Living in a tiny apartment comes with its challenges, including not being able to bring a lot of stuff in or risk feeling like you’re drowning in stuff and the fact that it’s pretty impossible to host large dinner parties. However, there are many benefits as well, including the fact that it’s easier to clean, you’ll pay less on rent and utilities, and the fact that you have a smaller space at your disposal makes it easier to focus on quality rather than quantity and only purchase items that you like, and you’re sure you’ll use. If you’ve been looking for a minimalist living opportunity but often find yourself struggling with overbuying, living in a studio apartment is the best way to keep yourself in check.
If you’ve got a balcony attached to your apartment, then you’re in luck. Balconies are a great way to mix the pleasure of being outside with the comfort of the indoors. It is more private than a ground floor patio and offers a space where you can lounge, relax and read a book, and a location to start crafting endeavours, most notably growing plants and starting a garden. If you enjoy birdwatching, your balcony could provide you with a great opportunity to observe them in the nearby trees. And, of course, if you want to feel a little fancier during the evenings and pamper yourself a little, the balcony is a stellar dining location.
If you’ve been neglecting your balcony or would like to breathe some new life into it, here are some ideas to make it the dreamiest place in your home.
Decking boards
An instant upgrade to any outdoor space, decking boards can give even the bleakest balconies a flash of personality. Generally, the typical flooring of a terrace is nothing more than simple concrete. While that can have its charm, choosing something made out of wood or metal makes for a more classical look. It is also much simpler to create a pleasant design around these materials. As a bonus, they are also incredibly easy to install, and you can do it yourself as a weekend DIY project.
Mini oasis
Every outdoor space, no matter how small, needs a green corner. If you’re not very keen on your balcony right now, it’s very likely that all it needs are some plants. To create a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing ensemble, get flower pots to fit the overall look. They shouldn’t clash with the colour palette and must be of the right size to support the plants’ appropriate development. Elho offers flower containers produced sustainably so that you can offer your plants the best chance to grow well. Choose balcony pots equipped with overflow tubes aimed to regulate excess water. Integrated reservoirs ensure your green friends never go thirsty.
There are different models available depending on the length, width and design of your balcony railings. Some types of pots can be placed on windowsills as well as directly on the floor. You can also position your potted plants into stylish hanging structures to showcase them even better.
Privacy screens
We’ve already established that, among the domestic outdoor spaces, the balcony is the most private one. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade its features to make it even more welcoming and cosier. One of the best alternatives is to add a privacy screen. You should opt for one made of bamboo for a clean, nature-inspired look. Made from thin bamboo strands, this item will allow you to keep your outside view intact while shielding you from the onlookers. Since it is made from natural materials, it’ll provide the entire space with a pleasant, relaxing and refreshing atmosphere, the perfect thing for having guests over to enjoy a nice conversation over a glass of wine or a mug of tea.
Funky furniture
Since you don’t have a lot of space at your disposal, your furniture choices must be well thought out to maximise the space you have at your disposal. While that can seem limiting, it’s actually the perfect time to let your imagination run wild. For example, you can pick an egg-shaped hanging seat instead of the usual chairs. Although it can seem counterproductive for a tiny environment, it actually doesn’t take up a lot of space.
If you’d rather have something a little roomier, there’s no better choice than a pallet sofa. No fuss and uncomplicated, all you need are some cushions and a fluffy duvet to make it the perfect place for sitting. Make sure to add some personal touches to the getup to truly make it yours, and you might have just designed the best spot in your entire home. Moreover, since the pallets are lightweight, you can easily remove them if you need extra space.
Pet area
If you have a pet, you already know that they follow you everywhere in the house. So why not make room for your pets on the balcony as well? To make this area a pet-friendly space, you should add a thin wire mesh to keep your fuzzy friend inside at all times. To prevent the mesh from clashing with the rest of the décor, add outdoor lights or colourful paper lanterns to give it a whole new look.
Keep it simple
When the space you have at your disposal is very small, you don’t want to make things seem overcrowded by getting too many objects inside. Keeping things simple provides the area with a special kind of charm and guarantees that you have enough room to move around. For example, you can work with a colour scheme that keeps things appealingly straightforward. Beige and light pink are the ideal options. However, if you’re worried about keeping light-coloured items in an outdoor setting, you should look for materials that are easy to clean and disinfect.
Creating the best balcony depends on your personal taste quite a lot. However, if you follow a few simple rules, you’re bound to find the design that works perfectly for you.
