When it comes to creating an outdoor room, don’t let space constraints hold back your design ambitions.

There’s an old saying, ‘it’s not what you’ve got, it’s how you use it’. And with many of us living in apartments, never could a truer word be said when it comes to turning limited balcony space into a liveable outdoor room. If you’ve been wondering how you can express your personality, indulge your love of gardening and create a lifestyle zone on your balcony – read on! We’ve taken four basic balconies and given each a makeover to provide the respective residents with a unique living space tailored to their needs and personalities. And in each one of them you’ll find truckloads of inspiration that’s just right for that small space at your place. 

1 Add bold crotons (Codiaeum variegatum cv.) for year-round flamboyant tropical colour and texture.

2 Stately cymbidium orchids are breathtaking in bloom. But don’t forget they are a luxuriant foliage plant, too.

3 There is an otherworldly appeal to the flower spikes of many bromeliads such as
this Guzmania sp. They’re brilliant in a balcony corner.

4 Timber deck tiles add sumptuous colour – use them to disguise a bland balcony floor. Then, fill vertical voids and break up walls with tall planters. They will bring form without taking up valuable floor space.

5 For extra screening use tall plants such as native cordylines in slender pots. And consider adding a shelf over the barbie – handy when cooking and for holding a display.

6 For the finishing touches, select comfy cushions and generous throws in complementary colours.