Fresh Ideas for Stylish Terrace or Balcony

We often tend to ignore Terrace and Balcony make overs. But these are the areas meant to be a fun place to relax, socialize with friends in case of parties, and get together. It also helps you get the much needed change from busy, smothering life and interiors. Only a well-designed terrace or Balcony can give you this change and moments.
Budget is the first criteria to which a Balcony or Terrace is designed in India especially . Hence if the client’s budget is not very high an economical terrace/balcony can be created while for client’s with good budget, luxurious to very comfortable terrace or balcony too can be created.
Let’s discuss Designing for both – A Luxurious and An Economical Balcony / Terrace.

Luxurious Terrace / Balcony design.

Let’s say the client wants a theme based balcony which is Nature. It was a huge terrace. Here we created a waterfall with C4X brick.

Ceiling Design in Terrace / Balcony – For Ceiling we used wooden planks that were arranged in similar fashion to railway track. The wooden planks were varnished to enhance the natural appearance of wood.

Seating Arrangement – For seating a swing was designed made from single wood. This swing was meant for single seating. To add to more seating wood cut logs were given which were meant for single seating again. This style of single seating turns out to be very beneficial. The home owner can shift the wood log and sit where he prefers on the terrace. Incase of more guests in home, it could be used for indoor purpose too.

Flooring – To give a seamless flooring and add to Nature theme EPOXY flooring was created.

What are EPOXY Floors?

EPOXY floor coatings are usually applied over concrete floors. EPOXY floors are highly functional, smooth and durable that last for many years to come. Also EPOXY flooring can withstand heavy loads and therefore mainly preferred in industrial buildings, warehouses, commercial buildings. For residential purpose EPOXY floors are mainly designed for areas like balconies and terraces.

Mini-Garden– A vertical Garden was created on one of the walls. Vertical Garden are excellent concepts. (i) They save on floor space. (ii) They look make the terrace appear stylish and neater.

Designer PITCH – Gardens have a cooling effect around home, one can enjoy anytime of the day. Gardens make you feel fresh and energetic. After long day work in polluted environment outside. Infact garden shall be regarded one essential element to interior designing. You don’t need to plant of have 15- 20 plants or pots. Just 3-5 plants can make up your garden too. Keep it light and easy to maintain.

Designer PITCH – There many ideas that could be used to design luxurious as well as regular balcony/terraces. One very crucial point that most home owners fail to think is its balcony / terrace. It’s an Open Area. Higher the floors your stay, these area’s go through harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, tremendous sunlight, heavy winds, etc. So whatever material you choose be it for flooring, ceiling, seating, it needs to be durable and sturdy.

Seating in Terrace / Balcony – For low cost or budget terrace / balconies, choose for plastic chairs instead of expensive chairs like 10,000/- or 15,000/- on each. If by chance the chairs get damaged, it ill be a heavy loss. Therefore opt for easy to maintain low cost plastic chairs. You have a variety of style and designs in these low cost plastic chairs. Choose the best to suit your terrace. For high-end terraces, home owners can choose from a variety of furniture’s designed especially for outdoor purposes. But these definitely come for a good price. And that why we mentioned them for luxurious terrace / balconies.

Like if you visit hotel garden or pool side area. The furniture stay undamaged no matter how roughly handled or be what the weather. Such furniture’s are meant for outdoor purposes only which are treated to undergo harsh weather conditions.

Ceiling and Wall Tiles – Home owners can make your terrace appear classy and stylish in economic rates at the same time. Home owners can have their balcony ceiling and wall covered with latest Wood-like-Tiles in quite economic rates. You can have the feel of wood and not actual wood in your budget now.

For Ceilings opt for PVC sheet and cement sheet. These sheets are waterproof, durable sheets. These sheets offer seamless surface which are easy to install.

(Updated on 10-Feb-2023 by Nitin, founder of Contractorbhai.com)

Below are various ideas for utilising the balcony area. Before using any design always remember that the balcony area is exposed to open weather. So sun, wind & rain can easily impact material used. Secondly, birds & dust can easily reach this area.

Garden
We can make a mini garden / nursery inside the balcony. This can be done in a single round. Or slowly you can add plants one by one. Depending upon your patience level, you can either sow seeds & see them grow from beginning or you can plant saplings.

Bar Counter
You can create a mini bar counter. Which can serve drinks and breakfast snacks.

Patio deck area
You can create a patio like deck area by using wooden feel material. It may or may not be wood, but texture & colours can be wooden. Furniture railing can be woodern.

Hanging Jhula
You can create a Jhula area. Depending upon space jhula can be selected of different size & design.

Reading area
If you are into reading books, you can create a mini reading area setup. Bookshelf, library kind small collection.

Vertical Garden
PVC Grass on one side of the wall or collection of small pots hung vertically with real plants.

Utility area
In certain cases, washing machine can be kept inside the balcony. Storage can be placed in the balcony.

Clothes drying area
Clothes drying is an important daily activity that needs to be handled. Balcony area is the best place to take care of this activity.

Barbecue area
If you are into grill / barbecue – balcony can be used for the same.

Water Fountain
Custom made water fountain can be placed In one corner of your balcony. Place can be used for meditation , yoga & fitness activity.

Home Office
If sufficient space, small office area can be made for working from home.

Convert in to room
Very common in Mumbai, room is extended in to balcony area. Room becomes bigger. This is not permissible. But Many do it. Make sure society members are not disturbed and agree with your decision.

French Window
If you keep big sliding french windows between balcony & room. You can open these french windows whenever there are guests in the house and make the room look bigger & brighter & more airy.