It is looking so great. Love everything so far!

Ooh, I love that West Elm pillow! It is the focal point, in a great way. i would absolutely want to cover the utility door. You made a great choice with the outdoor curtains. Will soften the space and add texture and great shadow lines. Cant wait to see it all together!

Thanks Jinx, Teeda, Texan, Eld and Arkansas!

Eld and Arkansas, I understand your logic. However, I like the ideas of having decorative coverings on my walls. I want it to feel soft and cozy. That was always my idea when I started thinking about decorating my balcony.

My apartment is only 700 sq. ft. For me, this is another living area and I want it to feel that way. I feel the side of the balcony with the chairs that are wood and rattan need something to soften the area and I like the idea of the trellis with vines above my loveseat bc the loveseat is fabric and the throw and pillow is fabric so I think a good juxtaposition would be to add something with more texture above it.

We each have different styles and tastes and that is what makes us unique and the world more interesting. I am looking forward to finishing this project! I already love it now.... I am going to adore it that much more soon. :)

Amy, I really like your new rug and how the whole space is shaping up.

You mentioned that you aren't allowed to attach anything to the railing, but have you given any thought to being able to screen your space from the parking lot when you want more privacy?

ETA: Looks like you're already considering options for that.

Bunny,

I actually do not want to block the the area as it makes it feel stuffy. I do wish there was not a parking lot below me.

I have a roller shade that hangs to where the railing begins. That helps with the direct western sun. I also want to add a super solid waterproof curtain that has grommets on the top and bottom. So, when it rains I can close it and really help protect my balcony from the rain.

Thanks for kind words and suggestions!

I really like the curtains behind the chairs-- even if only a mockup. It does, indeed, soften the look of the balcony! Well done!

Thanks Funky!

I am going to try and get my trellis with the leaves and ferrie lights up this weekend. Things were easier to get done when you a man to help out. If everything arrives today from Amazon my friend is going to help me this evening while we hang out on the balcony and have some cocktails.

Here is a shot during dusk. It really is so cozy!

Wow! It’s wonderful!

Thank you ffpalms!

Lovely! I'll bring the spinach dip.

You did it! Even better than the inspo pics. Enjoy the space, you have such an ability to transform a space.

See you soon eld!

Thanks so much Daisy!

Ak, I knew you’d turn it into an awesome space! It looks fabulous, and so cozy. I want to join y’all for cocktails. :)

I love everything you've done! It might get too cozy up there because I'm coming too 😂

It is not a large space but I can fit Jinx, Arapaho and Eld! You guys really make me laugh out loud!

Such a breautiful and relaxing space you’ve created! But then we knew you would. Ler’s see, we’ll be down near you in Feb, so I’ll book us a spot for then.

Wow - that is amazing - you are so talented.

I agree, you have such great talent and taste!

So nice! I’m coming over too. Jinx said I could sit on her lap.

Just saw this and thought of you!

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/17-small-and-beautiful-balconies-37085524

Those were fun to look at, Sueb20!

I was expecting update photos. Guess I'll have to drive over and join the party to see for myself. :-D

Yo guys are so funny and kind!

I did get the lattice up yesterday and started having the fake ivy strings. It was around 100 so I had to stop. It is getting there and I promise to show it once I am done with that side.

OOh can't wait to see! Not sitting on any laps (trust me). I will just have to shove one of the littler ones out of the way. I think I can take Eld! Probably even Sue or Arapaho. Hey I've met all 3 in 3 different places! I am the loose woman of Houzz.

It looks great Amy! Really hot here too. Looking forward to the next update!

Looks like we have our destination for our ”reunion” trip! Who needs Mexico?

I want to come, too! Anyone want to sit inside in the AC with me?

(After we admire akt's fab balcony oasis, of course)

You guys are hilarious! My apartment and balcony are tiny. Thanks for the kind words and being so gracious with your comments on my little apartment balcony.

I figured I would post a progress pic. I am not nearly done. underneath this will be my loveseat.

Also, feel free to give me any feedback on what I should do or what I am doing wrong. I am just winging this.

I have been using individual fake ivy strands and it is a pain!

It must look somewhat real bc I’ve had two very large birds fly in just this morning to check it out. Also a couple of bees flew into the greenery and I didn’t see them come out.

As you can see I have a ways to go...

Oh i love that! It looks so real I almost warned you that ivy is super aggressive!

I love it! Did you stain the trellis? You are good!

Ak, wowww! That’s amazing! Best-looking faux ivy project I’ve ever seen!

Teeda, Jinx and Mtn, I am so relieved you guys think it looks real. I have never done anything like this.

I bought the trellis as it is. I did not stain or do anything to it. It is super lightweight.

I have my trellis and all of the string fake ivy leaves on it now. Today I added the fairy lights.

When it gets to be dusk, I will take a photo! I hope it looks ok.

Stay tuned....

So, I did not want it to get too dark... so here it is. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome. I would definitely not leave my lamp outside unless I was having guests or something.

Looks great- love it! very cozy! Maybe add a small ottoman if you want to put your

feet up?

Ak, I love it! I’d never be able to get the ivy and lights to look so wonderful!

Bravo, you transformed this spot into something very special!

That is a-mazing! Your neighbors will all want to hire you!

I might add an easy to grow plant of some some sort on the table --- pothos, succulent?

Amazing! looks terrific!

Took one more as it is now darker.

Yes, I want to add more (plants etc) I also ordered a wood side table. It takes a lot to make me feel like something is complete.

When I had an apartment, I was happy to have my little table and 2 chairs), maybe something on the table and a hanging basket with something blooming. You put all that that to shame. Not only that -- you actually have a view! Enjoy!

Wow!! Would you come visit me in MN and help me upgrade my screen porch? I’m so pathetic at these things.

You did a great job! I leave an ” indoor ” lamp on a table on our screened porch 24/7 and have for 1 1/2 yrs with no problem. It is plugged into a GFCI outlet.

I assume the outlet is GFCI? I think that is the key factor in making sure it is not a hazard> as long as it is, the only other reason not to use an indoor lamp is wear and tear.

What a nice space to unwind, relax and entertain! You really pulled it together well!

Thanks you guys! It is a GFCI.

Las, that sounds like a great idea! I will be on the lookout for plants. I have a black thumb so I worry whatever I put out there will be dead in no time!

Wonderful space you have created! You need to do a before/afer shot for your portfolio ;)

It looks fabulous. So cozy! As for indoor stuff outdoors, well the biggest issue is moisture. I take in anything that is fabric over the damp months. Also, I make sure any fabric out there is washable. That's the tricky part, when it comes to the cushions. This year I treated everything that was not washable with a mite powder with tannic acid. It didn't stain. For some things I mixed it with baking soda. Leave it on for 3 hours and then vacuum off. Mold and mildew is my biggest battle here in humid MI. I am now in the process of washing all my wicker with a bleach solution. Sigh.

You are so talented. That space is amazing. Sitting there I could imagine being anwhere. The lamp totally makes it. I know you can use battery operated bulbs in traditional lighting if that's an issue. You should be doing this for a living!