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<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto:\u00a0The Residences at Mandarin Oriental\/Flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Survey any condo community or apartment complex and you\u2019ll quickly notice there are two types of urban dwellers \u2014 those who utilize their outdoor space, and those who do not. If you fall into the latter camp (monobloc plastic chairs and a rusty bicycle) but would prefer to join the ranks of the former (well-trimmed topiaries and a plush loveseat), property stylist Red Barrinuevo is here to help. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cCondo buyers always insist on having a balcony, and it adds to the cost of the unit,\u201d says Barrinuevo, the Principal of <\/span>Redesign4more<\/span><\/a>, a Toronto-based home staging company. \u201cYou might as well use it!\u201d Get his 10 tips on transforming a blah condo balcony into a dazzling urban oasis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n Even if you have a postage stamp-sized balcony, it\u2019s important to map out your space. \u201cZoning allows you to maximize functionality,\u201d explains Barrinuevo. \u201cIf it\u2019s a small balcony, think about what you\u2019d like to use it for and what is most important to you. If you have a larger space, zoning is essential because there are many more possibilities to consider.\u201d Should you add a water feature or a serving cart? A sectional or a children\u2019s play area? Figure out how your outdoor space will function before making any other decisions.<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Most condo balconies are simply slabs of concrete surrounded by glass. To add warmth to an outdoor space, <\/span>Barrinuevo likes to use organic elements, such as wood floor decking or plant life. \u201cThese things will change the look of your balcony right away,\u201d he says. When shopping for outdoor furniture, opt for natural and renewable materials such as teak, mahogany or rattan. Your space will go from cold and concrete to cozy and inviting in no time at all.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere are a lot of stores that sell condo-sized outdoor furniture that kind of mimics the pieces you have inside your home,\u201d says <\/span>Barrinuevo. Try a scaled-down sectional or a bench that can be pushed up against a wall. If you\u2019re really limited on space, a drop-leaf table or comfy corner chair can work wonders.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to add storage to your outdoor space, look for double-duty furniture,\u201d says <\/span>Barrinuevo. \u201cChoose a coffee table with storage space underneath or a <\/span>chest that can also serve a bench.\u201d This allows you to tuck away accessories such as throw pillows, furniture covers and extra blankets.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Lisa Canning<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThere are so many ways to add color to your outdoor space!\u201d says\u00a0<\/span>Barrinuevo. His favorites? \u201cThrow pillows, outdoor rugs, potted plants and accessories.\u201d If your interior color scheme is a bit more muted, your outdoor space can be an opportunity to experiment with brighter colors. It\u2019s less of a risk and fairly easy to change up if you grow tired of the look.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cChoosing floor coverings depends on how much you want to spend and your balcony\u2019s exposure to the elements,\u201d says <\/span>Barrinuevo. \u201cOutdoor tiles are fairly inexpensive, but if you\u2019re willing to spend more money you could go with hardwood decking \u2014 it really looks like an extension of your living room.\u201d Outdoor rugs are a renter-friendly option, which Barrinuevo says you can pick up at HomeSense, Walmart or on Wayfair for around $30. \u201cYou get a decent floor covering that\u2019s trendy, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span>LED string lights and lanterns are great \u2014 I really like Edison bulb string lights or an outdoor chandelier centered above a dining table,\u201d says <\/span>Barrinuevo. If your building has restrictions on the types of lights you can hang (bah, humbug!), opt for a solar powered lantern that gives off an ambient glow.<\/span><\/p>\n1. Establish zones <\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Warm it up<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Choose small-scale furniture<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Integrate storage <\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Inject color wherever possible<\/b><\/h3>\n
6. Focus on flooring<\/b><\/h3>\n
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7. Set the mood with outdoor lighting<\/b><\/h3>\n