Your balcony doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Here are a few tips to bring the space to life.
Show of hands if you’re guilty of severely neglecting your balcony.
The balcony is one of the most versatile spaces in the home, but for many, it’s severely underutilised. Whether you have a spacious balcony on a landed property or a cosy nook overlooking the city, balconies have the potential to be one of your favourite spots with the right treatment.
1. Garden balcony
Nothing beats coming out to lush greens after a long, fraught day at the office (even if you work from home and the office is just one room away). It’s a breath of fresh air and a wonderful sight for sore eyes if you’re living in a concrete jungle.
Go wild with a showstopper of vine plants and colourful creepers. It’s a bit of a wild look that gives it so much character.
Manicured balcony gardens can be nice too. Find a theme and keep it trimmed.
Or make it practical and have an edible garden! Herbs and spices that are native to Malaysia’s tropical climate would be the easiest to grow, although, with a bit more care and experience, you can even grow plants like thyme, rosemary, and lemons. Just imagine stepping into your balcony garden for a nib of turmeric or a sprig of rosemary to prepare dinner. Q-U-A-I-N-T!
2. New floors or banisters
Exposed to all of Mother Nature’s elements, the tiles and banisters on your balcony will wear out much faster than the ones inside your home. If the balcony feels grimy, old, or uninviting, it’s time to give it a facelift.
Go rustic with wooden floors, or synthetic grass for an outdoorsy feel without the maintenance.
An interesting print can add character and charm. Be it in the form of tiles or textiles, don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colours or unusual materials.
Or open up the space with tempered, safety glass railings. Très chic!
3. Water feature
A water feature can turn your balcony from boring to bougie in a snap. If you can spring the budget for it, having a water feature on your balcony is like having a literal oasis.
Jump into your balcony jacuzzi and watch the sunset with a delicious cocktail. Who wouldn’t want that after a long day?
A customised pool for your balcony will run you a pretty penny, but it’s not quite as expensive as they used to be. Made with lighter, hardier, and more affordable materials, it’s a show-stopping way to beat the Malaysian heat.
4. Pretty and pragmatic
We don’t have to settle. With a little thought, your balcony can look gorgeous and still be functional.
A comfy couch, some throws, and a palette table can transform a small balcony into a cosy little nook for you to read (or scroll through your smartphone) with a cuppa in the morning.
If you have a spacious balcony, consider combining spaces by installing glass sliding doors. It gives you versatility and lets you adapt to the weather.
Have a killer view but not a ton of space? Roll out a yoga mat and you’ve just created your own outdoor yoga studio.
5. Add personal touch
For the DIY enthusiast, there’s nothing more satisfying than adding a personal touch to make the balcony space truly yours. While the most cost-efficient way to spruce up your balcony, it isn’t something to sneeze at; a DIY project is a labour of love but extremely time-consuming.
Inexpensive and aesthetically rustic crates is a really neat cheat for furniture. Layer it with cushions and fabrics and voila! You have a stool that readily doubles as a table. Prop them on their side and suddenly you have a nice little shelf. It is surprisingly versatile, easy to personalise, and most importantly, cheap.
Balconies are great in the evening when the weather cools. Consider the lighting situation and what you can do to liven up the space after dark. Fairy lights are whimsical — it’s just a matter of planning the style and layout.
We have plenty of other DIY ideas to really transform your balcony. And for extra inspiration, here are nine more awesome examples to really make the most of your balcony space.