Eclectic Apartment Balcony-Introduction

Eclectic Apartment Balcony - Introduction

Hello friends, I’m thrilled to take you along on the journey of my project where we have completely transformed an apartment balcony!

It is for the Thakur family home where we have designed the entrance lobby.

The Brief of The project

The space had a decent size, it needed a well-planned turnkey makeover to make it a cozy, functional, and stylish outdoor retreat. The goal was to create a space where the lovely client could relax, entertain friends, and enjoy the outdoors right in the middle of urban living. The balcony was a blank canvas, featuring only a large planter stand, but it had its share of challenges that needed smart solutions:

Unsightly ODU units & exposed pipes

The two bulky outdoor (ODU) AC units and visible drainage pipes were an eyesore and needed to be concealed without blocking airflow, view or accessibility. You can see below how ugly the pipes looked.

ACTUAL SITE PHOTOS

(ODUs & EXPOSED PIPES)

Plant storage & maintenance

The client loved greenery but wanted a structured way to place plants for easy upkeep. Also ease of maintenance was of the utmost priority. The apart from one big planter stand all the planters were kept on floor which makes things difficult to clean and occupy lot of precious space making it look very cluttered.

Seating for social gatherings

A cozy and inviting seating area was a must for hosting friends and family. Presently due to unorganized pots and huge planter stand there was no space for proper seating.

A jhoola (swing)

And last but not least – a jhoola (swing) was on the wish list! No balcony makeover would be complete without a beautiful swing, adding charm, comfort to the space and it was a must have requirements for the client.

ACTUAL SITE PHOTOS

(UNORGANISED PLANTERS & NO SEATING)

The transformation process always begins with accurate measurements and a detailed layout plan. Why? Because every inch matters when designing a compact yet functional space!

PRO Tip: The accuracy of your measurements determines the success of any interior project. Whether it’s furniture placement, custom-built storage, or design execution—precision is key!

The balcony had just the right dimensions to accommodate all the client’s needs, but the biggest challenge was hiding the ODU units and drainage pipes while ensuring they remained accessible for future maintenance.

STRUCTURAL LAYOUT

Zoning & Furniture layout

To make the most of the available space, the balcony was divided into three distinct zones, each serving a specific purpose:

1️. Social Zone – A cozy seating area designed for friends and family to gather, unwind, and enjoy conversations.

2️. Personal Escape – Dedicated space for the jhoola (swing), perfect for unwinding with a cup of coffee or a good book.

3️. Green Space – A neatly arranged planter section that enhances the natural charm while keeping maintenance effortless.

FURNITURE LAYOUT

A key focus was to minimize floor usage, ensuring the space remained open, clutter-free, and visually expansive. Every design decision prioritized both functionality and aesthetics, making the balcony feel airy and well-organized.

As you can see in the furniture layout we have meticulously planned to integrate all of the client’s needs while maintaining a seamless and harmonious flow.

For the seating area, we designed an L-shaped cushioned bench with a niche in the corner—perfect for placing mugs, charging a mobile, or storing small essentials. To add a touch of elegance and enhance functionality, we incorporated a curvy slant design at the other end of the bench, making the space look sleek, modern, and visually light while keeping it clutter-free.

SEATING AREA LAYOUT

To further elevate the design, we decided to make the wall behind the bench the focal point. This was a strategic choice for two reasons:

1️. It’s the first thing you see upon entering the balcony, making it a prime spot for a striking design element.
2️. It was the only full wall available, providing a great opportunity to introduce texture, color, or an artistic feature.

This combination of comfort, utility, and aesthetics ensures that the seating area is both inviting and practical while contributing to the overall charm of the space.

Lighting Plan

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of any space. For this balcony, we strategically planned the lighting to highlight key elements and create different moods as needed.

LIGHTING PLAN

To integrate the lighting seamlessly, we installed a small POP extension protruding just 5 inches, ensuring a clean look while accommodating the necessary fixtures. You can see below the lighting plan details flowing the thought process behind selecting the fixtures.

Profile LED Light on the longer wall – This adds a soft, uniform glow and at the same time act as a ambient light for the space.
Three spotlights on the smaller wall – These are positioned to highlight the artistic element planned for this space, enhancing its visual appeal.
LED profile light under the planter storage – This subtle lighting creates a floating effect, making the space feel more open and airy. This acts as ambient light for the space.

By layering these different lighting elements, we ensured the balcony remains functional, visually appealing, and adaptable to various moods—be it cozy evenings or vibrant gatherings. To know more about the different types of interior lighting and how to apply it in a space you can read the blog on the same here.

Precison Planning with Multiple Layouts

To ensure seamless execution, we generated multiple layouts. Below, you can see some of these key layouts, forming the foundation for a well-coordinated and efficient execution of the project.

CIVIL LAYOUT

Civil Layout – This layout provides detailed specifications for all civil work, ensuring precise execution. For instance, in this project, granite work was a crucial element. As seen below, the layout highlights the exact placement of granite surfaces, how much space they occupy, and their integration with other design elements.

ODU & PIPE COVERING LAYOUT

ODU & Pipe covering layout – ODU covering layout was crucial for the fabrication team to plan enclosures while maintaining ventilation and accessibility. At the same time pipe covering layout ensured exposed pipes are concealed neatly while allowing for maintenance access. Below you can see the glimpse of plan view and elevation of these layouts.

Tile Layout – Helps the civil team with precise placement, reducing material wastage.

Creating these layouts is a vital step in the design process, as it:
Simplifies execution – Different vendors get clear instructions tailored to their specific work.
Improves coordination – Helps synchronize tasks between civil, electrical, fabrication, and finishing teams.
Minimizes errors – Reduces chances of miscommunication and costly rework.
Optimizes material planning – Provides accurate estimates, preventing wastage or shortages.

Thoughtful Material Selection

For the material palette, we prioritized outdoor-friendly finishes that could withstand weather changes while complementing the design aesthetic. Granite was chosen for functional areas due to its durability, while the Moroccan tiles added a decorative yet low-maintenance focal point. Wooden seating with waterproof cushions ensured comfort without compromising on weather resistance. Carefully curated palette helped achieve a harmonious blend of tradition, functionality, and longevity, bringing the entire vision to life.

Bringing the vision to Life: 3D Visualization

To truly capture the essence of this transformation, we created a detailed 3D visualization of the space. This helped in refining the design details, ensuring the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. The 3D render showcases how the seating, ODU covering, planters, and artistic elements come together seamlessly to create a cohesive and inviting space. Below is the 3D representation of the final design, offering a glimpse of how the space will look once completed.

3D View 1

3D View 2

Let me know in the comments what do you feel about the 3D.

In the next blog we will talk about the material used and the .

Remember to here to keep getting updates

Until Then Take care and Keep learning!!

See you soon…