#HilaryRowland
How to Turn Your Balcony Into a Private Sanctuary
How I turned my balcony into an urban oasis — step by (easy) step.
Comfort Factor
The patio should be a spot for you to both lie down and sit up. Get a converting outdoor futon so you can sleep outside in the summer, or if you want to fill the space completely, like we did, this wicker-look sectional outdoor furniture will do the job. We donated the cushions to a nearby animal shelter, then separated the furniture pieces so they maximized the space, and connected them (to fill the gaps between the pieces) with flat metal. We then got custom cushions made to hide the fact that the furniture was separated a bit. The result? A giant outdoor seating/bed area.
Custom cushions from CushionPros
Extra-thick and comfy cushions by CushionPros
Whatever outdoor furniture you get, make it extra glam by getting some custom-made cushions by CushionPros. This way you can customize the thickness, piping, softness and fabric (we used this cool, leafy Tommy Bahamas fabric).
Braxton studio chairs look modern but compliment the natural theme
Braxton Studio chairs are great for when you have a few girlfriends over after work. The cut-out tree design of the chairs compliment the natural theme and they come in green or white (or red – but yuk). And the best part? They’re stackable, so when your friends leave you can stack them in a corner to give yourself more space. We also love this swinging hammock chair, which lets you stretch out and lie down in it, but when not in use takes up almost no space.
Bunny Doorstop (read on for more about this) and Hammock Chair
Pamela Sanabria
This is very beautiful, Hilary. 🙂 How did this project cost in total? I want to create a small garden idea in my terrace, but before starting off, I want to have an idea about how much $$$ I’m going to need.
Hilary Rowland
It really depends on how big your balcony is, but each item I used was pretty cheap, so it didn’t add up to more than a few hundred dollars at most. Very much worth it!
Claire Martinez
Hey!
I redecorated my balcony using this tutorial for something like $70, buying a grass carpet, some flowers and plants, I made a bench with leftover wood myself, bought few glasses and candles, and it already looks amazing! You can easily make a great atmosphere without a lot of money!
Emma Blackwood
Ok, this is almost perfect! But if it was my balcony, I would’ve used some reclaimed materials and real plants. That’d be more ecofriendly.
Aylin Sanli
This is definitely the inspiration I needed! My balcony is long due some extreme make over like this. With the help of your tips and ideas, it’s gonna be lovely. I can’t wait!
Catherine White
E P I C !!! I’m not even exaggerating. I wish I was as creative and skillful as you. There’s no way I could do it myself even if I tried.
Monika Zajac
Hey guys! Great job on your balcony. You’ve created a very beautiful private outdoor space. Inspired me to take on the challenge and create my own balcony sanctuary, with an “edible garden”. =)
Melissa Princeton
Stunning little private garden, Hilary. I’m jealous. Tiny balcony, great idea! You should be proud of how creative you are.
Lacey-Jo Hargreaves
OMG I want this! It’s a genius idea to create a private garden in your balcony. It’s a cool idea to use faux vines and ivy, but for plants, I want them to be real! I’m going to get self-irrigating planters.
Aimz Berkiová
Nifty way of creating your own garden in your balcony. I would add a folding bamboo screen to privatize it a little, but if I had to rate it, overall it’s an absolute 10!
Richard Moore
That, my friend, is the definition of cozy! Spectacular ideas. So peaceful and elegant at the same time. I will decorate my balcony stealing some of your ideas. 😉
Evelyn Sandler
Ahh! I love this! No better place than your very own green-balcony to bring the outdoors into your apartment. It’s a breeze of fresh air among these big tall New York apartments.