Lookout World! Transforming an Unused Balcony...

A balcony that faces directly into a neighbour's house is a tad unfortunate! Close the blinds, shut the door and pretend it isn't there. That's exactly what one of our clients had been doing — until she called us.

The Challenge

The balcony itself was generous in size and well designed, with glass balustrades, tiled floors and good covered space. The problem wasn't the balcony. It was the view — or rather, the lack of one. Sitting out there felt exposed and uninviting — and frankly, staring straight into the neighbour's living room wasn't doing anyone any favours. So it simply went unused.

The Solution

Rather than adding screens or structures, we took a softer approach — using plants strategically to create privacy, frame the outlook and bring the space to life.

The key was selecting the right species. We chose a mix of natives that are hardy enough to thrive in a balcony environment — tolerant of wind, sun and the occasional dry spell when life gets busy. Tall, slender varieties were positioned to create a natural screen without completely blocking the light or the sky. Lower plantings added layering and texture at eye level.

The placement was just as important as the selection. Each pot was positioned with intention — to draw the eye upward and outward rather than toward the neighbouring roofline, and to frame the seating area so it felt enclosed and private without feeling hemmed in.

Existing furniture and pots the client already had were incorporated into the final arrangement, keeping costs down and giving the space a lived-in feel from day one.

The Result

The balcony is now a proper room — a quiet retreat with greenery on all sides, dappled light and enough privacy to actually sit and breathe. The neighbour's house is still there, of course. You just don't notice it anymore.

Material Costs

Materials for this project came to approximately $[PLACEHOLDER].

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