Balcony Refresh

by Liz Dowling

Our apartment balcony took a hit this winter. The wind, snow and general sub-zero temps blew the place apart. In honor of spring arriving on Saturday, we rolled up our sleeves and went out there for the first time since November.


Priority #1 Declutter. This glass table and two orange folding chairs were just taking up space. We’ll take them to Block Island, clean and repaint them so they can take up space there!


You can see them better in this picture. Not adding any value. Priority #2 Clean. We pulled everything off the balcony and started from scratch, only putting back what made sense.


Mrs. Meyer’s had a key roll in this. I cleaned everything, including the floor.


The wind here is vicious, so I got zip ties to secure all of the cushions. No more blowing around the place.


We had this black metal patio furniture in Rye and it fits well here. I found an old Dash & Albert rug in our linen closet and threw it into the wash in hot water. If they are not too big, I always wash indoor/outdoor rugs in the washing machine. It gets ALL of the dirt out and is so easy. No drying necessary. Two little gray folding chairs are tucked into a nook for extra seating.


New coffee table I bought for $130.00 online. We need one out there for entertaining.


Not bad! Fits the space perfectly. Now, I need to add color to this monochromatic palette.


Two pillows, one orchid, a candle and whatever that weird ball of shells is ~ definitely helps to brighten up the space. The two round black side tables on either side of the loveseat are from Target.


Behind the main seating area is a little space to read or nap. We had this chaise, pillow and little white table in Rye and reused it here. This evergreen somehow survived the winter. We never watered it….


Priority #3 Enhance. There is no light source on the balcony, so if we want to come out here at night, it’s pretty dark. It is a big space ~ roughly 7 feet x 30 feet ~ so it makes sense to use it as often as we can. Basically, an extra room in our apartment.


I bought two packages of these string lights at Crate & Barrel to put around the balcony railing. Command has these little clips to hold lights and they are removable too. Tim put the lights on a timer, to go on at sunset and off at 10pm so we don’t completely alienate our neighbors!


You can’t really see the little Command clips, which is great. Back Bay and the Charles River in the distance.


Here it is at night.


Ok, now it’s time to enjoy the space. Cheese, crackers and cocktails. Come over!


Nice sun out here in the afternoon. Rhino likes it too.


Cheers to Spring everyone!


the wry home

You may also like

14 comments

Maggie March 24, 2021 - 6:06 am

Lucky duck! You make it look so inviting!

Liz Dowling March 24, 2021 - 7:35 am

Thank you Maggie!

Kathleen Perkal March 24, 2021 - 7:48 am

Well done, Liz. (per usual)

Liz Dowling March 24, 2021 - 7:57 am

Thanks Kathy!

Kate Conn March 24, 2021 - 9:04 pm

Looks perfect! Well done you!

Liz Dowling March 24, 2021 - 9:56 pm

Thanks Katie Kate!

Amy Harden March 24, 2021 - 8:36 am

Another charming finish! Can’t wait to hobble on over! My favorite takeaway???? The zip ties and command hooks! But then again the container store is my happy place! Xx

Liz Dowling March 24, 2021 - 8:37 am

Champagne on our balcony Amy! Get that knee done – xo

Nonie March 24, 2021 - 9:10 am

Always love your posts, Liz. Eleanor’s in Boston so want to come see! (Grab one of those cocktails on your beautiful balcony- haha.)

Liz Dowling March 24, 2021 - 9:19 am

Would love to see you! Come visit anytime Nonie! xx

Kimberly March 25, 2021 - 6:19 am

It looks inviting… when will I ever see you?!
Those little lights are a find, I’m going to scour the Internet to see if 3M makes them for Europe. They would be perfect in our veranda

Liz Dowling March 25, 2021 - 8:32 am

I would love to see you! Not sure when we will get back to Paris with all of this craziness.
Are you coming back this way anytime soon?
Miss you!

Didi March 25, 2021 - 6:26 pm

Nice and cozy space Liz. Always so well done! Enjoy! Rye misses you.

Liz Dowling March 25, 2021 - 9:31 pm

We miss Rye too Didi! Hope you are well. Your grandchildren are beautiful!

Comments are closed.