10 Beautiful Balconies and Terraces from Around the World
Time to bring out the seat cushions? Get inspired by some of last year’s most enviable small outdoor spaces
With the weather warming up, we looked for inspiration in some of the balconies and terraces that particularly grabbed Houzz users’ attention last year. These outdoor spaces combine the best of clever thinking with design trends, and offer the perfect slice of the outdoors for that sunset cocktail or getting in touch with your inner gardener.
France
This balcony is attached to a small flat in Paris. As is often the case in Parisian flats, finding sufficient storage was a challenge in this project by CP Design d’Interieur. The interior designer suggested putting storage on the balcony, and came up with this bespoke piece of furniture to hide garden tools and the exterior air conditioning unit.
It’s quite rare to have outdoor storage furniture on balconies in Paris, which may be why this picture resonated with users.
This balcony is attached to a small flat in Paris. As is often the case in Parisian flats, finding sufficient storage was a challenge in this project by CP Design d’Interieur. The interior designer suggested putting storage on the balcony, and came up with this bespoke piece of furniture to hide garden tools and the exterior air conditioning unit.
It’s quite rare to have outdoor storage furniture on balconies in Paris, which may be why this picture resonated with users.
Japan
This balcony belongs to a 25-year-old flat redesigned by Color Label Design Office. Founder and designer Akihiko Tonomura transformed the living room with new oak flooring and laid wood boards over the balcony’s concrete floor. As a result, this outdoor space has turned into a restful additional room that brings an extra touch of comfort to the home.
You might also enjoy 7 Inspiring Ideas for Small Gardens from the Chelsea Flower Show.
This balcony belongs to a 25-year-old flat redesigned by Color Label Design Office. Founder and designer Akihiko Tonomura transformed the living room with new oak flooring and laid wood boards over the balcony’s concrete floor. As a result, this outdoor space has turned into a restful additional room that brings an extra touch of comfort to the home.
You might also enjoy 7 Inspiring Ideas for Small Gardens from the Chelsea Flower Show.
United States
Studio DLG’s design for this New York City balcony takes advantage of every square centimetre, from the compact sofa nestled in perfectly to the wall-mounted shelves displaying potted plants. The ceramic garden stool and upholstered ottoman are multipurpose pieces that can serve as tables, seating or footstools to further maximise the space.
Stripes in the lumbar cushion, ottoman and rug echo the structure’s clean, orderly lines, while playful patterns in other pieces soften the space. The mostly blue-and-grey palette gets hits of colour from red and yellow accents in the cushions and pots. With the café lights poised to take this balcony from day to night, we can see why this adorable pooch has made itself right at home.
Studio DLG’s design for this New York City balcony takes advantage of every square centimetre, from the compact sofa nestled in perfectly to the wall-mounted shelves displaying potted plants. The ceramic garden stool and upholstered ottoman are multipurpose pieces that can serve as tables, seating or footstools to further maximise the space.
Stripes in the lumbar cushion, ottoman and rug echo the structure’s clean, orderly lines, while playful patterns in other pieces soften the space. The mostly blue-and-grey palette gets hits of colour from red and yellow accents in the cushions and pots. With the café lights poised to take this balcony from day to night, we can see why this adorable pooch has made itself right at home.
Ireland
This dramatic balcony by McKiernan Architects provides contemporary style and architectural glamour while maximising the dramatic countryside views. The balcony has uninterrupted sightlines out over lush countryside (to the left of this image) and the simple glass balustrade and clean-lined furniture allow the view to remain the main attraction.
Adding in a slice of window to the side, as shown here, allows for a secondary glimpse of the landscape beyond the property, and the ribbon of green makes a striking feature in the imposing grey stone wall.
This dramatic balcony by McKiernan Architects provides contemporary style and architectural glamour while maximising the dramatic countryside views. The balcony has uninterrupted sightlines out over lush countryside (to the left of this image) and the simple glass balustrade and clean-lined furniture allow the view to remain the main attraction.
Adding in a slice of window to the side, as shown here, allows for a secondary glimpse of the landscape beyond the property, and the ribbon of green makes a striking feature in the imposing grey stone wall.
Italy
In the words of the architect Carola Vannini: the rule that guided the renovation of this Roman flat was to “open the space to the exterior and to natural light”. While the whole flat changed dramatically, the biggest plus was getting rid of the corridor and adding the three glass doors in the wall that separates the day area from the large terrace.
