Balcony living to the max

With only a few metres of outdoor space, you can do so much, writes Helen Grange

BALCONIES are often neglected by city dwellers – nought but a heap of plastic chairs and a kettle braai baking under the blistering sun – but they can be wonderful outdoor rooms. You are limited only by your imagination. With colour, greenery, shade and small-scale or multifunctional furniture, you can create great spaces for dining, lounging, reading or gardening.

“Don’t be afraid to apply interior decorating ideas to outdoor spaces – lamps, outdoor rugs, scatter cushions and other decorative items,” says Melanie Ewing from Chapters Interior Design Company. She says a balcony can be as comfortable as the lounge by introducing a comfortable couch.

“To eliminate wasted space behind furnishings, place seating, like an L-shaped couch, in a corner, along the perimeter,” she says. Or perhaps a bench would suit the space better. One with no backrest can slide under a table when not in use.

If space is really tight, custom-build a wooden-slatted bench using the wall for a backrest, stacked with plump cushions.

“A built-in bench is perfect for a small patio because it doesn’t require extra space for chairs around the dining table,” says Ewing.

For dining, Laura Cooke, a blogger at On the Patio, suggests a bistro-style table and two foldable chairs. “Consider a folding table that lies flat against the wall when not in use or one you can clip onto the balcony railing.”

A braai is a South African essential, but keep it off the floor to save space. To create interest, decorate your walls as you would inside, perhaps with recyclable art made from weather-proof materials. Or use tiles which are durable. Jasmin Kraneveldt from Bathroom Bizarre says there are a wide variety of finishes today, so you can create a look, from contemporary chic, rustic charm or a more natural look. Vertical gardens are the perfect solution to balcony living, so beautify a wall with a trellis of anything from edibles and perennials, or mount colourful plant pots and fill them with your favourites. Cooke says varying the height of plants gives the illusion of more space. “Get clever with display furniture – an old bookshelf can work wonderfully as a plant stand,” she says. Lighting is essential, from contemporary hurricane lamps to fairy lights. Solar lights can be hung on a hook on the wall, from a ceiling, strung along the balcony rail or simply placed on a table, as long as they are exposed to enough sunlight during the day. “Decorative outdoor solar lighting can uplift the visual appeal of your balcony, giving it an elegant and inviting look at night, without adding a cent to your monthly electricity bills,” says Melissa Davidson from The Lighting Warehouse. The Cubic collection from Mobelli consists of a glass-topped dining table that contains four tub chairs which conceal four ottomans. Then it all folds away in a cube, below. It costs from R39 999.00. Visit mobelli.co.za The Earthfire ceramic fire pit. On The Patio, R3 450, onthepatio.co.za

Ewing’s tips that work

Maximise space by having multi-functional furniture, like a coffee table with storage for seat cushions.

Small spaces can feature bright colours without being overwhelming.

Take your colour and textural clues cues from nature, as too much elaborate decor can be overpowering.

Opt for seating with open backs, like ottomans, to keep sight lines uninterrupted and to expand a small patio visually.

If you don’t plan to use your patio for dining, forgo the table for a couple of comfy chairs. A smaller side table offers a convenient spot to rest a beverage or a book.

Make the space cosy and private. Hung from one side of the pergola, a curtain made of durable outdoor fabric provides a soft backdrop for a small table and chairs.

An outdoor rug can help break up the surface underfoot, giving a small patio the impression of more square footage. It can also pull a colour scheme together. Consol solar jars. See consol.co.za or order online at superbalist. com (R179). Boardmans stores also stock them.

Creative Living sell outdoor rugs made from recycled plastic. From R699 to R1 399. Visit creative-living.co.za

Jamie Oliver Park Portable Charcoal Braai, R1 139, yuppiechef. com Keter Cool Bar, Makro, R1 499.

VERTICAL: When space is at a premium, go up. You can take plants, storage, and furniture up the walls. Try to keep things off the floor so your balcony, however tiny, is big enough to meet your needs.

PLANTS: Greenery brings a balcony to life. There are foolproof plants, flowers and herbs to use. Determine if your balcony is shady, windy or sunny? Then ask at your garden centre.

COLOUR: Assuming your balcony walls are white or a pale colour, there is nothing as transformative as using primary colours in your soft furnishings and accessories. Pick one or two – or go crazy.

SHADE: It’s not very pleasant sitting in the blistering sun, and most plants will wither. Organise an awning, canopy, blind or a curtain in outdoor fabrics to bring protection from the elements.

FUNCTION: Eating? Relaxing? What you use your balcony for will determine the layout and furniture you need. You may just want a cosy corner to read. Or a place to grow herbs or do your crafts.

STYLE: Design a balcony just as you would a room. Will it be modern and minimalism or bohemian and colourful? Pick a style and then it won’t become just a dumping ground for plastic chairs.