How to Take Your Balcony From Bland to Grand
Just a few subtle tweaks can really transform the classic balcony space
Balconies are almost as Australian as sand between your toes, having Vegemite on toast and a game of backyard cricket. There really is something quintessential about having a morning cuppa seated outside with your feet up as the sun shines softly on your skin. Similarly, how many times have you shared a barbecue and beer with friends and family seated upon this favourite outdoor space? Balconies are simply an integral part of our relaxed, alfresco style of living.
For me, a balcony was non-negotiable when purchasing a new apartment 12 months ago. If the place didn’t have one, it was duly crossed off the list of potential properties because it meant a huge blow to the lifestyle my husband and I wanted to create for ourselves.
So it only makes sense that we need to celebrate this area and give it the attention – and styling – it deserves. And no, this doesn’t just mean whacking an outdoor seating arrangement out there and leaving it at that. In fact, you can transform a blank outdoor canvas into a truly special space by paying attention to a few details. Here are some suggestions on how you can get started. If you have another idea, I’d love to hear it, too, so be sure to post away in the comments section below.
For me, a balcony was non-negotiable when purchasing a new apartment 12 months ago. If the place didn’t have one, it was duly crossed off the list of potential properties because it meant a huge blow to the lifestyle my husband and I wanted to create for ourselves.
So it only makes sense that we need to celebrate this area and give it the attention – and styling – it deserves. And no, this doesn’t just mean whacking an outdoor seating arrangement out there and leaving it at that. In fact, you can transform a blank outdoor canvas into a truly special space by paying attention to a few details. Here are some suggestions on how you can get started. If you have another idea, I’d love to hear it, too, so be sure to post away in the comments section below.
Give it a cool covering
By all means, yes, carefully plan the surface of your balcony. But for extra ‘wow’ think about what’s above your head. A covering allows for all-weather entertainment, but can also artistically frame the space. Take your cue from this linear wooden creation that also offers some privacy. Note that it is built over a segment of the balcony and not the whole thing, thereby creating permanent light and shaded spaces. If you’re on a budget, look to some cool umbrella options. You’ll just need to remember to close them on windy days.
By all means, yes, carefully plan the surface of your balcony. But for extra ‘wow’ think about what’s above your head. A covering allows for all-weather entertainment, but can also artistically frame the space. Take your cue from this linear wooden creation that also offers some privacy. Note that it is built over a segment of the balcony and not the whole thing, thereby creating permanent light and shaded spaces. If you’re on a budget, look to some cool umbrella options. You’ll just need to remember to close them on windy days.
Frame it with a climbing vine
Greenery is an absolutely must to bring your balcony to life. But think beyond potted plants and flower boxes which are pleasant but predictable. Creeping vines, such as wisteria or star jasmine (pictured here), will look simply stunning when they flower (and smell divine). Also take inspiration from this Mediterranean balcony by installing some Tuscan-style bistro chairs, where you’ll be able to sit and enjoy the perfumed blooms.
Greenery is an absolutely must to bring your balcony to life. But think beyond potted plants and flower boxes which are pleasant but predictable. Creeping vines, such as wisteria or star jasmine (pictured here), will look simply stunning when they flower (and smell divine). Also take inspiration from this Mediterranean balcony by installing some Tuscan-style bistro chairs, where you’ll be able to sit and enjoy the perfumed blooms.
Divide the space
If you’re blessed with a larger surface area, consider breaking up the space into segments with different surfaces. Take note how the owners here have fused wooden decking with concrete, which is also different to the tiling on the home’s exterior. If you live in a regional area (or with a leafy suburban outlook), this rich and earthy palette would work beautifully, too.
If you’re blessed with a larger surface area, consider breaking up the space into segments with different surfaces. Take note how the owners here have fused wooden decking with concrete, which is also different to the tiling on the home’s exterior. If you live in a regional area (or with a leafy suburban outlook), this rich and earthy palette would work beautifully, too.
Rug up
Is there a rule that says rugs don’t belong outdoors? Not on my watch. So find one that suits your space in nice complementary tones that will wear well. This circular style adds interest to an otherwise boxy space filled with rectangular shapes.
