Month: October 2016

Your balcony is the coolest extension of your indoor space. Therefore, it’s important that you put your balcony to good use. Nothing beats a balcony garden in this regard. For small balconies, the goal is to bring the outdoors in. For those with larger balconies, it might become a place to sit to enjoy time in the sun with a cup of coffee and a book.

Small spaces require you to think creatively and efficiently, and it’s smart to have a clear idea of what you want before you start. Good soil, light and controlled water works can make your boring balcony the most sought after green corner of your house.

Here we share with you some simple gardening tips to make your balcony look more beautiful than ever.

1. The basics

For growing any plant, the 3 basic requirements are adequate water, good sunlight and quality soil. Do not compromise on these. For instance, your entire effort will go for a toss if you don’t use quality soil. Ensure adequate sunlight enters your balcony for at least for 3-4 hours in a day. Also, don’t forget to water your plants twice a day. Before starting, make sure that your balcony is water proofed and there are no leakages.

2. Vegetable garden in pots

You can plant almost any vegetable in containers. First try with simpler stuff like tomatoes, chili, brinjal, okra & lime. Gradually, upgrade to the difficult ones like bottle gourd, radish, carrots etc. Choose large and deep pots, avoid thin and poor quality plastic pots because they heat up quickly and drain poorly. Using normal garden soil is a bad idea for growing vegetables in pots. Instead use good quality potting mix for healthy growth of plants and productivity.

3. Hanging pots for flowers

Flower boxes can be used to give a colourful look to your balcony. You can hang these on an existing railing, or set them on the floor. Plant flowers which are low on maintenance and can grow easily in good sunlight, adequate water and fertile soil.

4. Optimize vertical space

Your main challenge is how to smartly utilize your vertical space to double up the space you have on your terrace. Make a plan. If you have walls, hang planters on it. Grow vegetable shrubs and vines like beans, squashes, gourds and tall tomato varieties near the walls and railings. This way they’ll not only get support but also grow outside and upward and you’ll save a lot of your space.

5. Reuse old shelves to grow plants

Old shelves & racks can be used to keep pots. Otherwise, buy pot holders and put them along the corners. On these you can grow herbs to improve the taste of salads and cuisines at home; you can also grow lot of flowers to for ornamental view.

There! You no longer need a yard to create a cute home-garden. With a little time & effort it is now easy to make your own sanctuary in your balcony.

Don’t forget to share with us your own tips and experiences in growing your balcony gardens.

No matter how generous your home's square footage is, chances are, at some point it will seem like the walls are closing in on you. The reasons can be numerous but the result is the same - your room will appear smaller.

Furniture configuration is the first thing to consider, but colour palette, furnishings and other décor elements can really lift the impact in a small living zone. So today, here are 10 home designing tips that will make your home look more spacious.

1. Trick the senses

Just like pinstripe pants make your legs seem longer, a striped floor will make a room appear to go on for miles. Use an oversize mirror to enhance the effect. See-through furniture such as glass-topped tables will also give the impression.

2. Create unity.

It’s worth having a few furniture pieces in the same color palette as the walls. Even large items, such as these matching armchairs, will then blend into the room, visually enlarging the space.

3. Hang a mirror.

In close quarters, a large mirror creates the illusion of space. Not only does it draw the eye up, it bounces light around the room, making any space appear larger and brighter. Pay attention to the framing. For example, the length of the mirror should match the size of the sofa, creating a beautiful symmetry.

4. Make a statement with Paint

The lighter your walls, the better. While darker paint colours do make a room seem cozy, they often give the illusion of less space. The reason: Light colours reflect and enhance light, while dark colours absorb it. To make a room feel airy paint it white, beige, light grayish-blue and lavender.

5. Opt for storage furniture

Dual-use furniture creates more room by increasing the function of each space. For example, an entryway bench with storage space is the perfect perch for putting on shoes as well as a convenient spot to stow the things you usually forget on your way out the door, like reusable grocery bags, and seasonal accessories, such as umbrellas.

6. Try built-in furniture

The built-in furniture ensures that no space is wasted. The cabinetry provides storage space with minimum maintenance cost and looks blended with the wall.

7. Clear out clutter

This is the simplest, cheapest thing you can do - remove and reduce clutter. It will be much easier to keep a room tidy and clutter-free if there's a place for everything.

8. Edit your collections

Less really is more. You simply cannot display everything you own and love. Instead of showcasing all of your ceramic vases, divide the collection into four groups and rotate in a new set every season. The individual pieces will appear more dramatic if they're not lost among the masses. Opt for a single, statement-making piece instead.

9. Upgrade your lighting

Dont't rely on overhead fixtures, which pool light in one spot. Try to have several lighting elements in every room. They draw the eye around, giving the illusion more space. To take advantage of natural light during the daytime, do away with heavy drapes.

10. Take advantage of vertical space

Use your rooms to their full potential with one-of-a-kind shelving units that reach from floor to ceiling. Custom storage also helps you maximize out-of-the-way nooks, like the area under a flight of stairs.

Hope our tips help you to redesign your home and make it look bigger, better, brighter and cosier. All the best.