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Make the most of every bit of outdoor space by giving your balcony a fresh new look. With these decorating tips and tricks, you can turn a blank balcony space into an enviable outdoor room in no time.

 

Start with the backdrop

Painting a wall can transform a space, it just depends on the look you want. Pale colours reflect light, dark hues make green foliage pop, while brighter colours make a strong statement. 

Watch it: How to paint

Stuck with the colour you've got? Screening panels are an easy cover-up and can act like outdoor works of art. 

Watch it: How to install an outdoor screen panel

Choose your pots

When selecting pots to create a display, the general rule is to work with similar shapes and finishes for a cohesive look. For example, opt for matt finishes and keep to a maximum of three colours, such as terracotta, white and rattan. 

Choose pots in a range of sizes, making sure to include some large ones for a sense of scale.

Watch it: How to pot a plant

Various potted plants in a tiled backyard

Pick your plants

As with your pots, the key is to choose plants in a range of sizes for a multilayered look. Get height into your scheme with espaliered trees, climbing plants and a jungle of leafy palms, then layer smaller, bushy plants in front of them. 

Watch it: How to make a wire espalier trellis

Shake things up with varied foliage shapes and shades of green, from deep emerald to pale jade, and consider plants with variegated leaves. 

Outdoor dining area with dining table, chairs and potted plants

Nurture your greenery

Give your new plants the best possible start with a bed of premium potting mix and set a schedule for watering – a pot irrigation system can help you keep on top of this – and feeding. 

Read it: How to keep potted plants in great condition

If you're nervous about your gardening abilities, lean towards low-maintenance plants – succulents are always a winner! Remember to select plants that are suitable for your area (ask at your local garden centre) and keep hold of the plant labels for future reference.

Outdoor sitting area with small table and two chairs surrounded by potted plants

Decorate!

Play around to find a décor scheme that suits you. Move plants around to see what works best – do this before planting them in heavy pots! Dress the space with cushions and throws in complementary colours to create a cosy nook you'll never want to leave.

 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.