Is there a rule that says rugs don’t belong outdoors? Not on my watch. So find one that suits your space in nice complementary tones that will wear well. This circular style adds interest to an otherwise boxy space filled with rectangular shapes.
Add soft furnishings
In addition to the rug, add an array of soft furnishings. Think throws and cushions, plus tablecloths and linen napkins when you’re entertaining. Embrace pops of colour (such as this fluoro orange) where you can.
In addition to the rug, add an array of soft furnishings. Think throws and cushions, plus tablecloths and linen napkins when you’re entertaining. Embrace pops of colour (such as this fluoro orange) where you can.
Build bench seating
This is practical and a great way to frame the edge of your balcony. There’s something so clean and subtly sophisticated about this look, plus it ensures there’s always seating when you’re entertaining. No-one will be left roaming about the house looking for a spare seat! Note that Australia has strict safety laws on the height of seating placed next to balcony rails, so be sure to research these carefully before installing your benches.
This is practical and a great way to frame the edge of your balcony. There’s something so clean and subtly sophisticated about this look, plus it ensures there’s always seating when you’re entertaining. No-one will be left roaming about the house looking for a spare seat! Note that Australia has strict safety laws on the height of seating placed next to balcony rails, so be sure to research these carefully before installing your benches.
Add a fire pit
This is a sure-fire (pardon the pun) way to get instant impact. A fireplace will ensure your summer entertaining continues in the cooler months, while a water feature will add ambience. People will be drawn to both options and immediately step outside.
This is a sure-fire (pardon the pun) way to get instant impact. A fireplace will ensure your summer entertaining continues in the cooler months, while a water feature will add ambience. People will be drawn to both options and immediately step outside.
Add quirky furniture
Well, why not? These faceted chairs look both contemporary and cool for this modern waterfront balcony. This style would suit urban waterfront areas and be perfectly at home around the Gold Coast.
Well, why not? These faceted chairs look both contemporary and cool for this modern waterfront balcony. This style would suit urban waterfront areas and be perfectly at home around the Gold Coast.
Plant an edible garden
Again, think beyond standard greenery. A lot of balconies extend off the living and kitchen areas, so a miniature garden plot featuring herbs makes for a novel addition. Alternatively, play with proportions, such as the oversize pots (seen here) filled with creepers spilling over the sides.
Again, think beyond standard greenery. A lot of balconies extend off the living and kitchen areas, so a miniature garden plot featuring herbs makes for a novel addition. Alternatively, play with proportions, such as the oversize pots (seen here) filled with creepers spilling over the sides.
Use art or metal panelling
Blank walls equal dull and boring. Add an attention-grabbing artwork or metal panelling to your balcony to add interest.
Blank walls equal dull and boring. Add an attention-grabbing artwork or metal panelling to your balcony to add interest.
Custom-build a kitchen space
This is essential if you are a true entertainer. Yes, a barbecue is the first thing that springs to mind, but consider making it even more amazing with an in-built mini bar fridge, pizza oven or wok stove. You’re adding massive value to your home, too, because it becomes a second kitchen.
This is essential if you are a true entertainer. Yes, a barbecue is the first thing that springs to mind, but consider making it even more amazing with an in-built mini bar fridge, pizza oven or wok stove. You’re adding massive value to your home, too, because it becomes a second kitchen.
Embrace a theme
Choose a style that is in line with your interior and go with it. Think nautical, vintage, industrial or rustic country (as seen here). Choosing a theme can transform your balcony into a type of outdoor eatery or a special spot to snuggle up with the weekend paper.
Choose a style that is in line with your interior and go with it. Think nautical, vintage, industrial or rustic country (as seen here). Choosing a theme can transform your balcony into a type of outdoor eatery or a special spot to snuggle up with the weekend paper.
Banish the mindset that your balcony is a separate entity to your home. Instead, think of it as a continuation of your interior and allow your styling to flow through from the indoors. As such, rules about colour, patterns, tone and texture still apply. Don’t just select any old outdoor furniture – carefully edit pieces that build upon the character of your home. This setting is particularly playful and invigorating to match the sunny, tropical outlook.