From nothing to an oasis in a day
22.6.2016
Translation: machine translated
We've transformed Alexandra's drab urban balcony into a veritable oasis of well-being. Look what a few volunteers and a little motivation can do!
The initial situation
Alex (category manager at Galaxus) wants to furnish her balcony. She has just moved in and discovered some great things at Galaxus. We (David, Livia and Léonie) want to help her not only carry it all, but also turn her balcony into a green and functional oasis of wellbeing. After all, we'll soon be having parties and aperitifs on that balcony! As we love everything to do with landscaping, we were delighted to lend a hand (and, yes, a little because of the aperitifs). Easier said than done: the balcony is relatively difficult terrain: long, narrow and there doesn't seem to be much room. But, as you read on, you'll see that we've managed to find a solution.
Trimbling and planning
Even though furniture delivery was free from Galaxus: we still had to carry the garden furniture and half a primeval forest to the flat. Eight hands, four floors - but no lift. On the plus side, by 9am we'd already had our workout for the day. Once we got to the top, the first thing we had to worry about was the distribution of the available space. Not very practical at first glance: the balcony is long. We decided to divide it into two distinct areas: a dining area and a sitting area. We then thought about where to place the plants.
Tip:
Before you start changing a dozen plants from pots, you first try to find the right location by placing the empty pots. Your back will thank you!
Assembling the furniture...
For the relaxation area, we opted for a filigree Acapulco set: the furniture doesn't weigh down the balcony and is also weatherproof. Those who want to can also add a outdoor mat: the corner looks even more comfortable and it reinforces the separation between the two spaces.
For the dining area, we wanted a Nordic look: the Envy Nordic garden furniture matched our expectations perfectly. The green marble table will also be a real colourful focal point on the balcony in winter.
...and repotting the plants
We then changed the pot plants. A lemon tree, a palm tree and countless aromatic plants! The plants wanted to be placed in large pots to have enough space. To give the balcony a makeover, we went for earth-coloured plastic pots from Giarnaldo: they're relatively lightweight, weather-resistant and therefore ideal for plants that stay outside all year round. The pots just need to be pierced in the appropriate places. This can simply be done with a nail and hammer. Thanks to the holes, there's no standing water to harm the pot and the plants.
Many plants like constant climates. That's what we try to do by filling the bottom of the pots with clay balls. These absorb excess water and release it when needed. Then fill the pot with the appropriate soil up to 4/5 of the pot. Before planting the plants in the soil, loosen the roots slightly so that they can spread out in the pot.
Good to know:
Protect the soil while you're transplanting pot plants. You won't have to clean your balcony for hours afterwards. For this, we took an old shower curtain.
Lean back and enjoy this oasis of wellbeing
Once everything was up and installed, it was time to inaugurate this new balcony! And that's just what we did: Alex invited us and the whole 'interiors' team over for an aperitif. Sorry, we didn't take any photos of the party, but of a still life. Let's call it "Lounge with lemon tree and soft drink". Fantastic, isn't it?
We're so proud of the result that we're showing you the before and after again:
Balance
If you want to turn your balcony into an oasis of wellbeing in a day, you need two things: a plan and volunteers (hopefully with biscotti if the building doesn't have a lift). This project was a lot of fun! We're looking forward to sunny days to be invited onto "our" balcony ;).
The products in the video:
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David Widmer
Senior Trade Brand Manager
David.Widmer@digitecgalaxus.chI’m always looking out for new trends, true to the motto: «Decorate in a style today everyone will want tomorrow». As I have to take it down a notch at work, I express myself in my own home. It’s where you’ll find curiosities, collectables from faraway places and handmade things side by side. Interior design should always be personal and authentic – just like you are.