Bringing the Outdoors In – With a Playful Twist
As someone who has lived in more houses and apartments than I can count on one hand (okay, maybe two), I’ve had the chance to decorate a lot of different spaces. But when my partner Beau and I moved into our current flat just a short while ago, I was determined to make something truly special out of our small balcony. No more bare bones, just-a-place-to-dry-my-cleats kind of setup – I wanted to create an extension of our living space that truly felt like an extension of our playful, nature-inspired style.
You see, Beau and I have a bit of an eclectic design aesthetic. Where his tastes tend more towards clean, modern lines with bright pops of color, I gravitate towards a cozy, slightly cluttered vibe with cooler, more muted tones. But we’ve found a sort of middle ground that blends the two – a “Jungalow-inspired mid-mod-tiki-leaning with pops of white” kind of look, if you will. And when it came to our balcony oasis, we knew we wanted to really lean into that playful, nature-inspired sensibility.
After scouring Pinterest and design blogs for inspiration, we landed on the idea of creating a treehouse-like extension to our living space. Tucked away high up in the treetops, with a view of the forested area behind our building, the balcony was the perfect canvas to bring that vision to life.
Branching Out with Functional Flair
When we first moved in, the balcony was a bit of a blank slate – no character, no charm, just a bare concrete slab waiting to be transformed. But with a little creativity (and a whole lot of greenery), we were able to turn it into a cozy, inviting extension of our home.
Taking a cue from the lush, mature magnolia tree in our client’s backyard, we wanted to design a space that felt organic and integrated with the natural world. So we opted for natural, earthy materials like wicker, rattan, and wooden accents to create a treehouse-esque vibe. And by positioning the furniture and layout in a way that felt a bit more informal and unconventional, we were able to capture that same sense of whimsy and playfulness.
Rather than going with the obvious choice of a centered bistro table and chairs, we decided to push the chairs back against the walls and incorporate a low coffee table instead. This not only gave us more breathing room to move around, but it also created a more relaxed, lounge-y vibe – perfect for curling up with a good book or sipping on a tiki-inspired cocktail.
And speaking of greenery, we knew we had to incorporate plenty of that as well. After all, what’s a treehouse-inspired extension without some lush foliage? From towering potted palms to a hanging herb garden, we filled the space with all sorts of leafy accents to really drive home that cozy, nature-immersed feel.
Of course, lighting was also a key element in bringing our vision to life. We opted for a mix of overhead spotlights, a wicker pendant light, and even a strip of color-changing LED lights to create a warm, inviting ambiance that changes with the time of day (and our mood). Whether we’re curled up with a book in the afternoon or sipping cocktails under the stars, the lighting helps to set the perfect tone.
Designing for the Seasons
One of the things I love most about our treehouse-inspired balcony is the way it seamlessly transitions with the changing seasons. Much like the magnolia tree that inspired the overall design, our little outdoor oasis evolves and transforms throughout the year.
In the spring, the blooming flowers and budding greenery breathe new life into the space, inviting us to spend long afternoons soaking up the sunshine. As summer rolls around, the lush foliage provides cooling shade and the twinkling lights create a cozy, intimate atmosphere for evening gatherings. And when the leaves start to change in the fall, the balcony takes on a whole new personality – a perfect perch for watching the colors dance in the breeze.
Even in the winter months, when the trees are bare and the air is crisp, our treehouse-inspired extension remains a cozy, welcoming retreat. We’ll bundle up in warm blankets, fire up the string lights, and enjoy a steaming mug of tea while gazing out at the serene, snow-dusted landscape. It’s like having our own little slice of the great outdoors, right at our fingertips.
Blending Indoors and Out
Of course, one of the key goals in designing this treehouse-inspired extension was to create a seamless flow between our indoor and outdoor living spaces. After all, what’s the point of having such a beautiful, nature-immersed oasis if it feels entirely separate from the rest of our home?
Taking inspiration from the “gentle, continuous slope” and “plateaus” of the Brazilian treehouse we discovered, we wanted to design our balcony in a way that felt like a natural extension of the rest of our apartment. By thoughtfully positioning the furniture and even incorporating a few steps, we were able to blur the lines between indoors and out, making the transition between the two spaces feel effortless and organic.
And when it comes to the overall aesthetic, we’ve made sure to maintain a cohesive, complementary vibe throughout. The neutral, earthy tones and clean-lined furniture of our indoor living room are echoed in the wicker, wood, and greenery of the balcony, creating a harmonious, well-curated look. It’s like our own little treehouse oasis, seamlessly woven into the fabric of our home.
A Playful, Nature-Inspired Retreat
At the end of the day, our treehouse-inspired balcony extension is so much more than just a place to hang our hats (or in my case, our muddy cleats). It’s a true sanctuary – a space where we can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural world.
Whether we’re curling up with a good book, sipping on a refreshing lemonade, or hosting friends for a cozy tiki-inspired gathering, this little slice of treehouse magic is the perfect backdrop. It’s a place to play, to relax, to simply be – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Of course, the real star of the show is the gorgeous Aberdeen home that serves as the canvas for our treehouse-inspired design. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and seamless flow between indoors and out, it’s the perfect setting for this kind of nature-immersed extension. And I have to say, I’m pretty darn proud of what we’ve been able to create here.
So if you’re looking to bring a little bit of that treehouse magic into your own living space, I say go for it! Whether it’s a full-blown extension or just a cozy little balcony oasis, the key is to let your creativity and love of nature shine. After all, the best living spaces are the ones that feel like a true extension of our own unique selves. So branch out, get a little playful, and see where your treehouse-inspired dreams take you!
