No more blighted balconies
Many people dream of moving to a condo as they become empty-nesters, mostly to enjoy an urban lifestyle. However, others look forward to a simpler and relatively maintenance-free lifestyle.
The national trend to gentrify urban areas has given way to the construction of many new condominium buildings and condo conversions of existing buildings, whether juxtaposed or built in proximity to one another.
Those fortunate enough to be in the right exposure or high enough in the sky are almost guaranteed views. But what is one to do if your cherished balcony or terrace faces another building, has no view or faces an unsightly parking lot?
In free-standing homes with land around the perimeter, bad or nonexistent views can be remedied with strategically placed landscaping and fences. Windows are a challenge when trying to disguise a bad view. Generally, the only thing to do is to add layers of window treatments to visually conceal or send the bad view to the background.
The problem with this approach is that the amount of light can be diminished a great deal, and you are then left in a dark room with no view.
Certain space-restricted spaces such as terraces and balconies can be designed and layered to virtually eliminate any eyesores.
When solving a problem such as a bad view, it is almost imperative for the designer to start with a tabula rasa, which is Latin for "clean slate." A few tips to create your balcony or terrace space:
1. Remove all plants, seating, etc., from the terrace or balcony in question.
2. Make notes as to what you or the client are trying to conceal.
3. Focus the attention by adding a significant feature such as an architectural medallion, lanterns or ceiling fans, which act as functional decorations.
4. Encourage your eyes to look downward at a beautifully patterned tile or indoor-outdoor area rug - even turf can be coolly retro with the right patio set.
5. Layer a thick row of shrubbery or areca palms abutted pot-to-pot for lushness, with just enough height to cover your problem view or privacy issue. Use taller plants at corners to anchor the space and reinforce the feeling of an outdoor room. Allow enough "sky" to come into the balcony so it doesn't feel entirely closed in.
6. If you don't have a green thumb or are frequently out of town, artificial plants can be mixed with real plants for ease of maintenance.
7. Why not drape the balcony and create an outdoor room? These drapes can be made from special lightweight outdoor fabric that is mold and soil resistant.
8. Outfit your balcony or terrace as you would any ordinary room. Create distinct environments, with a living room at one end and a dining area at another.
9. Patio and lounge sets are available in new materials that can accommodate any decorating style. As a fan of vintage patio furniture, I encourage you to check your local thrift shops and garage sales for unusual finds.
10. Don't be shy or safe about color outside. Go with the most colorful fabrics for your outside patio furniture.
• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.
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