Name: Lisa
Location: Chicago
Type of space: Balcony
Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: We just finished remodeling our condo balcony, although nothing was done to it before, so I suppose there was no "re-" just the "modeling." Outdoor space in Chicago, regardless of size, is a huge bonus, even though you can only really use it 5 months out of the year. Sick of being envious of other people's larger outdoor spaces, we decided this was the year that we would take advantage of our 4 x 14.5' outdoor space. We really wanted to create a space that was multifunctional, allowing us to entertain, eat alfresco, enjoy some pretty scenery, and help hide the view of the busy street on which we live. All of this without having too much cramping the space or overpowering it, and of course, as affordably as we could get.
How did you create it?:
The loud noise of traffic, even 2 stories up, was a major detractor to us using the balcony. Going to our local nursery was our first stop to get pretty flowers that could help block the view, as well as a trellis with a climbing vine. The ugly concrete flooring was a major eyesore, so next we ordered snapping deck tiles for a whole new floor. I read about these on AT - what a great idea! I was able to find them much cheaper at costco.com (half the price of decktiles.org) The floors were super easy to lay, and I had to cut a few to fit the rectangle shape of our balcony, but they cut very easily. I also took the time to rub them down with teak oil to help protect the natural wood color, which I'll probably need to do annually to keep the color. The rest was really just decorating, but always challenging finding outdoor small space furniture - luckily Target is an affordable resource. I couldn't find a small enough outdoor rug, but I made do with woven tiles at World Market. They come in a 1 x 9 foot strip, but I cut them to the size I wanted, and sewed them together. I felt the outdoor rug, throw pillows, and artwork, really helped to warm up the space and feel inviting to our guests. Perhaps the hardest part was hanging three strands of lights across our balcony. I had to drill into the brick, put in anchors and then screwed hooks into the anchors, then attached the lights. I put them 8 ft up, so my tall husband wouldn't hit his head, and they are brighter than I expected, so I was pleasantly surprised. The soft glow is gorgeous, and seems to make everyone look more attractive!
Recommended store, site, product or resource?
I would recommend Snapping wood deck tiles (decktiles.org or the more affordable costco.com) to anyone who has a hideous floor. The transformation was amazing and couldn't be easier to install. I would also recommend concrete planters to those who would like to have a container garden, but lack a narrow balcony railing. We have a very wide balcony ledge, and live 2 stories up, so we were afraid to put a container up there in case it would fall and hit a pedestrian on the street below us. The concrete planters we bought at Gethsemane's Garden Center(gethsemanegardens.com) are about 70 pounds, and aren't budging, yet look beautiful. And of coruse, AT was a huge help! I love to look at what others have done for inspiration.
Suuuuuper cute. Finally an outdoor space I can relate to.
view EC's profile
The tile looks great! It makes the whole space special.
I would find your high walls plus planter to be a bit "close" for me--I would prefer more open air space. But I understand the noise factor.
view klem's profile
Pretty! I am imagining myself sitting in that chair with the green pillow in the third photo. Looks so cozy and relaxing!
view clampers's profile
Love that floating floor, it is super cramped but looks like you made the most with your space.
view boxerchick's profile
Absolutely darling! You did a fantastic job.
view queenbee1230's profile
love it!!! grat job!!!
view ilovenature4ever's profile
Forgive me, but I think sitting down behind that high wall would make me claustrophobic. The point of an outdoor space is to be able to see the outdoors, right? So unless that is dolly furniture on the balcony, anyone seated at that table won't ge able to see anything but a brick wall and what appear to be huge planters. Again, forgive me. I suppose ANY space where you can breathe air and see the sky is a plus. Could you get the seats up a bit higher? Or put some of those giant planters down on the floor?
view 39520expat's profile
With the high brick privacy wall....this is like having another whole room. Beautiful!
view baileyb's profile
It's as cute as a button. The potted flowers, wrought iron and string lights evoke a sense of Euro-glamour.
I think the string lights will also help to draw the eye up from the confined space and give the balcony a sense of openness.
view Blandwagon's profile
I see how the walls might be too close for some people, but I know what it's like to live on a busy street. Good job working with what you've got; I'd love to have a space like this!
view Emika's profile
Thanks for the comments everyone! It was so easy to do, and my only regret is not doing it sooner.
In regards to the high brick wall - unfortunately, we didn't build our condo building and thus the wall was here before we were. It's a a 5' wall, and I am 5'4", so seeing the "view" or open space wasn't really happening for me or most of our female guests.
Since the width of the baclony is a measly 4', putting the planters on the floor would have wasted valuable floor space. I would have liked to get regular railing window boxes, but our ledge is wider than the norm apparently, and so the lack of available railing planters only gave us two options - no flowers, or use the ledge and cover some of the "view" of Western Ave.
Those with small balconies - I encourage you to get out there and do something with the space, regardless of its size. A small pretty balcony is better than an ugly, unfinished small balcony :-)
view lisapalgal's profile
It looks OK, I guess. Could have done with something from the container store on the table though.
view Thrillcat's profile
I think it looks LOVERLY and needs nothing else on it but myself and a nice non overpowering bucket of Stella's. GO IRELAND!!!!
view WillTheREALThrillCatPleaseStand's profile