Not everyone has the benefit of a backyard or lawn for a sprawling home garden. Most of us make do with a small balcony area as a little garden sanctuary. Still, there are lots you can do to make it a cosy and atmospheric space where you can indulge in tending to your plant babies, or simply relax and appreciate the fruits of your labour. We suss out seven aesthetic ideas to spruce up the look and functionality of your small home garden.
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Change up your balcony garden's look with a decorative ladder. It doubles as a trellis or vertical garden for container plants, saving floor space and adding interest to one wall in your home garden. Pick up this bamboo ladder from Island Living ($39) for a pop of colour to complement your beautiful plants, or the more rustic wooden plank ladder from Tangs ($248) that has spacious shelves for you to display potted plants and gardening tools.
Hanging planters are the way to go to save space in your small balcony garden. If you've got space anyway, a couple of these displays add new dimension to your garden and are a great showpiece for your favourite airplants. Hanging Globe ($60) from Tumbleweed will fit into any modern space, but we also love the Haati Terracotta Planter ($50) for its earthy look.
You can never have too many pots and planters for your garden, so give your space some character with these quirky, handmade couple pots ($30) from Rabbit Island. Pick up two (or more) and place them strategically around your balcony or garden space to add a dose of colour and fun. The shop has tons of other planters to suit your personal style too.
For times you want to sit back and enjoy the (perhaps, literal) fruits of your labour, a comfortable rocking chair will do the trick. Sink into the El Nido patio rocking chair ($126) from FortyTwo – it's cute, colourful and even comes with a head cushion for maximum comfort. The chair is also waterproof, so don't worry if it gets caught in a light drizzle in your outdoor or semi-outdoor space.
Out of sight, out of mind. Keep your home garden looking neat and tidy with this storage bench ($195) from IKEA. Built with an attractive dark stained wood, it effortlessly hides your clutter while doubling as seating space for family members or visitors – just top with the comfy cushions it comes with.
There are many ways and means to light your garden, but for a home balcony situation, a warm glow from string lights ($91) are just right. Thread these lights through thicker foliage in your garden to create interesting shadows at night. Or string them up around your balcony table for an intimate backdrop for dinners in your home garden.
If you believe in feng shui, you'll know that flowing water symbolises prosperity and abundance. So, balance the energies in your home garden with a tabletop or free-standing water feature. The sound of bubbling water will complete the illusion of being in a natural, outdoor space while promoting relaxation – even for the non-believers. Check out shops like De Anne and Co., The Fountain House or even Lazada and Carousell for a range of indoor water fountains – from the ornate to the modern.
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