It is no longer fashionable to use loggias as a smoking area, drying area, pantry or warehouse. These precious 2-5 meters of space can easily be turned into a cozy room, thereby expanding the space of the apartment. With proper finishing and good design of the balcony, it will turn into an object of admiration for guests and a source of pride for the owners.
Concept development
Despite the apparent complexity of the idea, repairing the balcony with your own hands (step-by-step instructions are attached below) is quite simple. The main thing is to choose a fundamental concept, decide on a design, and develop a detailed action plan. Arranging a balcony with your own hands is carried out taking into account 2 approaches:
- decorative - if you want to leave the balcony open;
- constructive - the loggia or balcony will have to be glazed, followed by insulation.
When the determination of the type of future space is completed, the main work is carried out.
Open balcony
For those who like to be outdoors without leaving a cozy apartment, there is not much variety. As a rule, all work consists of creating an original fence, decorating the space with live or artificial plants, and installing original furniture.
Read more about how to organize a convenient friend zone in our article “How to organize a convenient friend zone on a balcony: large or small?” Other ideas for using a balcony: sauna and bathhouse on the balcony. Read if this is possible and if there might be any problems.
And some can even organize a bathroom on the balcony. Read about it at the link https://oknanagoda.com/balkony-lodzhii/ispolzovaniye/toilet-balkon.html
Combining premises
Owners of a balcony room larger than six squares should think about combining it with a room. This way you can significantly expand your living space.
When planning a kitchen with access to a balcony, experts recommend demolishing the dividing wall completely or partially. This solution will allow you to enlarge the room and organize a full-fledged dining room on the balcony space.
With the complete demolition of the wall, a single space of the kitchen and dining room is formed. If this is not possible, the wall can be partially dismantled, forming a fairly wide passage, or leaving the lower part under the window, which is later used as an additional surface with a tabletop, as well as a green partition made of indoor plants.
The balcony room is equipped with a table and chairs. To place kitchen appliances and other things, install a practical chest of drawers with many drawers, floor or wall cabinets. If the balcony is built like a “boot”, it is appropriate to install the cabinet in the corner part of the room.
The technique of combining a balcony room is also successfully used in the layout of a studio apartment with a balcony. Due to the additional square meters, the living space turns into a single comfortable space.
The studio balcony can be turned into a living room, a corner for sports, or a study can be moved in its place. Moving functional zones will free up the space of the main room, without reducing the level of functionality of the space.
Professional designers also equip the balcony room with a sleeping place, turning it into an additional or main bedroom.
In such solutions, it is appropriate to get rid of the partition separating the balcony and the room, and place the sleeping place on an elevated podium. Decorative curtains, screens, or sliding doors will help protect the bed from the main area.
How to arrange a balcony
Arranging a loggia and balcony has so many implementation options that choosing the right one is not difficult. Popular options:
- work area with a desk and a small chair;
- a cozy living room for gatherings with friends;
- small bedroom with single or bunk beds;
- a place of solitude and relaxation;
- sports section.
Such options are the most rational when arranging loggias and balconies. Practicality combined with ample capabilities allows you to achieve excellent results.
Style
Provence is a light style of the French countryside. It is characterized by the use of natural materials, floral patterns and light colors. The presence of an abundance of indoor flowers and cute trinkets made of glass and porcelain is a must.
Art Nouveau is characterized by soft colors and curved shapes. He does not recognize strict geometric lines. Although the rooms are decorated in pastel colors, emphasis is artificially placed on individual elements of bright colors. Paintings and photographs on the walls, a small number of vases, lamps and souvenirs enliven the atmosphere. Stained glass windows will emphasize the sophistication of the interior of a balcony in an apartment in the Art Nouveau style.
Minimalism recognizes only the presence of functional interior details. It is characterized by simplicity and conciseness. The style is based on only two basic colors, which are played with shades in large interior details. Minimalism requires open spaces and plenty of natural light.
