A Mini Balcony Makeover
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: LISA ATKINSON
WE recently moved into our apartment
& I have been obsessing over rooftop gardens and balcony decor...
…But before I show you what I have done on our rooftop terrace, I thought I would gather all my balcony decor tips from over the years on Chyka.com. We are all at home a lot more than we have ever been so why not take a good look at your outside entertaining space with fresh eyes - does it need a little refresh? Maybe a good cleanup to get the inspiration flowing? Time to replace a few pieces here and there to bring life back into your space? Let’s do’s do it!
I chose a palette of dusty pinks, orange and wood tones to keep it fresh and straightforward. My aim was to make it a brighter, more inviting space. Bringing in some colour and some new cushions to make it homely, and of course, finish it off with some plants and flowers. Always start with giving the space a clean down, after months of neglect - a good rearrange will get it into shape. I love changing the look of flooring in spaces and introducing a carpet to the balcony is an instant brightener. There are some great outdoor rugs available that will withstand the elements.
A FEW THINGS TO THINK ABOUT...
Look at the area with fresh eyes. Sometimes you have to clean it all out and take it all away to get a real idea of the space.
Freshen up outdoor canvas cushions that may have become a little green over winter.
Look at any potted plants that are outside and may need a freshen up - more soil, mulching, deadheading.., etc
How do you use this space? Do you need more cushions, table space, an umbrella perhaps? What will get you outside more?
If you have plants, are they easy to water and how much sun do they get? Do they need to be moved to another area?
Make sure the plants you have are suitable for this area. Do you have good drainage? If it does rain, how will that effect what you have outside?
Make sure your umbrella is weighted down. You don't want that flying over the balcony!
Lanterns are gorgeous and create such beautiful light. Make sure you have matches and keep the glass clean after they have been lit (nothing uglier than the black smoke).
If your cushions do get wet make sure you dry all sides, is there somewhere to store them indoors?
Look at the space from inside too and are certain it looks visually attractive all sides.
Most importantly - don't forget to use it!
Not every item needs to be weatherproof. I find that outdoor furnishings can be a little limiting when it comes to styles and design, so I am more than happy to decorate with indoor furnishings, storing them indoors when the weather turns. Having an array of brighter cushions in my bedroom is a colourful pop on a gloomy day and in turn, I am saving these items from the weather. Mixing and matching patterns, textures and materials are one of my favourite decorating tricks so blending the wood of the lanterns with the soft velvet cushions makes for a cosy space.
Credits : All items are from Canvas + Sasson