Ask the designer
Q How can I make the most of my apartment balcony this spring?
A. When designing a small space such as a balcony, every inch counts.
First consider how the balcony will be used all year round — even if you don’t venture out in winter, it should still be attractive to view from inside. For instance, if you work during the day, it’s more likely to be used for entertaining at night. Outdoor lighting is key to transforming your balcony into a safe and stylish retreat — Woodie’s DIY do a good selection of solar-charged ones. Seating is also a must to encourage guests to actually use the balcony — with limited space, a bistro table and &chair set is probably your best bet.
Little touches such as an outdoor rug, brightly coloured scatter cushions and wind chimes can help make your balcony more inviting.
Q. I’ve just redecorated inside my home, but now the front door is letting the whole thing down — help.
A You’ll often hear real estate agents talking about ‘kerb appeal’ — how the outside of a house can attract potential buyers to take a look inside. But you don’t have to be in the property game to give your front door the X factor. A small change such as painting your front door a vibrant red can give your home’s facade a facelift. Exterior accessories such as a quirky doormat, welcome sign and pretty lanterns placed along the pathway will help make your guests feel more welcome.
If replacing the door isn’t an option, try replacing the door knocker or adding a pop of colour with a wreath.
Q. As I’m not very green-fingered, can you suggest some more low-maintenance ways to spruce up my back garden?
A. If you struggle to keep even a pot of parsley alive, outdoor art is a good alternative to brighten up your garden — check out Outdoor Accents’ range of ‘Weatherprint’ outdoor art distributed in Ireland by www.outdooraccents.co.uk. Outdoor clocks, mirrors, laser-cut wall art and hanging tea-lights will also add character to your garden without the need for watering. When it comes to garden decoration, remember that less is more — too much will look more ‘junk yard’ than ‘back yard’.
Q. Do you have unique garden gift ideas for my mum for Mother’s Day?
A. Typically, green-fingered mums are given trowels, watering cans and garden gloves — so why not give her something to help her enjoy all her hard work in the garden instead! Cork based company Hammockology have a fab range of colourful hammocks and hanging chairs — see www.hammocks.ie. If she’s an animal lover, take a look at the quirky handmade bird and pet houses by Donegal-based Chic-Hens — see www.chic-hens.ie. Or Pressieport.ie sell a ‘Name a Rose’ kit, €24.99, containing rose seeds, a growing guide and naming certificate that will be entered into International Rose Naming Registry — so she can even have a flower named after her for Mother’s Day.
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