Make a me-space

is a great opportunity! For those of us living in apartments, the balcony is a precious little bit of space under the sun. While we can’t do much with our balconies during our blazing summers, we can spruce them up for the winter. Your balcony can become whatever you want it to be: a tiny garden, a place to chill or an extension of your living room when you entertain. Since apartment balconies are usually small, it’s important to decide on the function first, or at least prioritise your needs to avoid cluttering it. Here are some suggestions for what you can do with your balcony:

Create a mini garden

Longing for a garden but live in an apartment? Then turn your balcony into one! Think in terms of planters and window boxes. If space is limited, create steps, where you can layer your pots with the plants that need the most sunlight on the top level. You can also hook up hanging pots and place a metal trellis on one end for climbing plants and creepers.

Opt for quick-flowering annuals and herbs that you can make use of for cooking. It’s also important to choose hardy plants that are easy to maintain.

To complete the garden effect, cover your balcony with a green grass-style carpet that recreates the look and feel of a lawn underfoot, and place a small water feature or garden gnome in a corner.

There you have it – a garden with a view! You can also turn your balcony into a corner where you can just sit back and chill with a few loved ones.

First, if you have nosy neighbours, install a pull-up blind or a wooden screen. Next, get yourself some comfortable seating. Remember to buy your seats to fit the size and shape of your balcony. Get a bench for a long, thin balcony and a full garden furniture set for a larger balcony. Ottomans and stools are great for smaller spaces as well. Armchairs, a hammock and even a swing – single or two-seat – will add a cool and playful vibe to your outdoor space.

Extend your living room

This works particularly well if your living room balcony has glass doors and offers a view. When you entertain, some of your guests can spill out on to your balcony.

Of course, you need to make sure that there is good seating. Again, arrange this according to the size and shape of your balcony. Place additional bean bags and floor cushions just before your guests arrive, along with a couple of small, low tables to hold food.