A “Blank Slate” Balcony Transforms into the Dreamiest Outdoor Hangout (It’s a Gardener’s Paradise!)
Gardening is a summertime pastime for many — and even city dwellers can get in on the gardening grind with window boxes, indoor herb gardens, community gardens, and more.
When Spencer Bergen (@retrojectprojects) and his partner, Jack Alessio Pretto, were condo hunting, “outdoor space was a must,” Spencer says, because gardening is a passion of his. The 200-square-foot terrace on Spencer and Jack’s current place was a major selling point, although it wasn’t always as charming as it is now.
Spencer and Jack have added new floors, a new faucet, and dreamy red decor to create their ideal outdoor space. Read on to learn more about the project.
Apartment Therapy Before & After Survey:
- Name: Spencer Bergen
- Social media: @retrojectprojects
- Type of home: Apartment, owned
- Who do you share your space with, if anyone? Jack Alessio Pretto
- Approximately how big is this space? 200 square feet
Describe what this space looked like before.
The space before was a blank slate on a new-build. It had spongey roofing membrane for a floor, and gray stucco walls. There was sharp aluminum flashing all around the base. We bought the apartment because of the potential to create our own space outdoors.
Why did you decide to make a change?
Gardening is a passion of mine, so when looking for condos, outdoor space was a must. The roofing membrane we inherited was not meant for heavy use, so installing a floor was our first priority. The rest of the changes happened organically over the course of a year.
What were the important steps in the project?
The floor was definitely the biggest change, but the variety of plants and flowers are what make the space come alive.
Is there anything you did for this project that was a home improvement “first” for you?
There was no water available on the terrace, which made watering labor-intensive. We had a plumber come and split a pipe from the neighboring bathroom to install a faucet. It was an easy change that took us two years to finally do. We wish we did it sooner.
What do you love about the space now?
I think we did a great job creating a unique space. When ordering the floor tiles, it took months to get porcelain floor tiles that weren’t gray or beige. Having a strong sense of color sets the space apart. We also love the additional dining space we created with a handmade tile table from Morocco.
Any words of advice for those considering the same type of renovation or project?
Get multiple quotes. Paint and plants go a long way. If you aren’t an avid gardener, chatGPT is an excellent resource to find low-maintenance plants that work well together. Tracking your sun exposure through the days and seasons is also key. We also paid close attention to how we live in the space and what we’d need to accommodate it. In warmer months I use the topiary chair for my morning coffee, dining table for lunch and dinner, and the lounger when the day starts cooling down to read or journal. This utilizes every part of the space throughout the day.
Did you use any budget-friendly tricks?
The lounger was $100 from Facebook Marketplace that we spray painted for a custom look. I also buy plants and pots from Facebook Marketplace and HomeGoods. The topiary chair was on sale from Design Within Reach.
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