High-tech is considered a modern style close to minimalism. It recognizes only strict geometric shapes. The colors used are shades of black, white, and gray. It is possible to add red, blue or purple as a backlight. High-tech prefers an abundance of chrome, metal surfaces and glass. The emphasis is on artificial lighting, which diffuses and visually enlarges the space.
Main stages of work
Before creating a beautiful balcony design, its style is selected. For example, baroque or classicism are unlikely to be suitable for a small balcony. Too bulky decorative elements will only “eat up” the space.
Preparing the balcony for renovation
Before starting work, the balcony is cleared of all unnecessary things. Then the strength of the ceiling and partition is checked. If they are old and flimsy, they are dismantled. Cement walls are checked for voids; if there are any, they are cleared. If necessary, the loggia should be welded around the perimeter with steel frames. Repair of a small balcony is carried out taking into account space saving (it is better to carry out insulation from the outside, use a minimum of furniture and not clutter the space with decorative finishing elements).
The process of repairing a balcony in a new house
It would be useful to build a parapet. A lightweight and durable material is suitable for it - foam blocks. In most cases, balconies are in fairly good condition, but it is always worth checking. If you want to turn the external component of the apartment into an “internal” one, making it part of the living area, you will have to go through several stages. Do-it-yourself step-by-step balcony repairs are carried out in the following order.
- assessment of the condition of fencing and slabs;
- glazing;
- insulation, waterproofing;
- electrical installation;
- procedures for leveling floors and walls;
- balcony cladding;
- furniture installation;
- decorating a new room.
Repairing the loggia with your own hands (in stages) is carried out in the same sequence. The resulting area can become a full-fledged room.
Loggia design example
Fencing
Most often, people use ready-made fences. However, some prefer to make them with their own hands. You can make your own fencing from the following materials:
- Stainless steel. This metal is known for its durability, strength and high quality. It can be used to make both a simple fence and an original decorative fence.
- Forged metal. This is the second most popular material with which you can decorate a balcony. Forged metal railings are very durable and stylish.
- Plastic. Sometimes deck fencing is made of plastic. However, it is better not to use it as it is too fragile.
Another material that is suitable for making fencing is wood.
It is recommended to use wood treated with antiseptic agents. It is resistant to moisture and low temperatures.
Beautiful DIY balcony interior design
To beautifully decorate your balcony with your own hands, popular styles are suitable: country, Mediterranean style or Provence. They are ideal for creating relaxation areas. All balcony repair options have their own characteristics.
If the task is to create a cozy office on the balcony, it is advisable to use the style of a library or vintage office. In such a room, different solid wood species or their substitutes, warm shades in fabrics and cozy little things are appropriate.
To organize a dining place, the style of street cafes is suitable: fabric curtains or canopies, straw furniture and paper lamps will add a touch of French flavor to the interior. Incense lovers will love recreating an oriental-style hookah bar on the balcony.
Decoration
To give the room additional coziness, curtains, carpets, cute or designer items, unusual lamps, and paintings are used.
The choice of accessories depends on the design style and purpose of the balcony.
Photos of the arrangement of the balcony will show how comfortable and beautiful this room can become.
Balcony interior color scheme
The color scheme also depends on what style was taken as the basis for the design of the balcony. Options for arranging a loggia:
- Country style. This trend is characterized by pure colors and an abundance of natural textures and materials. Furniture is made of wood with leather inserts and metal accents; natural fabrics are suitable for a rug or blanket: linen, cotton.
- East style. The direction is characterized by bright, contrasting combinations. Colorful mosaics and stained glass with an abundance of deep, rich colors.
- Provencal style. An elegant and win-win solution for balcony design: muted ocher and cream tones. Simple floral prints or pinstripe patterns.
- Loft style. Calm gray shades, from swamp ocher to indigo. Furniture and lamps can be flashy, rich colors.
- Pop art style. This direction is suitable for creative people and everyone who is partial to everything bright. Flashy colors, extravagant furniture and interior items - all this is appropriate for a pop art interior.
Designers do not recommend overloading the balcony interior with an abundance of bright colors. However, if it is on the sunny side, contrasts will be very appropriate. If the balcony is a place for privacy and peace, then it is better to choose a restrained color scheme.
