Balconies: Precious Rooms in the Sky
Even a Small Outdoor Perch Gives City Dwellers a Needed Dose of Nature
A lifelong city dweller, I have always been obsessed with terraces and balconies. It's no secret that in sought-after, costly cities, private outdoor space comes with a steep price — one that most people are not capable of paying — so we mere mortals make great use of public parks, pretending they're our backyards, and refer to fire escapes as terraces, which is downright pitiful! I learned early on that if I wanted to remain sane, I had to live near a park at all times. I've mostly been successful, but I still yearned for my own little patch of concrete on which to plop a flower pot and a chair. It didn't have to be big for me to enjoy it; I had a tiny apartment for a year in college with a triangular terrace the size of my thumb, but you better believe my roommates, neighbors and I were out on that pointy little thing almost every day. Even through the winter. In Michigan. Now that's dedication!
I've always felt that it's somewhat easy to make a huge patio or terrace look amazing, so I love to see how people creatively outfit their small terraces and balconies. You don't need much more than thoughtful planning to make a small space gorgeous.
I've always felt that it's somewhat easy to make a huge patio or terrace look amazing, so I love to see how people creatively outfit their small terraces and balconies. You don't need much more than thoughtful planning to make a small space gorgeous.
An indoor/outdoor rug, woven chair, hearty drapes, accessories and lively vines make this narrow covered balcony a cozy sanctuary.
No need to clutter up this knockout view. The beachy simplicity of this balcony keeps the focus on what's important. And the lightweight, but comfortable, folding chairs can be brought inside for storage when needed.
Let your surroundings inspire you. This tranquil arrangement pulls from the colors in the landscape to create a seamless transition from public to private spaces.
What did I tell you? Plopping a bistro table and a plant on the balcony is all you need to create a romantic alfresco oasis.
High walls provide privacy for this small urban terrace, but run the risk of appearing a bit institutional. Plants soften the space, enveloping the bistro table in a dose of nature that would not otherwise be present.
While balconies and terraces are wonderful for the people who actually get to use them, they also elevate the appearance of building exteriors, making neighborhoods come to life and giving views something to look up to.
Outdoor furniture, with cushions that often require protection from the elements, can be a challenge for small home or apartment dwellers. Built-in furniture is a perfect solution, saving space while maximizing comfort.
The right choices have turned this tiny balcony into a beachy urban garden. All the foliage and striped furnishings obscures the fact that it's overlooking a parking lot.
Like I said, it doesn't have to be huge to be luxurious and comfortable. Drop a chaise onto a narrow balcony and watch the bustling city beneath you while you lounge in your retreat in the sky. There's even room for guests!
More:
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More:
10 Ways to Bedeck Your Deck
3 Fuss-Free Ways to Garden
Charm up Your House With Windowboxes
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Browse outdoor products