Although a lot of states are reopening and people are participating in outdoor activities now that it’s summer, turning your balcony into a personal oasis is a great summer DIY project and can even serve as a work-at-home office or zen space during social distancing times. To create a place to relax, hang out, and unwind from your day, consider redecorating that balcony you rarely use.
It doesn’t have to be complicated — anything like adding a few plants or pillows, new furniture, or even a splash of paint can really make your balcony shine. Simple touches like these can instantly turn your balcony into a cozy space for you and your family to enjoy.
Even if your balcony is a small space, spice up its style to create a relaxing and unique space for you — an irresistible personal oasis. Read on to explore 24 simple yet transformative tips to revamp your outdoor space this summer.
Create a Green Space
If you have a green thumb, show off your plant collection and add some greenery to your space. Take this opportunity to make your balcony a jungle. Create this vibe with planters and pots filled with tropical plants and get creative with the color of the pots. Don’t have any pots? You can also use planter boxes, which can also be hung from a wall for an edgy look.
If you want to save trips to the grocery store, consider planting an herb or vegetable garden for some fresh produce. To ensure you can enjoy your outdoor jungle in privacy, incorporate tall plants like bamboo to block out the neighbors.
Sources: @magicbabyvintage | Zoe Hunts | @littlebeachtree | Madison Inouye
Having a jungle for a balcony is a great way to incorporate all the plants you love and keep your outdoors space cool during the summer heat — not to mention it can serve as the perfect staycation. If you’re looking for ways to add a little more ambiance, it’s time to rethink lighting.
Below we offer some tips and inspiration on how to illuminate your balcony for those starry summer nights.
Make It Bright
Brighten up your balcony with lights. This is the perfect way to lighten up your space any time of the day. Install some hanging pendants or sconces, or throw up some string lights around the perimeter of the ceiling or railing. Fairy lights are also great for setting the mood and creating that ambiance.
If you’re looking for some budget-friendly options, go with eye-catching lanterns for a fun and simple twist — these are also a great way to give your patio some personality Or opt for solar string lights to save on that electrical bill. You can also add your favorite candles for a cozy or romantic touch, just be sure to check with your landlord that candles are allowed in your unit.
Sources: Kevin Fitzgerald | Rich Smith | @sannahermine | @marzena.marideko
Incorporating lights in your balcony design is an easy way to elevate the look and it creates the ultimate vibe. Thinking of changing it up and adding some more color? These tips below will help you create a bold and eye-catching space.
Make a Bold Statement
‘Tis the season…for summer. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and add pops of color to your balcony to create a bold statement.
To liven up your balcony decor, try by painting a wall with your favorite bright color — of course by first getting your landlord’s permission. If you can’t paint the wall, adding colorful throw pillows to your furniture is also a great way to change it up. Or if your patio wall space permits, try adding some bright and fun wall art or some flowers for a pop of color!
Sources: @mayazak | Annie Spratt | Awesome Sauce Creative
Creating a fun color scheme like this is easy to do and all you need are a few items to really make your balcony stand out and give off those summer vibes. For a balcony that’s great for entertaining, you’ll want to check out how to create a guest-friendly space next.
Create a Social Space
Are you a hostess with the mostess? If you’re someone who likes to entertain, make your balcony a place to socialize with close friends or family. This balcony idea is perfect for those happy hours and coffee hangouts.
Treat this space as if it’s an outdoor living room. To achieve this, be sure to have plenty of seating for guests. Some ideas include floor cushions, poofs or a small couch if your balcony has enough room. Get even more creative and make a DIY tabletop bar if you’re short on space.
Sources: @westwingde | @balkon_bar & Roos Oosterbeck | @interiorbyniina
Implementing these different design tips will give you a balcony that you and your guests will love. That said, sometimes less is more. If you enjoy a more toned-down look, consider going with a more minimalist approach.
Maximize with Minimalism
Just because you may have a small balcony doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Make the most of a small balcony by adding space-saving furniture.
For example, folding tables are great space savers since they can easily be put away when not in use. Bistro tables are also petite yet stylish and give off a sophisticated European vibe. To free up floor space, hang up your plants rather than keeping them in pots on the ground. Keep it simple and go back to the basics with neutral colors to really convey a minimalist style.
Sources: Squarefly| Kevin Lessy | Content Pixie
Giving your balcony a minimalist makeover is not only stylish, but also keeps the area free of too much clutter and is low-maintenance. Contrastingly, you can go for a more bohemian look by adding textured fabrics and prints to your space. Not only is this trendy but if you’re someone who likes to gather trinkets and textiles when you travel, this is a great way to make use of these elements while creating a unique outdoor space.
Add Texture to Your Space
Play with different textures and patterns to add some chic style to your balcony. Rugs are a great way to achieve this look. Don’t be shy when it comes to having multiple rugs — layer them to create the ultimate bohemian look. Many outdoor-friendly rugs come in geometrical patterns and woven textures.
Get even more creative and say bye to your cement floors. Consider trying out some stick on floor tiles. You can find these in all types of colors and patterns to add some extra boho flair to your balcony — plus they’re temporary, making them a perfect addition to a rented space. As a final touch, incorporate some macrame pieces.
Sources: @my_sweet_little_home | @interiors_by_biltonbutter | @my_hygge_my_home | Ashkan Forouza
Mixing these textured looks with eclectic accessorizing is a quick way to achieve an exotic retreat. Once you’ve chosen the perfect style for your balcony, there are still some factors you should consider when making modifications to the property.
Tips to Consider
There are many fun and unique ways to transform your balcony into a personal oasis, but there are some things to consider if you’re a renter. You may feel like your hands are tied if you want to revamp or modify your apartment. However, many landlords are more flexible than they seem, so be sure to talk to them about your options.
With that being said, making any modifications that go against your lease may put you in danger of losing a security deposit or even the keys. Most apartments have guidelines within the lease to follow before you make any modifications, so be sure to check with your landlord before you get started. If you’re a landlord, keep track of any changes and damages after tenants move out with an inspection checklist.
Here are a few more complicated modifications you can make to your balcony and tips to consider:
- If you want to paint a wall: Most landlords are okay with a quick repaint, but if not, paint the color back to its original shade before you move out. Or, opt for a neutral color — your landlord may be more comfortable with this.
- If you want to install lights: A lot of rentals don’t offer a lot of lighting, so you may want to brighten up your balcony and install some lights yourself. Choose lighting that can be screwed into the wall and plugged in rather than set up by an electrician, that way you can quickly unscrew them once your lease is up.
- If you want to hang planters: Hanging things requires adding some holes to the walls or ceiling, so be sure to patch these up once you move out. If your landlord doesn’t allow drilling or holes of any kind, use adhesive hooks instead!
- If you want to change the flooring: Maybe you’re tired of the boring cement floor that’s on your balcony. Instead of tearing up the floor and replacing it, try out temporary stick-on tiles to add some style without making a mess.
With these tips you can transform your outdoor balcony into a relaxing oasis. In addition to making this space yours, be sure to check with your landlord to make sure any balcony modifications align with your lease. If you’re a landlord that’s looking to fill a vacancy in one of your properties, be sure to check out our tenant screening services to help you find the perfect renter.