The terrace features a custom-made outdoor kitchen designed by Carola herself, alongside dining and relaxation areas. The terrace is moreover beautifully placed to take advantage of the warm Roman sunshine.
Both in the flat and on the terrace, warm colours set off with black details match made-to-measure furniture for harmony and flair.
In the words of the architect Carola Vannini: the rule that guided the renovation of this Roman flat was to “open the space to the exterior and to natural light”. While the whole flat changed dramatically, the biggest plus was getting rid of the corridor and adding the three glass doors in the wall that separates the day area from the large terrace.
The terrace features a custom-made outdoor kitchen designed by Carola herself, alongside dining and relaxation areas. The terrace is moreover beautifully placed to take advantage of the warm Roman sunshine.
Both in the flat and on the terrace, warm colours set off with black details match made-to-measure furniture for harmony and flair.
Germany
A piece of freedom in the urban jungle – that’s what this balcony offers the owners of this Munich penthouse. The wood finish, the flooring, the bench, and even the planter were made to measure out of thermo ash by Eber Designtüren in its own workshop. The result: a highly personalised design dream looking out over the roofs of the city.
A piece of freedom in the urban jungle – that’s what this balcony offers the owners of this Munich penthouse. The wood finish, the flooring, the bench, and even the planter were made to measure out of thermo ash by Eber Designtüren in its own workshop. The result: a highly personalised design dream looking out over the roofs of the city.
Spain
This house in Castellón belongs to Lucía Chover and Santiago Martín, founders of Vitale Studio. Having searched for years, they finally found a home with the perfect bones, which they then painstakingly restored and renovated.
The terrace was originally a completely wasted and neglected space. The owners updated the flooring with the same finish as in the adjacent kitchen, and enlarged the storage room, which is now also used as a laundry room.
The cosy seating area is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee after a wonderful meal.
This house in Castellón belongs to Lucía Chover and Santiago Martín, founders of Vitale Studio. Having searched for years, they finally found a home with the perfect bones, which they then painstakingly restored and renovated.
The terrace was originally a completely wasted and neglected space. The owners updated the flooring with the same finish as in the adjacent kitchen, and enlarged the storage room, which is now also used as a laundry room.
The cosy seating area is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee after a wonderful meal.
United Kingdom
This petite balcony by Aflux Designs in Notting Hill, London, feels like an effortless extension of the owners’ interior style. By keeping a neutral colour palette and choosing furniture that mirrors a living room set-up, the space feels cosy and welcoming.
Using indoor-outdoor rugs and rattan furniture with removable covers means the space can be quickly weatherproofed when it rains, and easily updated again when the sun returns.
Browse more UK balcony photos for inspiration.
This petite balcony by Aflux Designs in Notting Hill, London, feels like an effortless extension of the owners’ interior style. By keeping a neutral colour palette and choosing furniture that mirrors a living room set-up, the space feels cosy and welcoming.
Using indoor-outdoor rugs and rattan furniture with removable covers means the space can be quickly weatherproofed when it rains, and easily updated again when the sun returns.
Browse more UK balcony photos for inspiration.
New Zealand
This beautiful space in Christchurch by Quill has all the appeal of a rustic, unpretentious outdoor area cleverly combined with contemporary, low-line and comfortable furniture and shelter. Forsaking the trend for hanging orb-like fireplaces, this built-in open fire and wood stacking area is cosy, dark and appealing. Natural wood and neutral colours ensure all eyes are drawn towards the fire.
Tell us…
Which of these outdoor spaces caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
This beautiful space in Christchurch by Quill has all the appeal of a rustic, unpretentious outdoor area cleverly combined with contemporary, low-line and comfortable furniture and shelter. Forsaking the trend for hanging orb-like fireplaces, this built-in open fire and wood stacking area is cosy, dark and appealing. Natural wood and neutral colours ensure all eyes are drawn towards the fire.
Tell us…
Which of these outdoor spaces caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
This narrow balcony in a project by Mitsuori Architects in Melbourne, Victoria, ticks many boxes for comfortable urban living. A slatted barrier screens this narrow deck without blocking light or enclosing the space too strictly, while a deep planting box introduces greenery and organic shapes to the otherwise linear aesethetic.
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