BALCONY LOOKING BLEH? HERE’S HOW TO JAZZ IT UP
Get the tones and accessories right, not to mention a dash of green, and you’re all set
It’s cosy, airy and the perfect corner for when you’re just looking for some peace and quiet. Thanks to balconies, one can start their mornings on a fresh note and unwind after an extra long day. So why not put in some extra effort and spruce up the space? Interior experts share how.
WEAVE IN MUTED TONES AND TEXTURES
Warm neutral colours create a sense of serenity and can serve as a perfect backdrop for plants placed in balconies. Architect Gagandeep Kapila, founder and principal architect of Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture (WMA), suggests, “Introduce a pop of colour with fabrics, featuring botanical prints or any other Nature-inspired patterns. Textured elements like woven baskets, seagrass rugs or macramé boho wall hangings add a sense of depth. Use natural fibres like linen or cotton for throw pillows and cushions for a rustic charm,” she adds.
EMBRACE PLANT POWER
Dreaming of an outdoor garden right outside your bedroom? Plants will lend you the feel. Nirmala Banaji, principal architect at Banaji & Associates, shares ways to incorporate them in the balcony: “Don’t waste walls. Instead, utilise the space for hanging plants that showcase trailing vines, ferns or flowers. Assemble plants together to create a miniature urban jungle or go creative and position them strategically for a pop of colour in the balcony. Think beyond the typical potted plants and consider installing a vertical garden on a wall as a space-saving option.”
ACCESSORISE WITH AN EARTHY TOUCH
Add your final touches to the balcony with accessories such as baskets and lanterns that complement earthy themes. Architect Ridhima Singh, founder of Danza Del Design, explains, “Place a woven basket filled with throws or magazines next to your seating area. A small water feature like a table-top fountain can add a soothing sound element and visual intrigue.” If you’re feeling fancy, Singh suggests decorating with “natural stones or pebbles for a touch of texture and wind chimes for a boho vibe”.
ADD A LIL BIT OF FURNITURE FOR TRANQUILLITY
The furniture in your balcony can make or break its ambience. Puneet Budhiraja, founder of Quba Homes, elucidates, “Opt for natural materials like wood, wicker or rattan. Wooden benches or small tables with a hint of weathered finish work well. Wicker chairs or a hanging swing seat make for comfort, too.” Noting that functionality is key, he adds, “Choose furniture that can fold or stack easily when not in use”.