Monday, April 30, 2012

Before and after: Small Balcony



I love to sit on my Moroccan poufs and see nothing of the busy world outside, just the mini-garden. When I bought the apartment, my tiny balcony was already enclosed with glass and had a built-in that provides much needed storage. It was perfect for the Romanian winter blizzards, not so perfect for my intentions. I found the real-estate listing pic, it's just horrible!






Dark gloomy atmosphere and horrible clashing colors. The tiles were a dirty grayish blue and the storage was brown shelves and green cupboard doors. Also my ever growing plant collection needed a proper place to stay.

Step one: Paint every wall white. This single step made the whole difference, already. You can see that I've saved the cabinet for last. I'm sorry but these are the only pic I've got, I hope you get the idea.


 


Step two:  Prepare the floor. I wanted to create a zen garden, so I chose wooden slabs and marbles. The wooden slabs were raw wood, so I stained them in 3 coats of "nut tree" finish.


  


Step three: Make a large shelf under the windows. Making holes in the concrete walls took a whole day and was very painful, so I had no time for pics. The shelf ensures the right amount of sun for the plants and provides lots of storage space beneath it.









I ended up with a vegetation jungle, because: A. I love the look of savage English gardens. B.I can't stop trying various things. There are scented herbs (basil, savory), some flowers and some decorative green plants. C. There have to be many, many pots jammed on the shelf, so that my cats won’t be able to climb up and destroy the pots.







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Yuuupeeee! I'm so happy to tell you that I've been featured at Polish The StarsTatertots And JelloA Diamond In The StuffBlissful and DomesticToo Much Time On My HandsDestination: CraftMe And My Boysand Addicted2decorating! All my gratitude goes to you, lovely ladies :)

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 Too Much Time On My Hands     Photobucket  

88 comments:

  1. that's so fabulous!! What an awesome space you've created. I agree about the white paint. Now that I've started painting rooms off-white, they feel so clean and fresh and inviting. What a difference!!

    xox

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    1. Thank you, Anne! I must say that at first, given your welcoming style, I was surprised to see you didn't have white washed walls all over your beautiful home :)

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  2. I always love looking at all your plants and all the different pots you put them in :) Wonderful space!

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    1. Welcome back, Sandy, long time no see! My plants send you a humble smile for loving them:) Cheers!

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  3. beautiful! small space but so colourful and relaxing...i love the flowers!

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    1. Thank you, the balcony is really, really small but I was determined to make it work :)

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  4. This balcony is great. you had done amazingly wonderful job.

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    1. Thank you so much, coming from you it is a GREAT compliment!

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  5. This balcony is so cozy! You've managed to turn it to a small oasis! Found you from the link party and I'm glad I did! So I'm now following! Hope to stay in touch!
    Love, Olga

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  6. What a great space and a great post! I loved reading it. It would be so lovely and calming to sit out there! Great job!

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    1. Thank you for the kind comment, Danni, as always! The balcony is really small and I have to squeeze in, but that's all I've got and I was determined to make a little retreat.

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  7. What a great transformation on your balcony. Love all the plants.
    Mary Alice

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  8. Replies
    1. Mindie, you're the best! Your thoughtful comments make my day every time, thank you!

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  9. WOW, you did an amazing job. That looks so much better than before!

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  10. It's gorgeous! WHat a retreat!

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  11. I love it! What a big transformation! I love all the plants you've got - I would want to spend a lot of my time in there! Great job!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Katie - please pop over any time for a cup of tea and a good book on my teeny-tiny balcony :)

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  12. Hey there!! I just added myself to your followers for support, and wanted to invite you to check out an awesome Modcloth giveaway I'm having!

    Hope to see you there! Thanks so much!
    Emily

    http://emilymmeyers.blogspot.com/2012/05/giveaway-time-again.html

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  13. this is perfect for those who have limited outdoor space! love the greeneries.

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    1. Thank you, Amy, I'm so glad you like the little balcony :)

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  14. What a wonderful place to relax and meditate! Love all the plants especially the herbs. I also like how you used rocks for your floor covering. Beautifully done!
    Visiting from the Trendy Treehouse. I'm now following and looking forward to seeing more of your creative transformations. Have a great night!
    Sharla

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    1. Thank you, Sharla, I am currently looking for some lavender to scent up the space :)

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  15. I love gardening, so I can relate to the ever growing plant collection. And like you, I love the look of the English cottage garden. It's something to strive for. Your patio well on its way. It looks so peaceful and tranquil. Once again, you're creativity amazes me. Thanks for sharing your talent at Show & Tell.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

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    1. Thank you, Sharon, one day I will get lost in a wild English garden....

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  16. Your balcony looks very beautiful, peaceful and comfy!! It's definitely a place I would want to hang out. Nice job - I'm really impressed on how you've transformed it into something that's beautiful and functional and works for YOU.

    Thanks so much for linking up at Romance on a Dime!! I'm pinning this!

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    1. Thank you so much, Betsy, for the kind words and the pin and everything! Your words are honey to my ears:)

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  17. I love this! I totally want to do some wood slabs like that and rock! LOVE LOVE LOVE! :)

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    1. Thank you for the comment and for the pin, Mae!

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  18. Your garden is so lovely. You were so clever to put in the shelf. I also love the pebbles on slabs.
    I once had a kitty that looks like yours. Her name was "Baby".
    Have a great week, Ginger

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    1. Thank you, Ginger, my kitty Anais is sending you a purr :)

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  19. that's just amazing. it's a very natural and zen space. looks like kitty likes it too :)

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    1. Thank you, Andie, the balcony is really zen just until the kitties decide to jump into the flower pots :)))

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  20. You did an amazing transformation on the balcony, it looks gorgeous!

