Are you slightly jealous of those who have a backyard space to spend their summer days in? If you have a balcony in your apartment building, you can easily transform your outdoor space into one that you’ll never want to leave.
First thing is first: take EVERYTHING off of your balcony and give it a good sweep/mop. Once you’ve gutted it, you can lay down some artificial green grass which you can get from your local home/garden store. Secure the grass mat with double sided tape so it doesn’t become a tripping hazard. If you’re not loving the aesthetic look of the grass, you can always lay down an outdoor rug that better suits your style.
Now that your cold cement balcony floor has been warmed up with some colourful, textured grass, it’s time to make sure your balcony has some solitude. If you lack privacy because the railing is not a solid, opaque surface, you can either get a balcony privacy screen or use fake vines to hide the gaps between the railings which gives you an exotic and private environment. For this next step, you will need some zip-ties (green or beige depending on whether you choose vines or bamboo).
The bamboo privacy screens (above) come in several different colours and you can always drape the artificial leaves over the bamboo for added texture and privacy. It looks like this apartment-dweller decided to fill the gap at the base of the balcony with rocks so it was more secure.
These privacy rods are a thicker style of bamboo that can create fun and alternating lengths. In the below photo, the balcony has vines on the outside but you can get creative and cover both sides of the railing so it is aesthetically pleasing on both surfaces.
(http://homexmas.com)
If you need some relief from the sun’s hot rays beaming into your balcony, you can use real or fake vines to create a bit of shade. This also gives you added privacy from any peeping neighbours.
Not enough shade for you? Try these exterior patio shades (below) which will provide the perfect shade from the sun’s harsh heat and glare. Plus, unlike the hanging vines, it won’t obstruct your scenic view. .
Next step: change the outdoor atmosphere using solar lights and zip-ties that match the colour of your balcony railing. When you add whimsical, warm white lights to any space it can transform the dull and dreary into memorizing and magical. There are SO many different styles of solar lighting to make you starry-eyed: string of lights, solar wall or path lights, solar lamps/torches, solar stain-glass balls, etc
If you have a plant stand you can place flame-less solar or LED tea candles inside mason jars for an enchanting effect.
Finish your cozy balcony area by setting out comfortable patio furniture and a few throw pillows that accentuate your personality. Incorporate potted plants that hang on the railing, hanging baskets and vertical pallet planets for a mini vegetable garden.
If you can hang a small corner chair-style hammock, you may never get out of it.
You’ll want to spend all of your summer days and nights curled up in your Utopian paradise. Just think: a romantic dinner for two on the patio, coffee and a good book, or a cold brew with your best buddies. You may live on the 5th floor, but you’ve just slipped onto cloud 9! Best part? You didn’t have to break the bank to create a swoon-worthy retreat. You’re welcome!