Now that summer is almost here, my family and I have been spending lots of time on our balcony. Of course, to make this outside space feel like home, you can add a few outdoor decorations like these ones from the Outdoor Art Pros.
Recently we added an outdoor carpet and some flowers (fake) to “beautify” our balcony. I was tired of looking at old, splintered wood and not seeing any color or life out there, other then our pets. Of course I also added the carpet to make things more comfortable for our four cats and dog too.
Space is limited on our balcony but I’m anxious to get a patio dining set. My kids keep begging me to get one so that we can have dinner outside on the balcony. I’ve seen a few but so far nothing has fallen in our price range. I won’t even consider a set unless it comes with an umbrella. Where our balcony is positioned we get direct sunlight all day long. I had to buy insulated curtains for the windows and sliding glass doors just to keep the heat out. It can get REALLY hot in here with the sun beating through the windows. If we had an outdoor dining area I would need an umbrella to fight off the direct sun.
I would like to make our balcony serve as another room in some way. There are times it’s so hot and humid in our condo. We don’t have any cross ventilation so often it’s cooler outside then it is inside. For that reason I would love to have something like a patio daybedthat we could sleep on if it gets unbearable inside our condo. I would sleep outside in a heartbeat if possible. I’m just not sure if our balcony is big enough for one of those beds. I suppose we could lay out a sleeping bag, but I don’t like the idea of sleeping on the ground with all of our pets. I’m sure they would take over the sleeping bag if that was the case.
My husband and I spend a lot of time outside at night after we put the kids to bed. It’s our special time to talk, reconnect and enjoy the fresh air. Currently we sit on either our old bench or folding chairs. I’d love to get one of those outdoor sofas so that we could sit together. That would be so nice (and romantic too!).
I just wish our space wasn’t so limited. We also can’t change the look of the balcony as per the condo board rules. If we could I would love to rip the whole balcony down and build a new one made with that special wood that doesn’t splinter, rot or fade. We’re not even allowed to paint or stain the balcony because it has to look like everyone else’s balcony. Ugh! There are some serious downsides to living in a condo complex.
Does any of my readers have a small balcony or outdoor space where you live? What do you do to make it more “liveable”? Aside from an outdoor carpet and some plants, what else do you use to make your balcony or patio a ‘home away from home”? I’d love to hear from my readers. Thanks!
Kimberly
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Unfortunately my outdoor space is extremely limited. But to make it look a tad bit bigger I have rocks around the fence area which tends to make it look more open. I know this may sound weird but it really does make a difference.
Kelley says
I have an actual tiny yard, but two things it includes would work very well on a balcony. I have kitchen herbs growing in pots. Anything you can do to bring in some real plants is good. Also, we have a small fountain we picked up at the ranch supply store for about 120.00. Water features are very relaxing.
blueviolet @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
That’s a tough one! I like Kelley’s idea of something growing in pots out there. 🙂
Rachel says
We have a large porch so I have no ideas for a balcony. But I love the idea of some potted plants. You could even do some container gardening.
hairstyles for girls says
That’s hard. We have a deck but it’s not covered and it’s just so hot out there. I would love to add a covering some day. Good luck with your project!
Anna says
I’m in the process of trying to make an outdoor living space in my backyard too. If only it would stop raining!!! Stopping by to say hi from the Switch & Save Challenge!
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com
Kayla says
Good luck finding a set that you all love! This really makes me thankful for the yard we DO have-We all want more land, so the little we have isn’t our ideal, but at least it’s better then nothing!