As I’ve mentioned before we are downsizing from a large apartment to a smaller one which is located right below the one we are in now. Today I’ll be sharing the balcony with you. The one that I’ve been working on these past few weeks and how I’ve decorated it frugally with repurposed treasures. Because that is what they become with a little care.
With this small tour of this balcony you’ll be able see just how everything comes together and how everything gets used over and over again, in one form or another.
This balcony is right below the Balcony that I shared with you last year. In fact if you take a peek you can see the same exact scenery
This is how it looks from the top balcony. It is actually much larger than the third floor balcony. And it also wraps around three sides of the building but we are only using this small portion. You see the other sides look directly onto busy streets and we do value our peace and quiet and privacy.
Let’s start with th end facing the back of the building. You all remember my colorful fence. As you may have guessed by now, the branches I had originally added dried out and I was going to add some more but then I remembered the yellow faux flowers I had from last years wreath. Not wanting anything to go to waste, I reused them to fill out the spaces and add even more color.
Next to the colorful fence is my failed attempt to save the succulents (we won’t talk about that now), the nautical lantern, and the space ship planter. Both of these were made using parts of a barbecue grill.
Here is the view from the other end of the balcony. You can see I’ve got plenty of room and lots of things in my planters that aren’t plants. But to give due credit, my husband is growing tomatoes at the other end of the balcony.
Why there are even a few aloe vera plants which always come in handy with sun burns and such. I do believe this one is due for a trimming.
The view from the balcony.
Now back to the tour. Here you can see the back of the pallet couch. It looks like a hot mess but I really don’t care since it only took me 15 minutes to put together. What’s important is that I enjoy my space and get lots of rest.
We even added an umbrella for extra shade during the day. But truth be told, we have never sat out there during the day. We only use it after 5 pm when the sun has gone over to the other side of the building.
The front of the couch has been modified a bit. Instead of many cushions I have replaced them with a mattress from a portable fold-up bed. It is so much easier to work with. And of course the numerous pillows. The mattress does not extend the length of the pallet couch but that is okay because at the end I have space to add things and use it as a side table of sorts.
In front you can see one of my treasures, a table that was made from the base of a baby high chair topped with a dresser drawer that has now been repurposed into a table top. Another treasure, my beloved vintage milk carton stool is front and center and has been recovered with new fabric.
Now a little bit about the rug which is not a rug at all. It is an old piece of heavy duty fabric which we have had in our home for years. Many of my Greek readers may recognize it as being characteristic of vintage fabric which was woven in a loom. I added a different fabric at the edges and simply cut them up to create a fringe. I think it adds a nice pop of color to the balcony!
The pillows are also of a complimentary fabric. We do like our reds in this house.
You can also see the area next to the seating which holds my masterpiece abstract art and the beaded lantern both made using vintage copper pots.
And finally one of my favorite projects. The two sided chalkboard stand on which are hung the simple lanterns made by repurposing jars.
The other side…
The dresser drawer as table top is usually full of food and wine, but when not in use it is nice to decorate it and bring a bit of the beach to our balcony. Very simple things, a few pieces of driftwood, some marmalade jars with shells and a container with a candle in it.
I got this idea of placing the candle in this glass container from my friend Sheila of My Kentucky Living. Sheila recommends keeping the container covered when the candle is not lit, this way it stays nice and clean. She has added sand and shells to hers.
Go over to her blog and admire her jar which is much nicer than mine. Sheila is the Queen of vignettes and she really knows how to decorate too.
Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links and link to Amazon.com. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content. There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.
Not only is Sheila’s idea practical but it looks so pretty!
And when the sun goes down the atmosphere changes with the lighting of the candles and all those tea lights. I must have about 10 of them out there.
One final look at my copper lid turned lantern which is actually not so bad when I look at it in this light.
As you can see I was able to put this space together using left over items that I managed to repurpose and upcycle. You don’t need to spend money to decorate when your house is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. One of the best things I found was the drawers that I’ve been able to use as trays and table tops.
And that was my balcony tour. It is easy to decorate your space when you look at things in a fresh way and instead of junk you see the makings of a repurposed treasures. Now I have a warm, inviting area where I can relax in the evenings.
Make sure you drop by Sheila’s blog, My Kentucky Living. She is such an inspiration to me and such a sweet lady. And you can thank me below!
Make sure you drop by Sheila’s blog, My Kentucky Living. She is such an inspiration to me and such a sweet lady. And you can thank me below!
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image!
If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and your e-mail will never be shared with a third party.
More Summer Projects:
<< Sweet Inspiration Link Party #65 HOME Kefalonia in Blue Photo Essay >>
Linking up to these Link Parties
This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.
I love it when I get your comments and I will try reply to them or visit you on your blog. Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise we cannot publish it.
Linking up to these Link Parties
This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.
I love it when I get your comments and I will try reply to them or visit you on your blog. Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise we cannot publish it.
Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch - The Boondocks Blog
Tuesday 21st of July 2020
[…] You can see a tour of the balcony here. […]
Carolann
Monday 17th of July 2017
I just love everything about your balcony, Mary. Every element of it is stunning! It looks like a wonderful place to work, relax, and enjoy!
Mary
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
And take a nap or two! ;)
Linda at Mixed Kreations
Monday 17th of July 2017
Your balcony area is lovely, you did a fabulous job decorating it. Very inviting, plenty of colors, and privacy with your pretty chalkboard sign, and pallet fence. Love the drift wood, shells and all the candles. Does give one that beachy feel. Love you aloe Vera, wish I could get mine to grow, it's just there. Doesn't do anything. Thanks for the tour Mary, everything's beautiful, you have a real knack for upcyling! 😊
Mary
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
I hardly ever water mine. And it has to have a big enough pot to grow into. That is all I know. Nothing else. ;)
Debrashoppeno5
Monday 17th of July 2017
I love how it all came together. It is a very relaxing space, an oasis. The bed is even better now with the mattress. It looks great.
Mary
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
The bed is sooo much better with this mattress Debra. Before with the cushions it was a bit lumpy! ;)
Doreen@foxdenrd
Monday 17th of July 2017
It looks so colorful and creative Mary, and I especially love the reuse of the fabric for a rug. You have an amazing view too! xxx
Mary
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
That view is going to be the end of me. It's what keeps me here even though I have other fish to fry!