Top three hacks to make the most of your balcony space
April 26, 2018
Warmer weather is on its way so it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor space. Nothing says relaxation like fresh evening air and a cold drink in your hand. With summer around the corner, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a long day at the office, or better yet, an even longer day at the beach.
But when you’re limited by space, relaxation can easily turn to frustration if you haven’t got the right setup. I call it ‘patio envy’.
Luckily, we’ve seen a resurgence of landscaping driven by the millennial generation that favours urban spaces. So, it comes as no surprise that we’re seeing trends that are scalable to any outdoor space, no matter its size.
Here are my top three hacks to make the most of your balcony this year:
Think vertically!
It always surprises me how often outdoor walls are overlooked. Vertical walls in a small outdoor space or a balcony are the perfect spot to add character without cluttering the rest of the area. Make the most of yours with vertical gardens or outdoor art. Another great trick is installing a hinged wall-mounted table that gives you extra serving space when needed, or folds away to make room for more seating.
Get growing
Who says you can’t garden on a patio? Get beyond terracotta pots with this year’s must-have: the raised planter bed. The key is choosing a custom design that makes sense for your space. With DIY here to stay, companies have gotten really good at helping novice builders get started. MicroPro Sienna wood is a fantastic choice for a raised bed because it looks great and is affordable. Best of all, it has set new environmental benchmarks, so it won’t leach toxins into soil.
Maximize empty spaces
Clutter in a small space can easily overwhelm. Take a look at the spaces that aren’t being used and make them work for you. My favourite unused space is under benches. Built-in seating on balconies is a great way to add storage for toys, tools and other outdoor goodies. Not to mention the space under that custom planter! It’s perfect for keeping extra blankets and pillows on hand.
Summer is short: take control of your outdoor space this year, start planning early and get the most out of it.
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About Carson Arthur
Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. He is HGTV's Critical Listing landscape guru and appears regularly on TC, writes for various publications about outdoor design and is the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. Visit carsonarthur.com