East style
Ceiling finishing
The ceiling is covered with clapboard, plastic panels, plasterboard sheets, painted and whitewashed. It all depends on the imagination and finances of the owners of the premises.
Decoration Materials
Balconies and loggias are vulnerable spaces that are often exposed to external factors. This feature should be taken into account when choosing finishing materials. External materials, such as mosaic, glass, stone and volumetric plaster, will create a cozy space on the balcony.
The design of a glazed balcony does not require the use of certain materials. Almost any finishing means is suitable for it. To expand the space, use horizontal stripes.
The most convenient option for finishing is artificial stone, plastic panels or lining - the materials do not deteriorate from moisture and retain their original appearance for many years.
Making a visor
To properly equip a cozy unglazed balcony, you will have to make and install a canopy on it. This definitely needs to be done, especially if the room is on the top floor. You can make a visor from the following materials:
- Steel sheets. High-quality and high-strength visors that are resistant to atmospheric influences are made from them.
- Polycarbonate. This is a durable material that does not transmit ultraviolet radiation. It will be possible to make a visor from it that can last longer than 40 years.
- Slate. Some people prefer to cover the balcony structure with slate. It is worth noting that this material cannot be called presentable. Therefore, the view from the balcony from the street will most likely not be very beautiful.
Sometimes ondulin is used to create a visor.
Forged metal - ideal for creating a beautiful fence
Glazing
If the balcony space does not become part of a warm apartment, cold glazing is carried out. This will protect the balcony space from dust, precipitation and wind. Here they apply:
- frameless designs;
- swing doors;
- sliding systems (plastic or aluminum).
For warm glazing, plastic double-glazed windows are the best option. If desired, thorough sound insulation is created.
You can read more about how to make lighting on a balcony or loggia in the article “Lighting for balconies and loggias - design options.” Read also how to make a comfortable and practical dressing room on your balcony. After all, many women dream about it, but is it worth using a whole room for this?
In a small apartment, a loggia can perform several functions. Read about this at the link https://oknanagoda.com/balkony-lodzhii/ispolzovaniye/lodzhiya-dlya-malenkoij-kvartiry.html
Recommendations for plant selection
Flowering plants are a full part of the interior. When forming it, you should follow the “golden mean” - the flowers should not stand out too much or, conversely, blend into the interior. It is necessary to pay attention not only to the selection of colors, but also to the choice of flower pots: their color scheme should also be in harmony with the overall decor of the balcony, especially the walls:
- The easiest way to choose interior plants is with white walls; in this case, you can choose them in almost any tone, creating a variety of compositions.
- Yellow, orange, white, and blue shades are better suited to walls painted in red tones.
- For brown-yellows, you can choose flowers in blue and purple tones.
It is better to decorate a small loggia with mignonette, daisies, verbena, ageratum, petunia, while on a large area pelargoniums, salvias, nasturtiums, and marigolds will look most advantageous. To create a background, as well as to protect from dust and noise, you can use ivy climbing along the walls.
Open balcony design
Insulation and waterproofing
After glazing, insulation of the floor, ceiling, and walls is carried out. Then the room is finished. Correctly insulate the balcony from the outside. This will avoid the appearance of condensation and moisture inside the balcony. In addition, this will save space inside the balcony.
Often the position of the apartment does not allow for insulation from the outside, so work carried out from the inside must be thought out as much as possible. First, all factors that contribute to the penetration of cold into the balcony are eliminated. If the parapet is a metal lattice, first install a wind barrier made of galvanized sheet. With a solid concrete parapet, it is sealed with mounting foam to prevent air from penetrating through small cracks.
The next stage is the installation of a timber frame. The size must take into account the parameters of the insulation. For insulation, it is better to use sandwich panels or polystyrene foam. The latter is not susceptible to moisture and does not sag over time, which cannot be said about “sandwich panels”. In addition, polystyrene foam is an excellent heat insulator and is quite easy to work with. The optimal insulation thickness is 5-6 cm.