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  21. Amazing use of textures, colors and flooring!

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    1. Thank you so much, the texture mix is my favorite, by far!

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  22. Lovely! Great transformation. Such a nice spot for relaxation :)
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

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    1. Thank you so much, Pernilla, lovely to hear from you! I wanted to comment on your beautiful Dala horses the other day, but my comp says you're a malware threat because of shabbyblogs content and didn't allow me to do so :(

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  23. Oh it looks like a little haven! I love your description of the plants- I can almost smell them from here :) Thanks for sharing your oasis. It makes me want to grow one here!

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    1. Thank you so much, Miriam! The main scent is basil (love it!) but this summer I'm gonna try lavender, as well :)

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  24. That looks like a great spot for coffee or tea every morning! And it looks like your cat agrees! You once again show your great style! Thanks for linking up Meeha!

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    1. Thanks, Janel, feel free to pop by anytime for some stinkin coffee on my balcony!

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  25. Beautiful space!!! Thanks for linking up to Home and Family Friday!

    Becca

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    1. Thank you, Becca, the comment of a lovely host like you makes my day!

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  26. Your updated space look so new and inviting. Love It! Smiles, Paula

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  27. You always make your space look amazing! I love this so much. I would love to sit on one of those poofs with my cup of coffee. Thanks for sharing at A Pinteresting Party!

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    1. Always feel free to pop by for a hot cup of coffee:)

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  28. its fabulous! i love everything about it! Popping over from Show & Tell Saturday....would love to have you join the garden party going on now over here at Fishtail Cottage! xoxo, tracie

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  29. It looks so serene in there! Love it.

    Nikki @ the ambitious procrastinator

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  30. Totally creative and such a great use of space and paint:)

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  31. This is an amazing transformation. I really love it.

    Hope you can find time to share this at my outdoor link up 'Festival Fever': http://craftbotics.blogspot.com

    Rosie xx

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  32. What a beautiful oasis! I love all the natural elements. It looks as if you are on a tropical island out there. Megan

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to visit the link-ups, Megan. You sure are a gracious host!

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  33. I must tell you how much I love your design style sense! I am now following you. What an amazing balcony transformation! Thanks for sharing with us at tip toe thru tuesday!

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    1. Thank you so much, Kimberly, your kind words are honey to my ears and I feel proud to be on your watch list!

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  34. Really like what you have done on your balcony reveal- it must be a pleasure to sit there amongst all that gorgeous vegetation. Have I ever seen such a long party list as that one?- I don't think so!! I run Seasonal Celebration Sunday over at Natural Mothers Network- we would love to see you there!

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    1. Thank you for the visit - your kind comments and invite really made my day :)

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  35. you have a very nice patio! Your kitty looks a lot like my two. My long hair has the little goatee, I have a short hair like yours.
    gail

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Gail! My "cow-cat" Anais sends a little kitty love to yours:) I also have a red cat, but he cannot be caught on camera :)))))

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  36. Can I live on your balcony please????????

    Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!! :)

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    1. Christine, I would love to have a little cup of tea with you on the little balcony :)

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  37. What an amazing transformation!! I LOVE it and could imagine whiling away several hours on those poufs!!!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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    1. Jill, please pop-by any time! The poufs are comfortable and I make a great Arabic coffee that goes with them :))

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  38. This is gorgeous. I love the new floor. So much better. Thanks so much for sharing at Whimsy Wednesdays.

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    1. Thank you so much for the visit, Jenny, I really appreciate you making the time with a constantly increasing number of guests to your wonderful party :)

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  39. What an interesting and beautiful space! So much life in such a little spot! Thanks for sharing with us this past week!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  40. What a pretty place for your plants. Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

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    1. Thank you so much, Mary, you always see the best in projects :)

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  41. I heart your blog and your spaces so much----you always inspire me! Thank you!!! I am honored that you link up at my place!!
    Jaime from crafty scrappy happy

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    1. Jaime, you are the best - I dig your style! These kind words are honey to my ears, Thank you!

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  42. I love what you've done and I am featuring you tonight at Get Schooled Saturday at Too Much Time On My Hands! Thanks for linking up,
    xxxKim

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    1. Kim, you're the best! Thank you more than I can say!

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  43. Love your balcony! Another great project from you - congrats!

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  44. What a wonderful oasis you have created. Good for you for making your own little dream space!! Enjoy =)

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    1. Thank you Shannon, I really love my little balcony!

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  45. You carved out such a comfortable and bright and light space from some serious yuck! I'm so very impressed ...

    :)

    Linda
    www.itallstartedwithpaint.com

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    1. Oh, Linda, I'm so happy that you like it! Coming from someone of your talent, it means the world to me - thank you!

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    2. Thank you Meeha Meeha. So sweet of you. And thanks for sharing at our Great Outdoors link party!

      :)

      Linda

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  46. This is a great post with interesting information, I really enjoyed reading it. I must say that the subject matter is well discussed and I will definitely coming back for more. I'm gonna bookmark and share this to my friends. Thank you for this!

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  47. Wow, this is so great! It's like a Zen garden in your own home. And clearly the cat likes it. :) Thank you so much for sharing at our party!
    Karah

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  48. Awesome Balconies...

    Thanks for Sharing!!

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  49. This is a great post with interesting information, I really enjoyed reading it. I must say that the subject matter is well discussed and I will definitely coming back for more. I'm gonna bookmark and share this to my friends. Thank you for this!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Tak for deling ..!

    Nice-Blog

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  51. I like very much your way of presentation. I am so much interested to join your network. Thanks for sharing this post. Keep blogging.
    Werbe-Unternehmen

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  52. Neat little makeover! Great job, especially with the white walls! I know what difference a garden can make coz I have a small one in my small patio in space starved Singapore :)

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