Form and function? Check and check.
For some, balconies seem like a complete waste of space. To others, this area brings the best of both the indoors and outdoors – like getting your daily dose of Vitamin D while enjoying the shade.
Regardless of which camp you belong to, here are 9 ways to use your balcony (HDB and condo alike), turning it into a functional space you can’t get enough of!
1. A chill-out spot for me-time, because we all need a little self-care
Here’s a simple idea to start with: use your balcony as a space for meditation, journaling or unwinding as you take in the view, and be amazed by what a few minutes of these activities can do for your mental health.
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All you need is comfortable seating, some houseplants or decor that keeps you calm – no heavy balcony renovation works needed!
2. A bar counter + alternative workstation with a view
But if you’d like to throw in a bar counter for that morning cuppa as well, by all means!
Doing so will also give you an alternative space to WFH when you’re bored of your study, much like working at a cafe, except you won’t be paying for overpriced coffee.
In fact, the owners of this executive apartment in Sembawang liked the idea so much, they even custom-built curved foldable doors to make their balcony the highlight of their home.
3. An al fresco dining area
These days, condos are getting smaller with barely enough space in the communal area. To that end, many condo owners have turned to their (usually wide) balconies as a dining area, complete with weather-resistant outdoor shades/blinds in the event of rainy weather.
These range from simple setups…
… to more elaborate ones with floor decking, wall coverings and more.
4. A live barbecue station
Fancy making your dinner on your balcony too? A grill is pretty much all you need.
And if your balcony is large enough, it’d make for an ideal location to host guests too, so you won’t miss out on any of that socialising as you serve up your best steak.
5. A laundry area that won’t get musty
The ventilation a balcony provides makes it a prime spot for hanging your laundry. For convenience, it therefore makes sense to have your washer set up there as well.
Note however that this is generally only possible in condominiums or double-height balconies in HDB maisonettes that come with water inlets/outlets required for a washer.
6. An extension of your living room
But of course, exposure to the elements isn’t for everyone, and some households just need that extra bit of indoor space. If that’s you, you may wish to fully enclose your balcony by way of an extended living area.
7. A study if you don’t have a bedroom to spare
Alternatively, turn it into a full-fledged study. In this example, an elongated L-shaped table runs the entire length of the windows, allowing its users to take visual breaks by looking at the scenery as needed.
Meanwhile, cubby holes double as bookcases that can be accessed without having to get up.
8. An exercise area to achieve your fitness goals
Breathing is key in any physical activity, and where better to get fresh air in your home than the balcony?
From exercise bikes to calisthenics to yoga, there’s so much you can do to work up a sweat in this tiny space!
9. A garden to grow your greenfingers
Last but not least, add a touch of nature to your home with houseplants.
If you’re already seasoned in this regard, you may also wish to work with your interior designer to come up incorporate features such as hanging rods or wall niches to house these plants in a way that best aids their growth while optimising the space you have.
Make the most of your HDB/condo balcony
Like any other space, designing a balcony that will match the rest of your interior aesthetic and suit your lifestyle needs is best left to the professionals.
Not sure where to look for one? Get in touch with us – we can match you up with interior designers based on your budget, style and requirements!
This article was originally published on 3 April 2017 and last updated on 25 March 2024.
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