This balcony designed by TDC & Associates exudes a tranquil ambience that the homeowners sought for
Cover This balcony designed by TDC & Associates exudes a tranquil ambience that the homeowners sought for

Make the most out of your balcony area by taking design cues from these homes that truly maximise the use of their outdoor areas

The hot, summer weather might be a deterrent to some when it comes to fully utilising outdoor spaces such as balconies or patios, but a breath of fresh air can deliver plenty of benefits. Besides clearing your lungs and giving you a dose of energy, an outdoor balcony area is also an alternative hangout space for relaxing evenings.

With plenty of design potential, your balcony can serve as a visual extension of your interior scheme. Get design inspiration from these projects by local designers to turn your neglected outdoor space into your very own alfresco haven. 

See also: Let The Sun In: Outdoor Furniture That Looks As Good Indoors And Out

1. A home office with green views

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Fresh air can work wonders whilst working; this balcony by Foma Architects is connected to the study for a conducive work environment Photography: Jasper Yu
Above Fresh air can work wonders whilst working; this balcony by Foma Architects is connected to the study for a conducive work environment Photography: Jasper Yu

A balcony doesn’t necessarily have to be connected to the living room or bedroom, it can also be designed in the study for easy access to fresh air. This verdant home, designed by Foma Architects, features an expansive balcony area that’s connected to a study nook.

Sliding doors segment the spaces apart during rainy weather, while a large sky window allows ample sunlight to permeate the space. The combination of wood, lush foliage, and increased airflow create a calm space that’s soothing to the eyes and joyful to work in.

See also: Home Tour: A Nature-Inspired Abode With Lush Green Terraces

2. Create an entertainment zone

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Photo 1 of 2 This balcony designed by TDC & Associates exudes a tranquil ambience that the homeowners sought for
Photo 2 of 2 The dining area in the balcony lets the homeowners entertain guests comfortably

If your balcony is vast and airy, create distinct areas within the space for extra functionality. Designed by TDC & Associates, this penthouse in The Nassim features a generous balcony with living and dining spaces. 

The area is lined with shutters to provide privacy and shade, with planter boxes underneath adding a touch of greenery and freshening the space. A lounge sofa makes for a comfortable seating arrangement for the family to gather and unwind, while the outdoor dining area is perfect for entertaining guests. Decked with neutral tones and complemented with soft furnishings, the bright balcony completes the rest of the abode’s relaxed vibe.

See also: Home Tour: A Nature-Influenced Penthouse by TDC & Associates in The Nassim

3. Maximise all outdoor areas

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KGID added a tropical vibe to this balcony with various green elements
Above KGID created a versatile outdoor entertaining area within this penthouse's roof terrace

This penthouse unit features plenty of outdoor areas, including a sprawling roof terrace and several balconies. To prevent these spaces from being underutilised, design firm KGID deftly transformed the areas into functional layouts tailored for the homeowners.  

The open roof terrace, boasting a panoramic perspective of the cityscape, was converted into a large entertainment space with several zones. Guests can lounge comfortably in the area next to the pool, which features a generously-sized sofa paired with a printed rug and accent tables. The multipurpose roof terrace also hosts a dining and barbeque area as well as a designated yoga space. 

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The balcony connected to this bedroom houses a cosy nook for reading and lounging
Above The balcony connected to this bedroom houses a cosy nook for reading and lounging

The house features several other balconies; two were ingeniously converted into facilities such as a bathroom and an indoor study to compensate for these missing rooms. The remaining balconies were transformed into urban oases for the family to unwind and get their individual periods of repose at the end of the long day.  

See also: Home Tour: A Penthouse With Tropical Accents And Beautiful Balconies

4. Dine al fresco

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Photo 1 of 2 The balcony is an extension of this apartment designed by Architology Interiors, functioning as a dining and entertainment space Photography: Jasper Yu
Photo 2 of 2 The strategic furniture placement from Architology Interiors encourages the family to look outwards towards the lush greenery Photography: Jasper Yu

Take advantage of the verdant views that your balcony has to offer by creating a natural extension of your living space. To motivate the homeowners and their guests to look onwards towards the tranquil views, Architology Interiors strategically reoriented the furniture pieces in the living room of this apartment to face the balcony. 

In the balcony, a large custom-made onyx table holds court. The centrepiece features built-in lighting that offers a warm glow whenever the family opts for evening meals outside. Making the most out of the coveted balcony space, the area also features a mini outdoor garden that connects to the lush canopy of trees that the balcony looks out to.

See also: Home Tour: A Family Apartment That Combines Rose Gold, Shagreen And Marble

5. Take in the views

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Designed by Prestige Global Designs, this lengthy balcony is a cosy space for the family to hang out together Photography: Jasper Yu
Above Designed by Prestige Global Designs, this lengthy balcony is a cosy space for the family to hang out together Photography: Jasper Yu

Designed by Prestige Global Designs, this spacious penthouse is created from two abutting units. The result is an extended cosy nook for the homeowners to soak in the prolific views of the neighbourhood. Layered shades of brown create a mellow ambience, while green accent cushions add a bright pop of colour.

Besides adding a dash of greenery to the balcony, the large outdoor plants also double as a divider for privacy outside the daughter’s bedroom that is accessible from the main balcony. 

See also: 7 Home Design Ideas that Encourage You to Live Mindfully

6. Create a vacation vibe

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This spacious balcony is transformed into an outdoor oasis with outdoor rattan furniture and plenty of plants
Above This spacious balcony is transformed into an outdoor oasis with outdoor rattan furniture and plenty of plants

Create a slice of paradise at home by incorporating an idyllic, holiday atmosphere to your balcony. This outdoor balcony by Studio Nidhi Jain delivers an inviting atmosphere with comfortable furnishings and plenty of plants. The outdoor rattan furniture adds texture and warmth whilst emanating a tropical vacation vibe. The cosy outdoor seating is perfect as a breakfast spot, an afternoon siesta, or for a gathering with friends. 

See also: Home Tour: An Elegant Apartment in Singapore With Blue and Gold Accents Designed By Studio Nidhi Jain

7. A balcony for entertaining and play time

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This rooftop balcony, designed by Park + Associates, connects seamlessly to the living room with a harmonious flow Photography: Jasper Yu
Above This rooftop balcony, designed by Park + Associates, connects seamlessly to the living room with a harmonious flow Photography: Jasper Yu

Designed by Park + Associates, the floor of this balcony is draped in a canopy of grass. The lush verdure provides the look and feel of outdoor nature to the urban balcony, located on the second storey of the home. The rambling open-air balcony offers extra space for the family's young children to explore and play, while their parents can entertain guests.

Glass doors that segment the living room and the balcony enable the family to lounge comfortably in the living space during sweltering or rainy days, and can be seamlessly retracted on cooler days to allow them to enjoy the fresh air from the balcony. 

See also: Home Tour: A Semi-Detached House By Park + Associates With Playful Split-Levels

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