Waterloo balcony
Last week we were asked to do a presentation on our “insider secrets” of balcony garden design. This got us thinking about what it means to be designing balcony gardens, and what rules and concepts we apply when doing it.
We thought about it and broke it down the following way:
The top three elements for a successful balcony transformation…
Function – Getting the function right is key. A balcony doesn’t have a defined function like a living room or a dining room so you need to think about what you really want to use it for, then give it that function. As we work through this process, we often find people will use for a different purpose than they thought. The Balcony space needs a function to draw you outside. In our designs furniture goes a long way to defining the function of the space.
Aspect - Balconies are often extreme environments. Most are sunny, windy, dry and high up in the air. Selecting the right products with the environment in mind is fundamental to long term success.
Style - Create a connection between interior and exterior space. We spend a lot more time inside rather than on our balconies and they are visible from many interior spaces. Pick up and repeat any themes of colour or shape.
How to add the most value to your balcony, no matter how small…
We have some simple ideas here that work when thinking of selling your property, or in getting the most value out of it yourself.
Give the balcony a purpose – Address any fundamental issues and give the space a reason for being there. How purpose is given is dependent on target market. Set up in a way that a prospective buyer can imagine themselves using it. Changing it from a blank space to another room
De-clutter the space – Less is always more and lets the space speak for itself. It is better to have one or two good sized feature plants & pots
Dress with accessories – You can take them with you if selling, and they help reinforce the purpose for viewers and imagine themselves in the space.
You can check out a copy of our presentation here - Landscape Designer Inside Secrets – Urban Balcony