Stepping out with a simple, stylish balcony upgrade
How to turn your terrace into a summer extension of your inner living space
Balconies are a city summer commodity that allow us to expand into the great outdoors. If you are lucky enough to have one, you owe it to yourself to make your balcony as comfortable and stylish as your indoor living areas.
As with any room you decorate, space planning, function and decor are important considerations. Will it be used for getting some Vitamin D or — when allowed by your local health authority during the pandemic — evening wine with friends?
My tips for designing these (often) long and narrow spaces will ensure those essential elements are addressed and that you end up with a livable, stylish balcony that makes the most of summer’s fine weather.
SPACE PLANNING
The first step to planning your space is defining how you will use it. For instance, if you work from home, you may want to use it during the daytime as a place to work or as a destination for lunch and coffee breaks. For that, you’ll need at least one comfortable, yet supportive, chair and a side table to hold your laptop, phone and cup of coffee. Or, perhaps, you’ll mostly use it at night for dining or late-night post-dinner drinks. In that case, consider two to three cushioned chairs, a shared ottoman and a few small scatter tables to hold beverages.
FURNISHINGS
If your balcony is going to be used for dining, I suggest two small, round bistro tables and four chairs.
Since balconies are usually small, narrow spaces, this allows you to place the tables side by side when friends are over for dinner, or farther apart to free up space or to meet social-distancing requirements. This is eminently more practical than one large four-seater table.
Storage is always welcome on balconies, as no one wants to see clutter — remember, whatever is on your balcony is also on view from inside your apartment.
A built-in storage box (topped with cushions for sitting/lounging) positioned at one end of the balcony will reduce its awkward, lengthy proportions. If the balcony is deep, extend this into a lounger size to lie down on.
An open shelving or storage unit at the other end (such as an outdoor shelving unit) will shorten the long, narrow bowling effect even further. Why not create a vertical potted garden on the top, and store a small grill, gardening supplies and outdoor tabletop items on the bottom shelves.
ADDING AMBIENCE
For homes in a vibrant, busy neighbourhood, I like to create a calming, monochromatic colour scheme: choose one colour (terracotta, taupe or white) and accessorize with colours from nature in the form of plants, stones or wood.
This allows the neighbourhood view to be the focal point and your balcony to be a more neutral background.
Consider adding elements for nighttime enjoyment: low lighting, soothing water sounds from a fountain or outdoor speakers to serenade the night away.
Privacy is often a factor on balconies. Draperies can help create separation from neighbours, and also keep damaging sun at bay. Lattice screening is a more structural way to enhance privacy while also promoting airflow.
Lattice is also great for discouraging wildlife and is a lovely support for vines, for an easy-togrow green wall.
OUTSIDE OPTIONS
Creating an extension of the inside on your balcony expands your living space. If renting, it’s always best to check with the landlord to consider safety and practicality.
1. Outdoor grilling is a summertime right of passage, but isn’t always permitted on balconies due to the fire hazard and smoke blowing into neighbouring apartments. Ask your landlord if an electric grill is a safer option for your outdoor space.
2. Creating candlelight at night might add a romantic element to your balcony, but open flames are almost always a no-no; stick with LED candles for a similar effect.
3. Flooring. A layer of new balcony/deck flooring might help cover old concrete, but it could raise the height of the floor and break building codes on a railing height. Flatweave outdoor carpets are usually the best option and are easy to install and maintain.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can email Karl at Karl.lohnes@tva. ca. Karl Lohnes has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.