Balcony garden inspiration

Posted in Balcony Gardens - Written by Carolynn on February 14, 2012

MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT YOU’VE GOT

You should treat your balcony as an “outdoor room” and an extension of your home. To get the most from your balcony design, ask yourself how you would like to use your space?  Will it be used for outdoor entertaining, a relaxing space to read, a spot to grow veggies and herbs or simply an urban sanctuary to escape a busy city life? Deciding on the end use will help determine the entire look and feel or your balcony design, including planting selection and outdoor furniture and accessory choice.

SLEEK AND STYLISH

For a sleek, modern look why not construct a built-in seat at one end of your balcony.   This balcony still has an open plan, non- cluttered feel but the new addition seating creates a relaxing spot to sit.

Image credit: rachelthurston.com

TURNING DRAB INTO FAB

Splashes of colour always work well in drab urban surroundings. Brighten up your balcony with funky coloured outdoor furniture and accessories.

Image credit: casadevalentina.com.br

BALCONY MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET

Here is a great example of a budget friendly balcony makeover, perfect for renters looking for inexpensive ideas to bring their balcony to life.

Image credit: designsponge.com

1.Hide unwanted surfaces (such as old tiles) by using a decorative outdoor rug.

2. Give your balcony space a lift by introducing a selection of pots and plants. Grow hardy plants such as conifer varieties and drought tolerant favourites like yuccas, agave and succulent varieties.

3. Respray old chairs and inject colour by adding bright cushions and outdoor accessories to decorate your space.

4. Create privacy from your neighbours by constructing a cheap trellis screen. Plant a drought tolerant creeper (like a bougainvillea or mandevilla) and you will have a natural green screen in no time.

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