Before & After: Blank Balcony to Stylish Sanctuary for $200

Written by

Tara BellucciNews and Culture Director
Tara BellucciNews and Culture Director
Tara is Apartment Therapy's News & Culture Director. When not scrolling through Instagram double-tapping pet pics and astrology memes, you'll find her thrift shopping around Boston, kayaking on the Charles, and trying not to buy more plants.
published Apr 30, 2015
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(Image credit: Iris)

Iris wanted to better enjoy her balcony, but it took time to furnish on a budget. She ended up with a stylish space worth waiting for:

(Image credit: Iris)

From Iris:

Ever since moving to sunny California from the Windy City of Chicago, I’ve always wanted to create a space in my apartment balcony to enjoy the beautiful weather and views outside. I wanted a sanctuary where my boyfriend and I can kick our feet up and relax with a glass of wine. It also had to be an extension of our interior living space; therefore, the decor had to be classic and modern with some natural elements mixed in. Additionally having a small budget, I had to do lots of research for balcony design ideas and source for products in the most affordable places.

Patience was definitely needed if I wanted the perfect decor accents at a low price, but it paid off! The jute rug was a great find at Ross for only $20, the $40 lounge chairs are from Ikea (and were the only ones the boyfriend and I agreed to!), ottoman was from HomeGoods for only $50, pillows sold as a pair for $17 at Target and the accent table was also from Target for $60 which was just perfect for the space because of its modern-rustic look. The rest of the decor accents were either already owned or from the clearance section of Marshalls/TJMaxx.

All in all, a little over $200 was spent on completing this space over the course of a few months. But it has definitely added to my daily quality of life and we now have our own oasis to escape.

Thank you Iris!