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.