It is hot this summer, and I’m guessing you’re spending as much time outdoors as you can - as am I! Here are a few tips to make your balcony a destination. Think of it as another room to your home - probably you’ll feel like cooking or eating outside, definitely sipping morning coffee or tea, maybe having a romantic moment in the evening. Here are some ways you can create a space to suit you:

1. Create an outdoor cooking area

I love outdoor kitchens! Being that much closer to nature, where all our produce comes from, is such a relaxing feeling. Imagine summer barbecues and al fresco eating in Southern Europe. Amazing! Find yourself a shelving system to house your compact grill, with space for chopping and preparing.

2. Level up with a bench

Plants are non-negotiable for a balcony! Here’s a way you can pack in even more plants, while also creating an interesting space for your eye, curating different visual levels. Place your pots on a bench, as well as on the ground next to it, for different heights and a styled feeling. Also, in nature, not all plants grow at the same level or to the same height! Bonus - if you don’t inundate your bench with plants, someone might even be able to sit there too!

3. Outdoor living room vibes

Wouldn’t you like to lounge outside, doing your favourite things that you do indoors the rest of the year? Choose armchairs or an outdoor sofa, and a coffee table or side table, to create a living room feel. Now you have a place for your coffee, books, bottle of wine, etc. Place a small potted plant on your table for a styled look.

4. Create mood lighting

Why do we need lights on our balcony? Not only will the create a lovely mood for drinks or life contemplating in the evening, but they also add atmosphere that can be seen from your window indoors, and by passers-by. Have you ever walked by an apartment building, noticed that one balcony with lights, and think “what a lovely home"? Or, walked by a row of bars, and stopped at the one with charming string lights? Outdoor lighting makes an impact!

5. Make it convenient to style

The thought of dragging things inside and outside everyday sounds like a pain. Have one huge basket to gather and store blankets, cushions, and any decor items to easily bring in and outdoors depending on weather. Certain materials lend themselves more to being left outdoors, but when the rain comes, bringing them inside with help maintain their lustre longer. Also, this means that if you want to put away your outdoor bits during the winter, they’ll be easily transportable to your closet or cave. Let’s make it easy for ourselves!