It may be the smallest area in your home but it can be the best if done right – the balcony is the space where you can create magic; we tell you how.
Balconies effortlessly bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor interiors, especially in urban setups where homes lack open spaces.
Décor Talk
Ensure that you choose natural textures such as wicker and worn leathers that lend textural contrast and add unrefined beauty to the space. “Upholstery in punchy hues of turquoise, deep green and bright pink will stand out against a backdrop of plain terracotta walls and ceramic curios. Replace the basic tube light with eclectic hanging pendants, tea lights, colourful wall mounted lamps or candles to infuse a dreamy element to the space,” says Arshi Mukri, Interior Design Expert, Pepperfry. A balcony is incomplete without a hint of nature and hence botanical greens such as suspended planters and flowers are essentials. Nikita Sethi, Co-founder, Kalpane avers, “plants are very versatile that they can be placed at any corner and area or space of your home. Lab planters are just perfect to grow all sorts of plants from vines and creepers to tiny starlets and bluebells.”
Myriad Uses
A balcony space should be done keeping in mind its usage and purpose. Chandni Dassani and Vineeta Dassani, Co-Founders, Etasaa Home and Lifestyle say, “this space can be used for doing yoga and other physical activities in the morning as it will provide a fresh atmosphere. If we add some furniture and a table it can become a great place to relax with a cup of tea or coffee.” You can also add furniture that has a storage option; also a small rack and a bookshelf can be kept in the balcony space. Charu Tewari, CEO & Business head, Stylist and Interiors Decorator, Ficus Fine Living adds, “items kept in the balcony should be charming and inexpensive and should connect with the nature and outdoors. It’s best to keep more rugged and organic items outdoors that need minor maintenance. Try using a tall floor lamp that is made of jute or drift wood to add to the style of the outdoors.”
Make a Statement
An important trend AstroTurf or fake grass on the floor is becoming popular. Vertical gardens are also a great way to highlight an otherwise dead wall. When it comes to furniture, outdoor weather-proof furniture is a must. “A lounger or two chairs with a roundtable are great for a cozy balcony. Topping all of this with fairy lights will make the space perfect for a night in too,” says Yash Kela, Founder, Arrivae. While designing the balcony, there a few important elements that one must look into e.g. ceiling, flooring, wall designs, right furniture and lighting. “There should be open space to freely move around as well as comfortable seating to enjoy the view. I suggest perking up the balcony by adding foldable chairs and tables instead of old plastic chairs,” says Tanvi Sekhsaria, Founder, Little Ms Designer. Dimple Ahuja and Sarita Goswamy, Co-directors, Studio Malabar says, “personally, my balcony is my reading nook. Set up a wooden rocking chair and a small table and some planters.” So here you have it – are you ready for a balcony makeover?
Tips
- Ritika Dhingra, Lead designer, Urban Ladder says, “don’t go overboard with the decor. Less is more when it comes to a balcony so stick to minimalistic decor and only one statement piece.”
- Peeyush Bachlaus, GM Marketing, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd says, “go easy with the furniture you choose for your balcony. Stick to minimalistic wooden furniture which will well complement the greenery around. A nice pair of rocking chairs or a wooden swing if space permits, will complete the cozy feel of the room.”
- Try placing the plants in stands of varying heights to ensure they make a statement.
- Akshay Sharma, Founder, WoodFeather says, “avoid mirrors, heavy lights or too much colour. Also avoid design that can gather dust because it would be hard to get all the outdoor dust and dirt off.”
- Never keep high bar stools or high tables in the balcony.
This story first appeared in The Hindu dated Mar 23 2019 here:
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