Beautiful Balconies – Creating a New Room Out of Thin Air

With the Chelsea Flower Show in full swing, many of us are turning our thoughts to creating a riot of colour in our gardens over the summer.

Beautiful Balconies

If you live in London though, outside space is a luxury. The good news is that if you’re lucky enough to have even a small balcony, patio or rooftop, it’s not difficult to create a really beautiful ‘room’ where you can relax over the summer.

First, a few practical considerations. If you’re planning to transform your balcony, find out if it is waterproof and check to see if it will hold the weight of large containers. Ideally you should position these near a perimeter, close to a load-bearing wall. If you plan to use a rooftop for the first time, you’ll need to ask a structural engineer how much weight the roof can take and see if you need planning permission. Before you do any kind of refurbishment programme, you really need to do your homework!

Beautiful BalconiesDesign Tips
Now the design. Think about what you’ll be using the space for. Will you be entertaining friends or just using the space yourself to relax in during the evening? Do you have space for a table and chairs or maybe just a deckchair for yourself?

If you need to create some privacy or maybe screen out an unsightly view, think about adding some containers with large plants like bamboo. And climbing plants are a great space-saving choice, helping to soften perimeter edges.

Beautiful BalconiesKeep it Simple
Several, large containers create a stunning focal point with more impact than lots of smaller ones which look a little ‘busy’ and also be more time-consuming to water.

Natural Light
You won’t have much flexibility when it comes to how much light your balcony has. If it is in shadow much of the time, make sure you choose plants that can tolerate this such as ferns, hostas and ivy. Fuchsias are a stunning, colourful choice too that thrive in semi-shade.

Colour

In a small space, you’ll create more impact by keeping colours simple – stick to a palette of maybe two or three colours for a stylish look.

Tending

If you’re new to gardening, make sure you keep all the information cards that come with your plants so that you can keep to the watering and care instructions.

Beautiful BalconiesPractical Tips
Last but not least and something that’s easy to overlook – measure your balcony before you head off to buy your plants so you know that they will fit the space!

So, just a few ideas to get you started. And far from being a restriction, having a limited space can really help you unleash your creative side and create an urban oasis with very little outlay.

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Associate Director

Author: Mark Parry

After spending several years garnering experience in the retail and real estate business, I joined InStyle Direct in 2013 and have thoroughly enjoyed my work here. As an Associate Director, I assist a diverse group of clients. Whether it is a private homeowner looking for a completely bespoke furnishing solution or a leading developer or estate agent looking to dress properties to meet business objectives, I have worked with all of them. Customer care is an essential part of my role. The ability to gauge client requirements and suggest a tailored solution is a skill I've honed after working on over 500 projects across more than a decade at this company. Another aspect of my work that keeps me motivated is the opportunity to collaborate with talented designers and cutting-edge suppliers worldwide. I guess bringing ideas to life is as stimulating for a property furnishing professional as it is rewarding for our clients. The sheer excitement in a client's voice and expression upon seeing a completely transformed property is priceless and something I strive for on every project I undertake. However, I do have interests outside of design and furnishing as well. When not drafting a client proposal or meeting with designers, I try honing my horse-riding skills or taking a spin class to keep fit. Football and travelling with my family are other passions that keep me going. In my experience as a property furnishing expert with InStyle Direct, I've had the privilege of contributing to several client successes that I'd like to share with you. From exciting results delivered to clients to the furnishing, interior design and refurbishment stories behind them, stay tuned for more.

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