A balcony can become one of the most enjoyed spaces at home, offering a little escape without ever leaving it. Although ours are different in size and layout, both have evolved around everyday living — from quiet mornings with coffee to slow afternoons and relaxed evenings as the light begins to fade.
We share a love for natural textures, greenery and comfortable outdoor spaces, but each balcony has developed its own character. Together, they reflect the same relaxed approach to outdoor living, expressed in two different ways.
The starting point for both balconies was simply thinking about how we wanted to use them. With less room on one, keeping the layout uncomplicated made it possible to have comfortable seating without making the space feel crowded. The larger balcony allowed for a more generous arrangement, with different places to sit and spend time throughout the day.
On the smaller balcony, a compact side table gives us somewhere for coffee without taking up the space of a larger coffee table. The more spacious balcony allows the furniture to be arranged around a central table, creating a comfortable place to gather. In both, we chose pieces that make staying outside feel just as comfortable as being indoors. What we’ve learned is that a balcony doesn’t need to accommodate everything. It just needs to work for the moments you want to enjoy there.
Neutral tones create the base in both balconies, with warm wood, soft fabrics and greenery adding texture and warmth. We kept the styling relaxed, choosing a few details that feel natural within each space rather than following a fixed look. The result feels collected and personal, while still allowing each balcony to have its own character. We like keeping the larger furniture pieces neutral and introducing interest through the smaller details. A patterned cushion, a textured throw or a decorative table can bring personality without changing the overall feel of the space.
Greenery plays an important part too. Rather than filling every available corner, we like placing plants at different heights around the seating areas. Taller greenery softens the edges of the furniture, while smaller pots bring interest closer to the tables. We love a beautiful arrangement, but we also know when to stop. Not every empty corner is asking for another plant — although we’re occasionally tempted to think otherwise.
The balconies are at their best when they’re simply being used. Coffee outside in the morning, a book in the afternoon or a drink as the day winds down are often enough of a reason to step outside. These small routines have made both balconies feel less like separate outdoor areas and more like an extension of our homes.
Comfortable seating has made the biggest difference, but the smaller practical details matter too. A table within easy reach, cushions that make you want to settle in and a throw for cooler evenings all help make the spaces somewhere we genuinely enjoy spending time. We also prefer to keep the tables fairly uncluttered. We love adding those little decorative touches, but we love being able to use the tables just as much.
As the light changes, both balconies take on a different mood. A few candles and the softer evening light are often all that’s needed to make us stay outside a little longer. Rather than spreading decorative lighting throughout the entire balcony, we prefer keeping it close to the seating areas. A lantern beside a chair or candles on the table create small points of warm light around the places where we actually spend time. We especially like combining lighting at different heights — a lantern on the floor and a few candles on the table create a softer, more layered effect. It’s one of our favourite times to enjoy these spaces — when the day feels quieter and there’s nowhere else we need to be.
Bringing our two balconies together in one story shows how differently an outdoor space can come together. There’s no single formula for creating a balcony that feels right — it’s the choices that suit the space and the people using it that make it personal. For us, the most enjoyable outdoor spaces are the ones that feel natural and easy to live in. The styling may change with the seasons, but it’s the everyday moments that make them feel like part of home.
xo, M & E
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