When my husband and I first saw our balcony, we thought it was simply another room. There were some chairs and shoes there, but not much more. We did not know how amazing the balcony was until we started to want a place at home where we could really relax, unplug, and rejuvenate. It did not have to be big or extravagant; it simply had to have a purpose.
At that point, we decided to change it into a personal wellness retreat. A place we could both go to when we needed to relax. Somewhere I could have tea in the morning, or he could relax after work. And to be honest, the change has startled both of us. After we made a few improvements, our balcony went from being an ignored part of the house to one of the most important places we share.
The first thing that changed was the plants. My husband has always liked plants, but I am more practical when it comes to taking care of them. But we both thought that adding plants would be a good idea. Plants do not simply make a room seem nice; they also make it feel alive, both physically and emotionally. We used modern planter boxes to keep everything neat and elegant. Instead of having pots all over the place, they made our modest balcony garden seem planned and finished. The first night we placed them up, we laughed as we tried to figure out which herbs to plant. I picked lavender and chamomile because they smell good and soothe me down. He wanted mint because he could picture us creating fresh mojitos on summer nights.
Defining Our Purpose
We talked for a long time about what we wanted from this retreat before we bought anything. For me, it was about making a calm, pleasant place to start my day. I saw myself going outdoors barefoot, stretching, and drinking my first cup of tea while surrounded by plants. For him, it was about relaxing at night with a chair where he could read or just observe the city lights. We figured out that we did not need a huge, complicated strategy by talking it over. We only needed to put those little routines that make us feel anchored first.
Falling in Love With Greenery
Plants were the most important part of our getaway. We were apprehensive at first that the area would feel congested, but the more carefully we organized them, the more it started to feel like a refuge. We put them in layers: taller plants like bamboo along the back wall for support, smaller green plants around the sides, and herbs in the planter boxes. Now when we go outside, we feel tranquil right away, as if we have left the hectic world behind, even though we’re just a few feet from our living room.
The wonderful aspect is that these plants are now a part of our daily lives. We take care of them jointly on the weekends. He waters them, I trim them, and we talk about everything and nothing. It is strange how caring for plants can become a common practice that makes you feel so grounded.
Choosing the Right Furniture
After we put in the plants, we moved on to the furnishings. We did not have a lot of room, so every element had to be important. We tested out a lot of various seats before we ultimately settled on two cushioned lounge chairs that we could fold up when we needed additional floor room. That compromise was like us in a nutshell: I wanted to be cozy, and he told me to be sensible. We put a little circular table between them that was just big enough for a book or two tea mugs. It is not hard, yet it feels like it fits.
Adding a hammock chair in the corner was the thing that changed the game for him. He smiled and leaned back the first time he sat in it and exclaimed, “This is it, this is my retreat.” And to be honest, it is his favorite place now. I know we did the right thing when I watch him softly swaying in the evenings.
Lighting That Changes Everything
We did not know how significant lighting would be until we tried it. The sun performs all the job during the day, but at night, the balcony changes when the light is gentle. We hung fairy lights around the railing and put two lanterns with candles in the corners. All of a sudden, the balcony felt like magic. I recall commenting, “It feels like we’re on vacation,” the first night we sat there beneath the lights and drank tea. He nodded, and we sat in silence for a time, enjoying the light.
It is incredible how much lighting can change how you feel. Bright lights keep you awake, but gentle lights make you sleepy. Now, every night seems like a small break, even if it is just half an hour before bed.
Adding Layers of Comfort
We did not think the balcony was finished until we added texturing. The rug on the floor made it seem warm and made the space feel like its own tiny room. The chairs looked more welcoming with the cushions and rugs on them. I also put a little linen curtain on one side for privacy. The way it blows softly in the wind is quite calming.
These tiny things are important. They change the balcony from a place to sit for five minutes to a place you want to spend hours. In the mornings, I will sometimes bring my laptop and work there, and at night, he will bring a blanket and read. It is more than simply a place to get away; it is part of our everyday lives.
Engaging All the Senses
We focused about more than just how it appeared to make it seem like a real retreat. We added noises using a tiny Bluetooth speaker that plays peaceful playlists or even sounds from nature. We used herbs and essential oils to bring in scents. I adore lighting a lavender candle in the evening as mint blooms nearby. And, of course, taste was a part of it too. Those mojitos he thought of. We cooked them, and they taste better on the balcony than anywhere else.
Our balcony seems alive because it engages all the senses. Not simply a place, but an experience.
Creating Personal Rituals
The balcony is amazing not only because of how it appears, but also because of how we use it. When the light comes up, I go outside with my tea and sit cross-legged on the rug to write in my journal. He says he takes his hammock chair in the evenings and reads until the sky becomes black. We occasionally practice yoga together or simply sit in solitude with coffee on the weekends. These little things we do every day help us feel more connected to ourselves and each other.
Keeping It Clutter-Free
One thing we learnt early is that messiness makes things less tranquil. I wanted to add more and more things at first, like more decorations, another chair, or perhaps a little bookcase. But he reminded me that the best thing about this retreat is how simple it is. So, we cut out everything that did not serve a function. The consequence is a clean place where we can think clearly.
Making It Work Year-Round
Since we live in a place where the seasons change, we wanted the balcony to be useable all year round. When it is colder outside, we use thicker blankets and candles to make it warm. We also put in a tiny heater outside for evenings that are really chilly. Bamboo blinds keep us cool in the summer without blocking the wind. We can always stay at our hideaway, no matter what the weather is like, thanks to these changes.
Making It Ours
Lastly, we made the room our own. I put a tiny basket with my favorite books and a diary in it. He brought in a crystal he likes and put it on the table. We put up a small piece of art that says, “Pause. Breathe. Restore.” It is simple, but every time I see it, I recall why we made this retreat in the first place.
Our balcony is not flawless, and it does not appear like anything you would see in a magazine about design. But it belongs to us. It shows both of us: he likes things that are useful, I like things that are comfortable, and we both like things that are quiet. And it means much more since we made it together.
Conclusion
One of the best things we have done as a marriage is turn our balcony into a personal wellness retreat. You did not need a lot of money or expert support; all you needed was imagination, purpose, and cooperation. Our balcony used to be an empty area, but now it is where we go to reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the present.
If you want to accomplish the same thing, start small. Bring in a comfy chair, add some plants, and try out different kinds of lighting. Over time, your balcony will gradually become the peaceful place you need. And who knows? You could find, like we did, that the best place to get away from it all is right outside your own door.