I’ve never actually lived anywhere with a balcony. It might seem strange that I have a fantasy of one day owning one, because I’ve always had a garden. It’s a bit like confessing to an unfulfilled wish to have less space. Or a smaller house. Or less clothes in the wardrobe. Who the hell does that? But for me, a balcony is a small oasis in an urban landscape. I’ve even got a Pinterest board dedicated to them! It’s somewhere you can sit outside and look down on the world. Unobserved. A tiny green paradise where dreams can hatch, books can be read, and where plants can flourish. And all just a few feet away.
A Balcony Feels Like Part of the Inside Living Space
And I think that’s the crux of the matter. There always seems to be a barrier between the house and a garden. You have to be in the mood to venture outside, especially when the weather is less than ideal. But a balcony garden feels like a part of the house. Yes, there’s a physical barrier (called a door obvs) but it’s right there, and it’s a constant reminder to tend the plants or nip outside for a little fresh air.
A Balcony is Often Protected from the Elements
Not always, but often. It’s possible to be sheltered from wind and rain and still enjoy the outside. With the added benefits that your plants will also be protected from the damaging effects of frost too. And there’s something nice about sitting outside when it’s raining – without getting wet. Think how lovely it would be to watch a thunderstorm from up high *sigh*
A Balcony is a Private Space
And the added benefits of being protected from the elements is the privacy it brings. Yes, you can look out and down, but no one can see you when you’re sitting and relaxing. There’s something very calming about being unobserved. And in an urban environment where space is at a premium, private outside space is often like gold dust. Even gardens are surrounded by windows and all-seeing eyes. A balcony can be your own private space.
A Space of One’s Own
This is the best benefit of all. A balcony is a small, private space, easily accessible, and full of all sorts of possibilities. Maybe you just need a comfortable spot to sit with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine? It might be al-fresco dining that really excites you. Or you might want to create a lush garden full of scent and herbs handy for the kitchen.
Maybe one day I’ll have a balcony.
All images are from IKEA.
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This balcony design is really very creative. I just love all these amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing.
deardesigner
Glad you liked it π
luke Warren
Fantastic blog .This is impressive ideas to design my new house and make it perfect.
deardesigner
Thank you. Glad you like it π
Jack Duncan
I am so impressed by the design ideas and color combination.Great Work
deardesigner
Thanks Jack π
Maxine Brady
I had a 14 foot terrace and I loved the views and the flowers were all safe from snails. I miss it sometimes. Great post.
deardesigner
Hadn’t even considered the snails! What a benefit. x
Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely
We used to have the cutest balcony when we lived in Switzerland … and had better weather in order to use it than in the UK. It was so lovely, just enough room for a table and chairs, a few plants and a small BBQ. It wasn’t as lovely as the ones in your photos but we really enjoyed having it.
deardesigner
It sounds lovely. I bet you had a fantastic view too π
Stacey Sheppard
Fantastic post Carole. While I’ve been researching for my garden makeover over the past year I’ve also found myself lusting over little balcony spaces. They just look so cosy.
deardesigner
Don’t they just. We’ll just have to carve a little bit out of our gardens and pretend π
Stephanie
I love that it’s such a small space but then you can do so much with them too. I love all these designs you have chosen….maybe one day we might get one!
deardesigner
I agree. You wouldn’t have to do too much to get it looking lovely π
karen jones
I love this post. I have a whole new respect for balconies ! Gorgeous pics x
deardesigner
Ikea do produce some lovely pics. π
Amanda
Oh I’d love a balcony, or a home that was south facing with a bedroom that had a balcony off it….I’m totally dreaming all things balcony now. WOW Ikea have some fab products don’t they!
deardesigner
Ooh that would be lovely. I’m dreaming of that too now π
Geraldine
Such pretty balconies. Itβs giving me ideas for my outdoor terrace space too x
deardesigner
Me too. They are pretty aren’t they π
Kimberly Duran
Oh there’s so many gorgeous images here that now you are making me wish I had a balcony as well!! I shouldn’t have been surprised they are all from IKEA but that top one just took my breath away! Stunning! xxx
deardesigner
You can’t beat Ikea for garden and outdoor ideas and furniture π
Vritika| Flats in OMR
The balcony garden pictures are lovely, Carole! I love it. And I recently added cactus and succulent planters in concrete to the shelf I made in my balcony. They’re lovely, Carole π
deardesigner
Sounds lovely π