Want to change the view from your window? Do you miss having tea in the fresh air? Then it's time to update your balcony! Let's create a fashionable Scandinavian terrace with minimal resources
Despite its modest size, the balcony isFor a busy city dweller, it is almost the only way to enjoy the summer and the sun. In the morning, you can have a wonderful breakfast in the fresh air, and in the evening, sit with friends over a glass of wine or a cup of tea. On a rainy day, listen to the sound of drops on the canopy, and on a hot and clear day, arrange a sunbath. An amateur gardener will not be hurt by a couple of home beds, and an intellectual - an armchair for reflection with a view of the passing clouds. Even , hung with clotheslines - do not despair. The cramped space can be deceived with folding furniture, and household needs can be decorated with beautiful holders or a floor dryer: fabrics dry quickly in the summer.
Let's try to decorate the balcony in a fashionable waytoday in Scandinavian style. This aesthetic suits our climate and modest balcony meters like no other - it expands the space, does not like unnecessary objects and gives comfort without excessive expenses.
Walls and floor
Let's start by looking at the field of activity.It should be as open, free and light as possible. We put away in boxes everything that we will not need until winter, and free the area from unnecessary things. Scandinavian style requires light or wooden walls. If you have an open balcony with a light fence, leave everything as is or update the fence with white, black paint (this option is suitable for metal rods - it gives them a forged look) or car silver paint. Just do not forget to clean off the drips and cracks of the old paint as much as possible beforehand, so that the new one lies evenly and neatly.
If your balcony is glazed and covered with clapboard,Consider yourself lucky. Halfway to the Scandinavian interior is already passed. Fresh and light wood is put on display. If you do not like the naturally aged paneling, try to refresh it a little and wash it out with white paint. To do this, carefully sand it (if you have one, then with a grinding machine) or just thoroughly sand the old varnish. Then buy some acrylic paint in the store and dilute it with water in a proportion of about 50 to 50 or 30 to 70, depending on how dense the white effect you want to get.
Be sure to do a color test.Paint a small piece of the paneling in an inconspicuous place. After a couple of minutes, wipe the painted area with a brush or a rough cloth - along the grain. If you like the effect, transfer it to the rest of the balcony. If you want to enhance the impression, apply another layer of paint and wipe it again. After everything that has been painted has dried, carefully sand the surface with fine-grained polishing sandpaper and cover it with a layer or two of varnish.
Now let's examine the wall of the house.Concrete or brick in gray and white colors are left as is - this is a successful element of the Scandinavian style. Red brick can also be painted white or gray. If nothing can be done with the wall of the house, use a mirror in a graphic frame, a chalkboard or beautiful prints and photographs.
On the floor, both for convenience and for decoration,throw in a skin, a grey, black or striped rug or blanket. Strictly speaking, Scandinavian style requires natural materials. But for practical purposes, it is better to use a covering that is easy to wash in a regular machine. Moreover, modern synthetic materials often have an even more natural look than hand-made carpets.
Furniture and decorative items
For the small spaces of our balconies andnarrow loggias, it is worth choosing white or wooden furniture, preferably folding. A great summer option is a small light table and a couple of garden chairs. Any low structure will do, even a wooden box or a block of interesting shape. Scatter poufs, pillows or place a small mattress around. The warm season is coming, and it is worth taking advantage of this!
Scandinavian interiors avoid excesstextiles. But the terrace is an absolute exception to this rule. The northern summer is changeable and fickle. Therefore, blankets, capes and pillows are welcomed in every possible way. Scandinavian style loves neutral shades, but even more - bright accents and elegant natural forms. Let's add a little color: a bright picture on the wall, a pillowcase with a catchy print, a red plastic chair with an unusual back or at least a colored watering can.
Light
For evening gatherings you can put it out on the balconya floor lamp or a small lamp. If technically possible, it would be good to make a branch from the adjacent room and arrange a subdued overhead or side light from the outside. Replicas of designer lamps from the mid-20th century, lamps imitating natural forms, as well as fashionable bulbs without lampshades on thick cords will do. If this is not possible, you can simply place beautiful geometric candlesticks - they will create the right atmosphere both at night and during the day.
Green
In the kingdom of forests, lakes and long snowy wintersGreen is no longer a color, but a way of relating to life. Pots with domestic "pets" taken out onto the balcony, or just flowers in a vase - if not a must, then a very desirable item. Especially if your balcony overlooks a busy highway or a city street sealed in glass and concrete.
