The coronavirus crisis has pushed the world into a shell. Even amidst the gloom, people are devising new and creative ways to socialise and be cheerful. And guess who is helping them in their endeavour? The long-neglected balconies!
With musical concerts, socialising, flash mobs, dancing, and exercising, balconies are turning into venues of entertainment and ‘get-togethers.’ A man from France even ran a marathon of 26.2 miles on his 7-metre-long balcony! The possibilities seem to be endless!
In India, balconies never really got their due. For some, it is a dump yard, and for others, a place to dry their clothes. To their defence, no one even had enough time to ‘stand and stare,’ to quote W. H. Davies. Now that most other activities are coming to a standstill, people seem to have some time in their hands, though sadly locked up in their homes. Such a scenario can be unnerving for the city dwellers.
Well, it needn’t be if you can reclaim your balcony!
Easy Ideas to Bring Your Balcony to Life
Make contact with the outside world, reminisce about a thing or two, listen to a song or watch a movie, read a book or write one, or even work from home! You can make your balcony a solace during this uncertain period with a little transformation. Here is what you can do to make it happen:
An Assessment of Your Space
What is the area and the layout? Is it a narrow space or a wide balcony? It will help in planning the space. For example, if it is a small balcony, you may not have enough space to put a big table in there. The choice of furniture, the usage, etc., will depend upon the area available. Make a rough plan as per space so that you can begin your balcony transformation.
Dust, Clear, and Clean
The next step is to clear the balcony of everything in there. Wipe the dust off the railings and walls, rub the floor, and clean the corners. A thorough cleaning itself will give the space a new look. For DIY aficionados, here is a suggestion to get busy: if you have some leftover paint at home, why don’t you spruce up the railings a bit? We all need some cheering up at this point!
Prepare Your Balcony for Your Purpose
How will you want to utilise your balcony? Will your family also join in at some time? The usage will help you in preparing the balcony and bringing in the necessary elements. For example, if you wish to do your work from your balcony, you will need a chair and table. If you want it to be a family assembly place, you will need a seating space. If you wish it to be a cosy corner, you will have to add the suitable elements.
Work or Relax? Furniture or not?
Not all balconies are spacious. So, the idea is to work with the area available. Foldable furniture is best for balconies because when you don’t need them, you can store them away and free up the space. If you do not have any such chairs or tables, make use of your small chairs and a teapoy. If you have a portable table, see if you can fix it to the railing. It could make a convenient table for you to keep your coffee mug or books.
Lounge chairs, a bench, a cushioned chair or anything that you have can be an excellent addition to your balcony. The idea here is to have a convenient seating and not make it cramped. So, the less the furniture, the more relaxed it would be!
Another option is not to have furniture at all! Instead, choose a low seating. First, lay a rug or mat on the floor. Get your small mattress or place cushions and a pretty sheet. Your bean bag too will be perfect in your balcony! Choose the most colourful pillow covers and sheets and make the place bright and cheerful. Thus, you have your cosy corner to snuggle with a book and coffee.
Wrap Some Textures
You don’t need expensive elements to make a place luxurious. Convert your simple balcony space into a luxury abode with textures and patterns. Bold patterns and vivid textures will make your balcony a comfy paradise!
Make it a Private Space
In cities where apartments are so near each other, a balcony is often in full view of the neighbours. You may not want others to watch you while you work or spend time in your space. You can ensure privacy in your balcony in many ways. Adding planters or bamboo blinds can help. Another simple way is to hang a curtain. Here is what you can do for now:
Hammer two nails on top of the walls on either side of the balcony. Get your curtains and through the top hem, pass a rope or cut a long piece of string cloth. Tie the rope or string on the nails. And voila, you are blocked from prying eyes!
Accessorise a Little
Warm your balcony with your favourite memories by hanging your favourite photographs using nails or adhesive clamps. You may also try to create your DIY art piece. There are many simple ways to create balcony art. Check out art blogs or Pinterest for a quick inspiration.
What you need is a lively place, so whatever makes you smile, go for it. Make your inspirational quote frame by printing a beautiful quote on a paper, colouring it and pasting it on a cardboard piece. Need a powerful quote for the current time? ‘This time too shall pass!’
Lend Some Sparkle
“Let there be light.” Quite literally!
If you plan to read or work at night in your balcony, you will need appropriate lights that are not too bright nor too dim. For a cosy and a magical feel, hang fairy lights. You can take out the Diwali lights you have kept away to add some shine and sparkle. Any light that adds a charming feel and looks to the place would do. What you need is a cosy place with the lights shining on you to cheer you up. Some sparkle is indeed a necessity in gloomy situations!
Make it Green
You need plants not just to freshen up the place but also to add some colour and life. In regular times, it would have helped to install some vertical planters on the walls or railings. Now, you should do with what plants you have. Plants lend a refreshing feel and connect you to nature. The green colour uplifts your mood and purifies the air.
To add some colour, you can hang your artificial plants and creepers and make the place more cheerful.
Now is also a great time to try some home gardening. Try growing microgreens by germinating pulses and then transfer them to a planter. You get a lovely plant for your balcony and a nutritious meal later!
Amidst the current crisis, the balcony transformation project can be fun. You will be able to convert the once-neglected space into a purposeful, cosy, and cheerful den for you and your family. All you need is some creativity!
Calm your mind and drown yourself in the hope of a better tomorrow cosied up in your nest!
Looking for more innovative home design ideas? When it comes to decorating your home space, customised to your taste and wishes, Hipcouch provides a premium and passionate service. To get in touch with our Team, call/whatsapp at +91 97698 91528 or contact us here.