Taken aback by the qualms of not having a huge yard all to yourself? It may be easier to design an outdoor patio due to its vastness, and in turn, opportunities to express creative freedom. However, there lies a delicateness in designing a cosy balcony space. Streams of condominiums and HDBs in Singapore can be seen with a balcony. But many Singaporeans leave these tiny spaces to air laundry or, at times, barren, leaving all the design potential of this space untapped. In this article, we cover balcony ideas that showcase versatile ways in which this space can be decorated, used, and livened up.
From outdoor carpets to artificial grass turfs, there are several materials to use as flooring for your balcony space. A common outdoor flooring option is outdoor decking. Normally used for exterior spaces, installing decks enhances the value of your home. Available in a variety of textures and compositions, the durable and reliable outdoor decking materials will have you longing to spend more time on your patio deck. From timber and eco composite wood to concrete or standard indoor flooring, playing with different outdoor flooring will give the space a different vibe depending on its texture and colour. Two common choices that will help turn your patio into a relaxing in-house paradise are timber decking and eco composite wood decking.
If the natural and classy wood flooring is one that suits your design ideals, the luxurious outdoor timber decking would be an idyllic choice for your balcony. Rustic and timeless, timber decking, also known as wood decking, has the same appeal of wooden floors. Available in Chengal and Ironwood, these timber decking materials have high dimensional stability, durability, comfort, and heat-resistance.
Ironwood decking is an ideal choice for your balcony if you are looking for an alluring flooring that is naturally rich and deep in its hue. One of the hardest timber species, this dark timber decking adds texture to a space with its varying grains. It is also highly resistant to weathering, making it a safe outdoor flooring choice where there is lots of activity.
Chengal is another good option for outdoor decking. One of the most sought-after hardwoods in Singapore, this outdoor timber decking is not only sturdy and termite-resistant, but it is also a hardy material that can withstand the temperate Singapore climate.
Versatile in appearance and finishes, composite wood decking will appease any homeowner’s design taste. Weather-resistant, eco composite wood decking is uniform in its appearance, adding a sense of consistency to a space. Manufactured with composite materials, this environmentally friendly decking has a firmer feel and is easy to maintain. Since the manufacturing process is relatively rigid, it is splinter-free, a safe option if you are a parent or pet owner.
If your balcony is large enough, install decking that elevates above the outdoor flooring. This will help create separate zones within a singular space. The outdoor flooring will help identify the balcony as a separate space from your indoor space, while the elevation will give access to a designated area whereby other design ideas can be experimented with. Convert this space into a spot to find reprieve away from a long day at work, or a cosy corner to drink your morning coffee as you watch the sunrise.
Beyond a spot to relax, take advantage of the vast space and install outdoor furniture, a covered grill, and outdoor lighting, to deck the space out into one where friends and family can gather for a chill brunch or dinner. Regardless of its space, social gatherings are meant to encourage closeness and strengthening bonds. Therefore, if your HDB comes with a balcony, converting into a space for gatherings is another balcony idea for the extraverts and socially thriving to jump on.
Create a green paradise at the very core of the urban landscape. Green wall art has become a growing trend among many modern homeowners in Singapore. Green touches from dried moss or other evergreen plants that stand up to the temperate climate in Singapore can brighten up any space. Since watering is a necessary process of growing plants, waterproof flooring materials, or at least water-resistant, would be ideal for your balcony garden. If outdoor eco composite wood decking does not complement your balcony design, water-resistant flooring like laminate flooring or even vinyl flooring may work too.
If plants are too high maintenance, try a DIY pond in a box. An alternative to an in-ground water feature, it will fit any small balcony and feature an aquatic haven.
Convert your outdoor balcony to an indoor space. A rather unconventional trend is to convert your balcony into a common walkway that connects two rooms. Almost like the common corridor in schools or apartment blocks where each corner leads to someplace new, converting your balcony into a pathway encourages exploration. It also allows you to continue your favourite indoor flooring throughout the entire space. Simply add in home décor such as blinds or curtains to give a homelier feel.
In the world of design, it is a common belief that no space should be left untouched or unfinished. This applies to outdoor spaces like balconies too. Even with the simple installation of new floors or decks, the space can be revamped to change the overall feel and design of your home. For more balcony design or flooring ideas, look through our flooring guide, or contact us for more information on our decking installation services.