Our very first London flat had no garden/balcony/large window ledges. I remember spending hot summer days with my face pressed against the glass of the back window watching on in envy as our neighbours gleefully enjoyed their too large gardens. So when we moved into our new house, complete with outside deck area, we vowed to use it every day come rain or shine. And for a while, we did just that (we have been known to bbq in the snow), but as with all good things, we have started to take it for granted and spend more time sitting in front of the laptop than enjoying our outdoors. I would chalk it up to the atrocious English weather but after seeing how they live in Stockholm, I fear I can no longer use that excuse. Even though the temperatures were a not-so-toasty 7 degrees, it did not deter the hardy Stockholmers (is that even the right term), who hit the parks, balconies and outside cafes in their droves.
To illustrate my point I am using images of stunning balconies from Swedish based brokerage-come-interior design firm Alvhem.
Ha! I'll tell you why that is: the cold in Stockholm is far dryer than here which means that it's not too unpleasant to sit outside even if the temperature is relatively low. Here it's always damp or wet which makes it very uncomfortable. See, gave you the perfect excuse to spend more time in front of your laptop - sorry ;-) Love all the pictures though! xo
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I remember living in a flat with no sunlight and no balcony for a few years. I love how they transformed a small space into a private tranquil escape. It fills me with great happiness staring at these beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeletedon't beat yourself up. it's easy to forget (temporarily) the good things you have. might happen if you'd live in Stockholm too.
ReplyDeleteWow - those Swedes do more on a tiny terrace than we do with entire backyards! Having breakfast in any of these pretty spaces would be a great way to start the day - rain or shine!
ReplyDeletexxoo
C + C
I could happily hang out on any of those balconies, the last one in particular. How could would it be to lay on the platform to read a book or just watch the life go by down on the street. We have only sat outside in our backyard this year once, ok it's not a nice backyard yet. Hope we'll be enjoying it once we fix it up...
ReplyDeleteBBQing in the SNOW - I love it! + hubby and I LOVE bbqing all seasons as we enjoy the beauty of nature around us. In our previous home we didn't have an outdoor section that we could BBQ so in our new home we TOTALLY take advantage of the outdoors ... bbqing, playings card games outside, tea/coffee, smoking cigar = enjoying the outdoor (leaves swaying, birds singing, and neighbors saying hi). Sooo coat/gloves/scarf/boots + BBQ utensil is a norm over here in New York :)
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely nice to have outdoor space. I feel less confined that way.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know which one to look at first. They are all so charming!
ReplyDeleteAda
I love the first balcony. Hey, why not sit out and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate laughing at each other in your ear muffs and mitts in the snow. Heck, even build yourself a little snow man out there while your at it. 8-)
ReplyDeleteWe've been slacking on the use of our balcony as well. But I am pretty sure that if we had a comfy sofa in it (like, say, in the second to last image), I would be back on board with using it all the time.
ReplyDeleteWow talking about an incredibly artful use of space! I need to take a bit of inspiration from this for my own patio!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
oh man! take me there now!
ReplyDeleteI love the little Swedish balconies. With so much apartment living, their balconies are often tiny, but they still make them look fabulous! I feel very spoilt with our massive wrap-around deck leading onto a patio ;D x
ReplyDeleteMy daughter spent all of last year living in Sweden on a youth exchange program. She said that on the first weekend in Spring the parks were packed with people sunbathing and it continued until Summer's end. I guess in Sweden they make the most of the outdoors while they can. Beautiful pictures of all those lovely balconies. Annie M...Australia
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