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Terracotta Works |
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There are two non-negotiables when designing small outdoor areas; plant life and somewhere to sit and enjoy your space.
Let's cover the seating first.
Outdoor furniture has a notoriously short lifespan. Fabric fades, timber does what's only natural and biodegrades, plastic bleaches, discolours and splits in our harsh sunlight, and unless you're meticulous with upkeep, most of it will eventually develop some kind of mildew, mould, mossy layer and stains. All of this leaves your outdoor furniture looking less than appealing and we haven't even started on the various 'droppings' care of birds, possums and bats that can wreak havoc on what can be big-ticket items.
Powder-coated steel or aluminium are two of the best materials for outdoor furniture; paired with comfortable cushions (that store easily) you'll have long-lasting furniture that can be re-sprayed and/or reupholstered when time has taken its toll.
Now, moving on to the second (or was it first?) non-negotiable on our very small list of must-haves, plants! The absence of "land" available to plant your chosen species means you'll be needing pots and, surprise surprise, this is something we're well equipped to help you with!
We've rounded up 6 stellar examples of balconies, porches and courtyards to get you inspired and show you that with a few key elements, you can create beautiful spaces that make the most out of a small footprint.
Focal Point
Here we find an oversized planter loaded with lush greenery, flowers and a tall tree. It looks almost sculptural and is extremely eyecatching.
The Vaso Origin planter, part of our Millennium range, is the perfect lightweight option to create a standout focal point on your balcony, porch or courtyard.
In The Mix
Think of this look as Modern Boho. A lush jumble of pots, planters and foliage fills the space with verdant charm.
Creepers, Staghorns and Woollybush soften the surrounding concrete structure.
A classic green table with bench seats sets the scene for a lazy morning coffee overlooking an urban streetscape.
Every bit the highrise oasis!
Contrast
A deep, emerald-green wall couldn't be more perfect here.
Giving the impression that there's more garden present than there actually is.
It's a case of faking it that we're not mad about in the slightest!
Pale grey and white pebbles add contrast but also perceived light, and a large concrete planter in similar tones houses a towering tree that offers relief from the blazing sun.
Nailed it.
Repetition
There's something innate about visual repetition, and symmetry, that humans can't help but love.
In a small space, like a rooftop terrace, opting to use multiples of the same pot, albeit in various sizes, makes sense.
It's about creating zones to fill with greenery and not distracting from the main event- the view.
Mirror Effect
Mirroring design elements, like the curve of this brick wall, with other rounded shapes is a way to build impact.
In this example, we see curved paving, a circular table, a spherical planter, and even a shapely chair.
The overall feeling is relaxed yet sophisticated.
City Sleek
A narrow space like this apartment balcony is kept uncluttered and streamlined by using a predominantly fresh, white colour palette.
Even the plants are similar to each other in shape and colour, the overall effect being one of unfussy simplicity that looks tailored and stylish but still maintains a sense of fun.
