While your balcony might be limited in space, it still has the potential to become your go-to relaxation spot. Here, Nick Acaster from Rugs Direct shares five ideas for transforming this space into a little patch of heaven this summer.
Should you be lucky enough to have access to a balcony in your home, there’s a good chance you’ll be aiming to spend as much time there as possible over the next few months. And, while it may not be roomy, it’s worth knowing that there is still a lot you can do to make your space both beautiful and relaxing. To help you out, here are five ideas for turning your balcony into a summer retreat.
Blog and Image courtesy of Hayley Reynolds on behalf of Rugs Direct.
Add texture with furniture
To really be able to relax on your balcony, you’ll need some furniture and accessories. This is also an opportunity to add texture and build depth in your space’s décor. By choosing items that are more eclectic, as well as comfortable, such as rattan lounge chairs or a cast iron bistro set, you can give your balcony personality and really make it an extension of your interior. With limited space available, your choice of furniture can be one of the most impactful ways to style your balcony.
Layer some soft furnishings
You can also add some personality to your balcony by layering soft furnishings in contrasting fabrics, which will help to build depth with patterning and colour. There are plenty of options for working in these furnishings, like adding scatter cushions to a chair, placing a bean bag in a corner, or using a rug to fill in an empty floor space. Just make sure that any fabrics are suitable for use outdoors.
Because you are trying to create a summer relaxation spot, I recommend sticking to warmer tones with splashes of vivid colour here and there. This will also contrast well if you have either a backdrop or furniture in a neutral colour. You could also choose a particular look for your soft furnishings, such as choosing Spanish or Moroccan (or both!) patterns to really capture that Mediterranean feeling.
Build a vertical balcony garden
Just because your balcony is small doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your own greenery — you simply have to start looking upwards! There are many ways you can make use of the vertical space to add plants. For instance, is there are place where you can set up shelving that will provide room for some extra pots? Can you add some hanging baskets or planters? Is it possible to grow climbers around your railings? Try to think inventively and you’re sure to come up with original ways to make your balcony a green haven to relax in.
Create ambience with lighting
While balconies are great for catching the sun, they can also be a nice venue to enjoy those warmer summer evenings. To really enjoy your space at night, you’ll need to add the right lighting options to create that magical after-hours atmosphere.
You can use garland and fairy lights to wrap around railings, walls, or plants, allowing you to create a subtle backlight and emphasise the lines of your space. Candles and electric lanterns are a nice way to add warmer, softer light, so they’re ideal for a romantic evening. You may also wish to add spotlights to your space if you have any features that will look good when illuminated.
Bring in subtle privacy options
Many urban homes have a balcony that is overlooked by neighbouring flats or houses. If you feel a little exposed when spending time out in the sun, it’s a good idea to bring in some subtle privacy options.
The go-to method for adding more privacy is putting up screens to shield your space from view. There are plenty of inconspicuous choices for this that aren’t just metal or wooden boards, like bamboo or rattan screens that look more natural. By shopping around, you should be able to find a style of screen that blends in with the aesthetic of your balcony.
I’ve already suggested growing climbing plants around open railings, but, if you have the space, you could add a pagoda or arbour to encourage them to extend upwards. This will, in effect, give you a natural ceiling, adding even more privacy without looking obvious, as well as offering extra shade.
I hope these five tips for styling your balcony for summer will inspire you to give your own space an overhaul. If you get started soon, you’ll be able to make the most of any sun.
If your home requires a transformation with an array of creative designs, please contact our talented team of interior designers.
E-mail – Clare – clare@clarehollandinteriorcreations.co.uk
Telephone – Clare – 07971 091727
Website – www.clarehollandinteriorcreations.co.uk
