One of the biggest tradeoffs of living in a condo or apartment instead of a street-level home is the lack of a backyard. However, you don’t need a big backyard to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable and stylish outdoor space. With the right approach to organization and decoration, a balcony or patio of any size can offer almost everything a big backyard can, without the headaches of raking leaves, mowing grass and pruning trees. You may not be able to kick around a soccer ball or install a hot tub, but there are plenty of easy ways to turn your balcony into an inviting oasis nonetheless.
From clever storage solutions to weatherproof decor, here’s how to get started on organizing your balcony oasis.
Check the rules
Before embarking on any balcony project, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules (your building’s and your municipality’s) about what you can and can’t do on your balcony. If you live in a condo, for instance, your balcony may be considered a common area, and things like storage bins, shelving, and even area rugs could be prohibited.
Start with a clean slate
Nothing ruins the appeal of an outdoor space faster than a layer of grime, so the first (and easiest) step towards a more inviting balcony is a thorough spring cleaning. Start by wiping down outdoor furniture, planters and other large items with warm, soapy water. Once it’s all dry, bring these cleaned items indoors (lay down a tarp or garbage bag first, just in case) and sweep up the leaves and other debris. Next, mop the balcony floor with a mild cleaning solution, taking care not to drip dirty water on your neighbours’ balconies or any passers-by below. If you live in a downtown area with lots of traffic or near a busy road, you may need to be more vigilant about wiping away particulate grime more regularly, but once per season will usually be sufficient.
Storage solutions
Whatever size of balcony you have, chances are square footage is at a premium. Make the most of your space with multi-purpose items like tables or plant stands with built-in storage, which are a major aesthetic improvement over plastic storage bins. For seating, the most space-efficient options are bench seats (ideally with built-in storage) and folding chairs that can be stacked away when not in use. Sturdy outdoor shelving (if allowed) is also a great way to make use of vertical space, with storage for larger items on the lower shelves and plants and other decor on the upper ones.
Go green
Potted plants, flowers and herbs make a vibrant addition to any outdoor space and can be the perfect way to brighten up a drab concrete balcony. How many you add, what varieties you choose and how they are arranged will depend on the layout of your space, how much sun your balcony gets, and your willingness to water your garden diligently. Small spaces are best suited to tiered shelves and trellises, while larger ones can accommodate bigger planters and pots. For best results, however, it’s advisable to start small with a few annual varieties of flowers and herbs from your local garden centre. Easier still, bring out a houseplant or two. If you opt for the latter, make sure that the plants you choose are suited to the sun and wind conditions in their summer home, and plan to water them more frequently than you would indoors.
Finishing touches
Once you have the furniture and storage pieces in place, it’s time to move on to decorating. Start from the ground up by covering trafficked areas with wood or plastic tiles (if your building permits them) which can help to make a concrete balcony floor warmer and more inviting. Weatherproof area rugs in bright colours and woven mats are also a great way to enliven the floor. Moving up, weatherproof cushions will make your outdoor seating look and feel more inviting, as will a blanket or throw for chilly evenings. Outdoor string lights are a sure way to add ambiance after dark, and by using self-adhesive hooks you’ll be able to hang them without damaging or marking your balcony’s walls. With those things in place, and whatever other decorative flourishes you choose, you’ll be ready to celebrate the return of patio season in style.
Jeremy Freed is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto. His writing about fashion, travel, food and design appears in Sharp, Harry and re:Porter magazines, among many others.