train up some creepers on it to create a green curtain
You can also have a look at our instagram page here for balcony decor inspiration.