Balcony Design: Breathe New Life into Your Outdoor Retreat
As winter’s time dwindles slowly but surely, Dubai residents start to abandon the idea of kicking back and relaxing on their balconies. While the approaching 45+ degree weather may be the main reason, a lack of decorations, furniture, and inviting elements in the space may play a large role in their disinterest. Take this chance to revisit your balcony’s potential, read on to find out how you can improve your balcony design.
Understand What You’re Working With
Before getting into the designing phase, consider these factors:
- Size: How big is your balcony? Can it only house a two-person coffee table or is it big enough for a full set of furniture?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? This can decide if you’re getting a few decorations here and there or fully remodeling.
- Purpose: What you’re looking to do with your balcony can affect the design and budget, whether you’re going for a simple reading corner or designated morning coffee spot.
Clarifying these three simple factors will help you get a clearer vision for your balcony design and ensure that the final result matches your style and functional needs.
Theme
While a daybed is a cozy, comfortable choice in balcony furnishing, it may not be the best fit if you’re going for a cool, stylish bachelor pad look. This highlights the importance of themes, as picking a theme helps you narrow down design styles and furniture options. Your theme will depend on your personal taste and lifestyle; try to imagine a theme that feels inviting to you, featuring your favorite colors and creating a cozy energy which is really the heart of balcony design. The balcony isn’t just a space outside your home, but rather a continuation of it. It carries the interior design style of your indoor space and extends it with an alfresco, outdoorsy approach.
Weather-Friendly Furniture
In Dubai’s sandy, hot weather, considering the environmental factors is crucial when coming up with a balcony design. You want something that looks good but is still enduring, and, in that case, wicker is your best friend. It can be used for couches, armchairs, and coffee tables, adding a rustic charm to your balcony. Pair with weather-resistant cushions and decorate with potted plants and you’ve got yourself a little outdoor escape. Depending on the size of your balcony, you can also add a swing chair, a go-to staple of balcony design, making a cozy and aesthetically pleasing spot to relax or read a book. Leave a designated corner for a standing misting fan to combat Dubai heat, or invest in a wall-mounted one for a space-efficient approach. When it comes to rugs, look for jute, nylon, or faux turf material to complement your outdoor space. Not only are they durable, but any one of them will pair nicely with the natural textures of wicker furniture.
Lighting
Lighting makes all the difference in the moodscape of your balcony design. A harsh overhead light may serve its purpose as ambient lighting, but it could clash with the cozy energy you’re trying to build in your outdoor haven. Go for smaller, decorative lights peppered around the space artfully to create a dimly lit ambiance that is easy on the eyes both aesthetically and practically. Fairy lights or string lights are a great option as they offer wider visibility and add an enchanting edge to your space. Pair them with electric candles (to avoid fire hazards) and lanterns to leave no corner unlit while still maintaining a warm, homey atmosphere.
Storage and Vertical Space
Let’s talk practicality. Realistically speaking, balconies are often times quite small, especially in Dubai apartment living. But small spaces shouldn’t limit your creativity. In fact, you can find inspiration in the compact space, implementing creative solutions such as multifunctional furniture and space-saving designs. Hang up shelves to carry potted plants and decor without eating up limited floor space. Invest in multipurpose furniture such as couches with drawers beneath them or storage ottomans, or easily removable furniture such as foldable chairs. Not only do these contribute to the overall aesthetic and inviting feel of your balcony, but they also give you the option to store items currently not in use, keeping the space appealing and functional.
With these tips in mind, regardless of whether you have an expansive high-rise balcony or one with lower square footage, you can confidently design a cozy, airy space that suits your needs. By curating the right furniture and decor, you can turn your balcony into a beautiful outdoorsy extension of your home with an inviting feel that gives you more space for gatherings, a quiet reading times, or a simple change of scenery when the indoors feel stuffy.
Written by: Samah ElBashir