How I Maximised My Small Balcony For Spring

THE FURNITURE

We were torn between getting a couch or a dining table as we use the balcony equally for lounging and dining. And then we had a brainwave. What about a couch that also acts as a dining banquette? We measured up and found that many outdoor couches are actually the same height as a dining chair (for some reason I thought they would be lower).

We then measured our space and, after much research, found the fabulous Milton Outdoor Modular Sofa and the Regent Dining Table from Coco Republic. With this modular couch, you can mix and match sections according to your space, so we went with one corner piece, three singles and an ottoman, so that we can move it around depending on how we want to configure the space.

When we’re entertaining, we can arrange it banquette style which actually fits six people. When we’re lounging, we can make it into a full daybed and relax in the sunshine, and when we’re doing a bit of both we can make it into an L-shape. The concrete table was perfect with the apartment’s minimal aesthetic and small enough to tuck away when we want to create a daybed.

The craftsmanship of the lounge is just beautiful and the cushions withstand the weather really well. I love how you can see the lattice detailing on the back of the sofa when you walk into the apartment – it’s a real feature, without being overpowering.

THE PLANTS

In recent years I’ve become quite fond of gardening, and when we moved in here, I thought it would all be over. Not so! A vertical garden was the answer. We found one online and planted rosemary, basil, mint, parsley, thyme and oregano. There’s nothing like fresh herbs to pluck and add flavour to your meals. We added two large banana palms in big black pots and some succulents that can withstand the sun.

BEFORE

AFTER

THE ACCESSORIES

It can get super hot out there during the day so Damien put up some shade cloth from Bunnings and we strung up some festoon lights to make it feel festive. We also popped a downlight over the BBQ and added some cushions and candles to make the space feel more homely. I’m loving the Ecoya outdoor candle with citronella to keep mozzies at bay, while a marble tray and some hand-hewn crockery works beautifully with the earthy tones in the furniture.

I’m so happy with how it’s turned out and we find that we are treating the balcony like an additional room in the house now – eating our meals and lounging with a glass of wine in-hand at sunset as the days grow longer. We’re so lucky in Australia as many of us have homes with an outdoor space and if you pour a little bit of love into it, it can really make it feel like an extension of your home.

SHOP THE LOOK

COCO REPUBLIC MILTON OUTDOOR MODULAR SOFA

COCO REPUBLIC REGENT DINING TABLE

TEMPLE & WEBSTER OUTDOOR FESTOON LIGHTS

COCOLUX ALABASTER ONYX TRAY

KMART DARK GREY GLAZED BOWL

POTTERY BARN FAUX NATURAL FIBRE INDOOR/OUTDOOR CUSHION

DARREN PALMER FOLIACEOUS RESIN CORAL

ECOYA CITRONELLA & LEMONGRASS CANDLE

DIOR MAISON CHRISTIAN DIOR AMBRE NUIT CANDLE

Words by Sigourney Cantelo; Styling by Kristin Rawson,photography by Alice Mahran, hair and makeup by Jess Diez. Sigourney wears Mia Fratino Knit, St Agni Shoes, White jeans by Mango; Max wears Zara for Kids and Lulu wears Printebebe.