Balcony or Patios
Balconies and patios always seem like such a nice idea. Yet too often they end up becoming storage areas for an old bicycle and a dead plant or two. What you really wanted was a place where you could sit and relax while enjoying good weather. And if you could barbecue in that space as well, that would be great.
Ideally, you want to turn your balcony or patio into just that sort of retreat, or an outdoor dining room, or something similar. Here are some thoughts on how to do that.
Decide on a Function
What sort of "room" do you want this outdoor area to be? Do you want it to be simply a place to relax during the day? Or do you want it lit up so you can use it at night as well. Do you want to barbecue in this area? Will that be the main function? If so, you'll want a table in the center and plenty of flat surfaces for resting drinks and plates. If you just want to relax, you may want a porch swing or some Adirondack chairs to take center stage.
Sun and Shade
You need to know what parts of the balcony or patio get lots of sun and which part are more often in shade. This will help you determine what sort of plants you're going to have and how you're going to position them. Make a map of the area and outline the areas that get lots of sun and the ones that are mostly shaded. Then you can put in plants like a rose bush in the sunny areas and ferns and philodendrons in the shady. This will also help you decide where to put things like deck chairs and chaise lounges.
Style
Decide what sort of style you'd like the area to have. Would you like it to have the simple comfort of wicker and rattan? Or would you prefer the sturdiness of wood? Even plastic can be found in attractive shapes and styles. So if you want an area with furniture that can be easily repositioned and hosed off whenever it gets dirty, plastic may be the right way to go. Also, as a matter of style, decide what the focal points will be for your balcony or patio. Is there a statue or a plant that you really want to show off? Perhaps a particularly beautiful or comfortable chair will be what draws the eye. Whatever you choose, remember not to choose too many focal points or you'll end up with none at all.
Color
Even outdoor rooms can have a color scheme. A simple color palette is probably best. Too many colors can have the same effect as too many focal points. The eye doesn't know what to look at, so the effect is underwhelming. Choose one main color and one accent color and find or paint furniture that goes with that. You can vary the texture of the paint to add a little variety without making the area look busy.
Plants
Plants grouped together give the feeling of lots of space. A row of pots with shrubs or flowers can help you delineate different sections if your balcony or patio is large enough to be divided that way. Latticework along the sides can be combined with a climbing plant to give you a whole wall of green.
Other Thoughts
There's lots more to think about. The flooring is one example. If you don't like the concrete slab, consider paving stones or bricks. To add a little extra sparkle at night, string some white lights up. Whatever you do, you're sure to enjoy your newly remodeled outdoor room.
