Melbourne’s lifestyle is constantly evolving, with an increasing number of people residing in apartments, which has become a source of convenience for a modern lifestyle. Since apartment living has become the norm, many people wonder whether they are missing out on having a backyard and a garden.
The short answer: no. You aren’t missing out on the backyard experience if your apartment has a balcony. In Melbourne, where many live in high rises, balconies are no longer overlooked. They are now stylish, functional extensions of your apartment, with additions like pergolas and verandas transforming these spaces.
So whether you live on the 5th floor or the 50th, your balcony can be transformed into a retreat that aligns with Melbourne’s modern, constantly evolving character.
1: Preparing the Balcony
Before adding anything to your balcony, thoroughly clean the space. This prepares you for change and transformation. Remove debris and sweep dust from the railings, floor, and ceiling.
You also need to clean the windows to wipe off any pollutants. If you live on higher floors with glass at unreachable spots, high rise window cleaner Melbourne can clean the windows without damaging the glass and structural integrity of your apartment. Also, remove any obstacles that might just be lying there.
2: Make Any Structural Changes
If you own the apartment, you can also consider making structural changes, such as installing a pergola to create an aesthetically pleasing, alfresco-style space that can completely transform a blank balcony.
These upgrades improve the visual appeal and make it suitable for use throughout the year. You can unwind and relax on your balcony on summer nights or enjoy your winter breakfast with a view.
3: Choose Functional Furniture
Once your balcony is clean and structured, it’s time to add furniture to fill the space and make it functional. You need furniture that suits your space and lifestyle.
For example, if you live in a limited space, it’s best to opt for foldable or dual-purpose furniture that can be accommodated on a need basis. Similarly, choosing lightweight pieces really makes it easier to move everything around.
You also need to purchase items like seating pads, cushions, and rugs to make your little balcony feel more inviting. The next step is the suitable placement of your furniture and decor, after which your balcony will become usable.
4: Plants are a Must
When you are planning a balcony decor, plants should not be an option. In fact, incorporating plants is the easiest way to elevate the aesthetics of your balcony. When adding plants to your balcony, it is important to consider a few things.
First off, you need to decide the kind of plants that should be included. If you have a low floor space, opt for vertical gardens, hanging plants, or railing pots. For apartment owners with sufficient space, you can even opt for large floor plants to fill the space.
Melbourne is known for its diverse range of weather, which allows you to choose from a variety of low-maintenance plants to decorate your balcony. Plants not only elevate the visual appeal but also contribute to the mental well-being of residents.
5: Create a Stunning Ambience
Simply adding furniture and plants is not enough. You need a little bit more to bring the entire space together. Lighting, textiles, and subtle decor can amp up the balcony from being basic to stunning and inviting.
Try creating a colour scheme between your furniture, cushions, and the walls for a cohesive look. You can go overboard with colours for a popping look or just keep it neutral and subtle — totally up to you. However, you need to ensure that the colour scheme looks balanced and inviting.
Also, decorating the space really doesn’t mean that you go overboard with stuff and make your balcony challenging to maintain. Focus on a few key pieces that blend with the theme, but overall, your balcony remains open and spacious.
6: Maintenance and Safety
You can design the best balcony on the planet, only to see it go to waste because you were not able to maintain it. When designing your balcony, keep one thing in mind: it’s your responsibility to maintain it, so all the money being spent today does not go to waste.
Clean everything after every few days to ensure the furniture and decor look spik and span. Additionally, hire high-rise window cleaners at regular intervals to ensure that there is no build-up on the apartment’s windows. Your newly designed balcony will outlive the investment if you ensure adequate maintenance and cleaning.
Balconies are an integral part of a home that can be transformed into a relaxing sanctuary by installing structures like pergolas. However, before you make the change, it is important to clean the entire space and finalise your vision.
Opt for functional and convenient furniture and blend it with adequate decor to bring everything together. Your balcony will also require regular maintenance and upgrades, so that it outlives its life. You can hire a professional cleaner to do the job.
A balcony will quickly become a resting spot to connect you with the outdoor world without the need for a large yard and deck by making simple changes and additions.
