How to design an apartment balcony

So you’ve just moved into your new apartment and you’d like to transform into a little oasis, but you’re not quite sure how to approach it? Whether its a balcony, or terrace, there are a few things you need to consider.
 

1. Be realistic about how you will use the space

You may think “Oh that’s easy! I’m going to entertain”. But before you get carried away, mentally planning those long alfresco lunches, stop and challenge yourself. How often are you really going to do that? Or, are you more likely to sit out there with a cup of coffee before leaving for work, or a glass of wine after work?

With a small space you have to make choices. You’ll want to allocate more space to the activity you’ll do most often. This will also determine your furniture choices, which will most likely be your biggest expense, so its important to get it right.

If it is alfresco dining , then you can confidently go ahead and buy that dining setting!

2. Choose furniture that doesn't dominate the space

With a small space, you need to avoid ‘bulk’ at all costs. It’s all about the silhouette. So go for:

•sofas and benches with narrow, preferably no arms

•slim profile legs on tables and chairs

•chairs that can slide fully under tables
 

With a limited floor space, place a few feature pots on the floor area, and then make use of walls, ceilings and railings for greenery to create that lush feel- ing. There are some great, easy to install vertical garden and railing pots available . And hanging planters are back in a big way!
 

This may sound like a contradiction, but whatever your chosen leisure activity , there will also be ‘the everyday’ when you need the space for drying some laundry (strata rules permit- ting!) or doing some DIY. You can temporarily create space by going for:

•Stackable chairs
•Folding tables & chairs
•two small square tables instead of one long one: they can be put together when you’re entertaining, and pushed into differ- ent corners when not in use. Or, if you go for the right look, you can even use    one indoors.
•Pots on castors 
 

Be sure to check out the range at Petite Retreat Outdoor Living