- The next layer after the insulation is the waterproofing layer. The cheapest and most practical option is a vapor barrier film.
- The floor is insulated in the same way, but for additional thermal insulation it is better to install electric floor heating.
- The electric heating system is installed on the screed and insulated with foil; it will increase thermal conductivity.
After installation, tiles or other finishing material are placed on top. An insulated balcony is a significant cost savings; it can reduce the total heat loss of the entire room by almost a third.
Penafol can serve as waterproofing and insulation at the same time
Floor screed
To preserve the properties and geometry of the floor covering, it is first necessary to perform a high-quality screed. At this stage, the arrangement of waterproofing is of great importance, because the room will be regularly exposed to water and high air humidity, when even load-bearing structures are “at risk.”
The screed is made using traditional methods that ensure the appropriate level of quality, strength and durability.
Usually this stage is a preparatory stage for laying a decorative finishing coating, although the concrete base may remain as such. This is not only profitable, but also quite practical, unless, of course, you plan to furnish the interior in an elegant style.
Beautiful balcony design - from concept to implementation
The design and decoration of balconies and loggias provides an excellent chance to visually increase the area of these premises. The following techniques will be useful for this:
- Mirrors are the best solution when you need to decorate a small balcony. Sometimes it is enough to use reflective or polished surfaces: glass or metal.
- More free space on the floor: compact or folding furniture will not create a cluttering effect.
- More light colors - more light. Subdued tones always visually increase the space, and in combination with transverse stripes on the ceiling and floor, the effect will only intensify.
You should not strive to expand the space; the main task of implementing a small area is functionality and comfort.
Lighting
The balcony will provide maximum natural light, but it will not be enough at night. Therefore, additional lighting will be the next point in creating a cozy room. Usually table lamps or floor lamps are installed here, and sconces are hung.
But you can also provide ceiling lighting using spotlights or track lamps. It all depends on the purpose of the future room.
Nuances of repair
It is worth insulating the floor with polystyrene foam after sealing all the cracks and holes. The most effective option is to install heated floors. In such a room, you can regulate the temperature yourself, depending on the weather conditions outside the window.
Moreover, modern technologies have gone far ahead and you can set the floor temperature using a smartphone. This is convenient if you are leaving work or, for example, returning from vacation or a business trip.
When doing the wiring, you need to plan whether there will be a warm floor and how many lighting devices you want to place on the balcony.
The amount of light also depends on the function of the room. For dinners and breakfasts, one lamp is suitable, but when using a balcony as a workplace or mini workshop, you need to take care of spot general light, which will be enough to perform monotonous, concentrated work.
Loggia + kitchen
In houses, the option of combined kitchens with balconies is very common. If the room is small, then the partition is removed or they try to make it as useful as possible. Seamless layout helps to increase usable area, save electric lighting, and provide good air exchange.
Furniture on the veranda can include a kitchen table, hanging shelves for books, spices, bulk products, and cans of preserves.
Note: It is better to mount suspended structures on load-bearing house walls, as they are stronger and have sufficient width.
Furniture
Furniture for open balconies is more like garden furniture. The main principle when choosing it is the ability to quickly fold it and put it away in a storage room. It’s a completely different matter if we are talking about a full-fledged room in an apartment or a closed private house. The designers did their best here. Depending on the functional purpose of the room, you can choose furniture parts made of metal, glass, plastic or wood. If the room is used as a gym, it will be equipped with compact exercise equipment that will allow one person to train freely.
The loggia combined with the bedroom is used as a corner for evening preparations before bed. In this case, a dressing table, a couple of ottomans and a comfortable sofa are used as furniture. For the relaxation area, they limit themselves to a small table with a seating area: a folding sofa or a solid ottoman with a large number of soft pillows, where guests can climb with their feet. If the space is set up as a work area, then the emphasis is on cabinets and storage racks. Transformable furniture type ZM2 will help save space. A wide selection of such furniture elements at affordable prices in the Dutch Ikea stores.
