BALCONY: INTRODUCTION
To live the external spaces of the house it is good to furnish them as the internal environments. An opportunity to use this space to expand the habitability of your home. Large or small, transforming your balcony into a beautiful and welcoming place will be easier after reading this guide.
Balconies and terraces are too often overlooked, when instead these spaces should be treated like the interior of the house. Furnishing the balcony is useful to be able to fully enjoy it in moments of relaxation, but before deciding how to furnish it, read up on the requirements of the condominium regulation.
The cases are not rare, for example, where the use of a barbecue is prohibited, or where the cultivation of particular species of plants is not allowed. Keep in mind also that there is a limit on the capacity of the floors of terraces and balconies, so watch out for the weight.
SPACE ORGANIZATION
Like any space to be furnished, it is good to prepare drawings for the functional organization of the spaces and to find the solutions that are right for you. Whether it is to furnish a large terrace or want to make the most of a balcony, it is important to divide the space into different functional areas. Each of them is intended for specific activities.
This subdivision in the large spaces allows not to be dispersive in the distribution of plants and furnishings. In opposite cases, a visual scaling limits the excessive length of the balcony.
WHAT IS THE OUTDOOR SPACE FOR?
This is the question you will have to answer before going ahead with defining a project. What are the activities you are interested in practicing outdoors, what passions will you want to give vent to in this unique space. To help you I have compiled a list of possible functions and some ways to realize them.
VEGETABLE GARDEN
If you don’t have a garden for your vegetable garden, you can also create one in confined spaces, by hanging the pots on the railing or on a wall. In addition, it can be embellished perhaps by growing aromatic herbs for use in the kitchen in old crates.
RELAXATION CORNER
In addition, on the balcony you can create a sitting area where you can welcome your guests, or a small corner to be used for personal relaxation. If you are a lover of DIY it will not be difficult to create comfortable and original seats with recycled pallets and cushions.
OUTDOOR LUNCH
Insert a table and chairs in numbers and sizes appropriate to the size of the balcony. A small balcony can accommodate just a table for two to be used for a coffee break or a romantic dinner.
In addition, you can use one of the retractable type to be fixed to the wall, but also special balcony tables that hook onto the railing. A barbecue corner in a self-respecting outdoor space cannot be missing.
If desired, it can also be made in a small balcony with special grills to be attached to the railing.
LARGE BALCONY OR TERRACE
With a large balcony or even a large terrace, you can indulge yourself by furnishing it with large and different types of elements. In fact, the table can be used for lunch for several people and be shaded by a large umbrella.
Finally, there are several other furnishing elements that can be easily inserted. For example, a bench crate for storing gardening tools and for expanding the seating spaces, a barbecue for your outdoor lunches, etc.
You will be spoiled for choice to satisfy your desires. The only concrete risk is that of having a dispersive effect and elements that, although interesting in themselves, do not bind together.
SMALL BALCONY
To make the balcony “livable“, the union minimum is a pair of chairs and an outdoor table. You won’t be able to afford the table, but today there are really small outdoor tables on the market, which fit into any balcony. Better then choose a folding table, so you can remove it if the balcony space you need to do other things.
Let’s not forget the decorative elements such as plants, lanterns and lights, better if chosen in light colors that create a more spacious optical effect.
PLANTS AND FLOWERS
Plants and flowers cannot be missing in a self-respecting balcony, but these must be carefully chosen taking into account exposure to sunlight.
In fact, if the balcony benefits from direct sunlight it is better to choose varieties that are not afraid of the sun. In the event that the position of the balcony is on the side of the house not exposed to the sun, plants suitable for exposure in the shade should be preferred.
For shaded balconies these are the most suitable plants: impatiens, begonias and hydrangeas, but also petunias (surfinia) grow well in the shade.
Plants suitable for exposure in partial shade, that is, which receive sunlight at certain times of the day: anemones, nasturtiums and tradescanze.
Finally, balconies in full sun require this type of plants: lavender, bougainvillea, geranium, ornamental sage and verbena.
OTHER INTERESTING IDEAS
A south-facing balcony, small or large, needs shading accessories: awnings, umbrellas, sunscreens, pergolas, etc.
In particular, the wooden grates, enriched with planters and climbing plants, are useful for ensuring privacy and protecting from the wind.
Tra i complementi d’arredo interessanti vi sono angoliere ed étagère in ferro battuto dove sistemare le piante, piccoli mobili contenitore di diversa foggia, poltrone prendisole, ecc.
Finally, changing the appearance of the flooring by using wooden squared tiles for exteriors is an excellent idea.
LEAVE A COMMENT
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Furthermore, if you need personalized advice to furnish your home balcony, send an email to valeriadesign@casaomnia.it!