Balcony - large rustic three-story wood gray balcony idea in Atlanta with a shingle roof

Inspiration for a coastal balcony remodel in Los Angeles

Jesse Goff Photography www.jessegoff.com
Example of a transitional backyard balcony design in San Francisco with a roof extension

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Flagstaff House

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

This unique project has heavy Asian influences due to the owner’s strong connection to Indonesia, along with a Mountain West flare creating a unique and rustic contemporary composition. This mountain contemporary residence is tucked into a mature ponderosa forest in the beautiful high desert of Flagstaff, Arizona. The site was instrumental on the development of our form and structure in early design. The 60 to 100 foot towering ponderosas on the site heavily impacted the location and form of the structure. The Asian influence combined with the vertical forms of the existing ponderosa forest led to the Flagstaff House trending towards a horizontal theme.

Rhode Island Shingle

VanderHorn Architects

Inspiration for a coastal wood railing balcony remodel in Providence with no cover

Roseclair Residence

DANE AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN Boston & Cambridge

Complete with bamboo shades, party lights, and a charming stenciled ceiling, in warmer months, the 9-by-12-foot deck offers extra space for entertaining. The colorful decor was inspired by a vacation in Mexico. Photograph © Eric Roth Photography. A love of blues and greens and a desire to feel connected to family were the key elements requested to be reflected in this home. Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/roseclair-residence

Captain's Watch

Our Town Plans

Courtesy Coastal Living, a division of Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, photograph by Jean Allsopp. Coastal Living is a registered trademark and used with permission.

Rocky Point - Pebble Beach

Colby Construction

Balcony - contemporary balcony idea in Milwaukee

City Loft

User

Emily Redfield
Inspiration for an industrial balcony balcony remodel in Denver

Angelo Drive

Core Development Group, Inc.

Jim Simmons
Balcony - contemporary balcony balcony idea in Los Angeles

Bright & Clean Modern Single Family

Breathe Design Studio: San Francisco

Completed in 2017, this single family home features matte black & brass finishes with hexagon motifs. We selected light oak floors to highlight the natural light throughout the modern home designed by architect Ryan Rodenberg. Joseph Builders were drawn to blue tones so we incorporated it through the navy wallpaper and tile accents to create continuity throughout the home, while also giving this pre-specified home a distinct identity.

River Garden Residence

Texas Construction Company

photo by Lars Frazer
Balcony - contemporary balcony idea in Austin with a roof extension

6001 Gulf of Mexico Drive - Longboat Key

Addy Wittig - Michael Saunders & Company

Ryan Gamma
Example of a tuscan balcony balcony design in Tampa with a roof extension

Orleans Waterfront Home Overlooking the Namequoit River

Cape Associates, Inc.

Dan Cutrona
Balcony - coastal balcony balcony idea in Boston

Elevated Ipe Deck

garymarshdesign

Sausalito, CA / photo: Jay Graham Constructed by 'All Decked Out' Marin County, CA. 384299
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard metal railing and privacy balcony remodel in San Francisco with no cover

The Overlook

Shannon Ponciano

Mediterranean Balcony

Tuscan balcony photo in San Diego with a roof extension

Oliver Residence

JZMK Partners

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard wood railing balcony remodel in Hawaii with decking and a roof extension

N Maney Avenue

J Taylor Designs

Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse side yard screened-in balcony remodel in Nashville with decking and a roof extension

Balcony Ideas

Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, having a balcony is a serious asset. But if you’ve been neglecting your outdoor space or simply have no idea how to decorate it, it’s time to make a change! With just a little effort, it’s possible to turn even the most basic of balconies into a true outdoor retreat. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to sunbathe and tuck into your summer reading, or a nook for enjoying afternoon drinks with friends, read on to glean some balcony ideas and inspiration.

1. Create a Garden of Potted Plants

Even if you don’t have a backyard, it’s possible to create a garden on the balcony with a multitude of potted plants. Opt for larger varieties if you want to create some privacy. Or add a flowering vine that will twist around your railing.

2. Small but Mighty

If you’re in need of small balcony ideas, focus on quality. It’s possible to create a cozy, inviting space even in tight quarters if you line it with luxurious details. Add some removable wood deck flooring, put in a small chair plus a warming light fixture, and you’ve got the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors.

3. Add Some Cooling Shade

Sunbathing on the balcony is nice, for about 15 minutes. Prolong the amount of time you spend on your outdoor ledge with a cover from the sun, like a shade sail, an awning, an umbrella or even a built-in wooden awning.

4. Squeeze in Seating

Think your balcony is too small for socializing? With the right setup, you might just change your mind. Add in a couple of chairs plus a small table, and you’ve got the perfect spot for summer cocktail hours.

5. Privacy, Please

A big part of making your balcony a place you actually want to spend time in is making it feel adequately private. Bamboo or lattice fences are affordable and can cover up wide gaps in your railing.

6. Soft Materials

Need some balcony ideas for a space that feels too cold, hard or simply unwelcoming? Think layers of soft and cushy materials. Add a hearty outdoor rug to the floor, line chairs with seat cushions and toss in some comfy throw pillows to lean against.

7. Lighting is Key

One of the best balcony decor moves is to bring in some warm lighting that’ll up the ambiance. Candles in lanterns, string lights or one glowing pendant light are all great options.

8. Focus on the Floors

Basic concrete floors aren’t all that inviting, but you’ve got several options to create a more warm and welcoming space. If you own your condo or home, consider adding balcony tiles in a pretty mosaic pattern. Renters can opt for removable vinyl tiles, wooden decking or simply an outdoor rug.

9. Make a Statement

Remember, this is your little spot to enjoy the view, breathe in some fresh air and soak up the sun! So have fun with your balcony design. Hang a hammock or a swinging egg chair, add an orange tree or a tomato vine, install a living wall planter — whatever makes your space feel special.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a balcony renovation or are building a designer balcony from scratch, Houzz has 19,814 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Breathe Design Studio: San Francisco and Our Town Plans. Look through balcony pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a balcony design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful balcony photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.

Penthouse

Andover Landscape Design & Construction

Our long-time clients wanted a bit of outdoor entertainment space at their Boston penthouse, and while there were some challenges due to location and footprint, we agreed to help. The views are amazing as this space overlooks the harbor and Boston’s bustling Seaport below. With Logan Airport just on the other side of the Boston Harbor, the arriving jets are a mesmerizing site as their lights line up in preparation to land. The entire space we had to work with is less than 10 feet wide and 45 feet long (think bowling-alley-lane dimensions), so we worked extremely hard to get as much programmable space as possible without forcing any of the areas. The gathering spots are delineated by granite and IPE wood floor tiles supported on a custom pedestal system designed to protect the rubber roof below. The gas grill and wine fridge are installed within a custom-built IPE cabinet topped by jet-mist granite countertops. This countertop extends to a slightly-raised bar area for the ultimate view beyond and terminates as a waterfall of granite meets the same jet-mist floor tiles… custom-cut and honed to match, of course. Moving along the length of the space, the floor transitions from granite to wood, and is framed by sculptural containers and plants. Low-voltage lighting warms the space and creates a striking display that harmonizes with the city lights below. Once again, the floor transitions, this time back to granite in the seating area consisting of two counter-height chairs. "This purposeful back-and-forth of the floor really helps define the space and our furniture choices create these niches that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.” - Russell The terrace concludes with a large trough planter filled with ornamental grasses in the summer months and a seasonal holiday arrangements throughout the winter. An ‘L’-shaped couch offers a spot for multiple guests to relax and take in the sounds of a custom sound system — all hidden and out of sight — which adds to the magical feel of this ultimate night spot.