Try GOLD - Free
BALCONY scene
The Gazette
|June 05, 2025
How to fuse function with flair in your outside space, by SAM WYLIE-HARRIS
-
WITH outdoor living such a thing, landscaping your balcony and bringing out its best features feels more like a pastime than a project.
And with blue skies beckoning, creating an attractive vista - whether it's for soaking up the sun or starting a kitchen garden - is a win-win when summer's on your side.
As Karl Openshaw, creative director from Blocc Interiors puts it: “There’s nothing better than being outdoors when the weather's good.”
“While parks and gardens can be idyllic settings to soak up the sun, your own balcony can be even better - if you know how to shape it into a space that truly reflects you.”
To put you on the front foot, Karl has teamed up with Barratt London to share some top tips for making your outdoor area more beautiful and functional...
START WITH A RESET
The first step is to give your balcony a deep clean to sweep away any debris, dirt and tree pollen.
“It’s amazing how fresh everything feels once the dust and grime are gone,” says Karl. “Like you've already reclaimed the space for summer - once it’s clean, you've got a blank canvas ready for transformation.”
Repainting your balcony can work wonders, says the designer, whether you're freshening up the walls or painting the floor.
“Just make sure you're using a hard-wearing, weatherproof paint that can withstand both rain and sunshine... it's the fastest way to breathe life back into the space.”
This story is from the June 05, 2025 edition of The Gazette.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Gazette
The Gazette
JOANNE WATKINSON
COME ON YOU REDS... WHY I'M A SCARLET PIMPERNEL
2 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
'Additional' help against deadly diseases pledge amid outbreak
THE Department of Health and Social Care has said it will be providing \"additional support\" to GPs to protect children from life-threatening diseases, amid an outbreak of measles in north London.
1 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Royal visit to hospital is hindered by bad weather
BARONESS TANNI GREY THOMPSON PRAISES SERVICE
3 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Inquiry into Epstein links not ruled out
SEARCHES are continuing at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's previous home as the Government did not rule out a judge-led inquiry into the former prince's links with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein following police investigations.
1 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Money sought for new bridge over the A19
FUNDING is being sought for a bridge over the A19 to stop long distance walkers risking their lives crossing the dual carriageway.
1 min
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Tough going for recalled attacking pair as Oxford
KIM Hellberg admitted it was tough for both Jeremy Sarmiento and David Strelec to come into the Middlesbrough side and impress, as he rated their performances as “OK”.
1 min
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Mar-a-Lago shooting
THE US Secret Service has said that an armed man was shot and Killed after entering the secure perimeter of Mara-Lago, President Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
1 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Top level talks to secure 'best deal' on US tariffs
HIGH-LEVEL talks are ongoing after Donald Trump's announcement of 15% global tariffs and the Government wants “the best possible deal” for UK firms, a Cabinet minister has said.
2 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
SHARP FROST
MARION MCMULLEN looks at how The Frost Report brought smart satire to our screens 60 years ago and ushered in a new era of comedy in the process
1 mins
February 23, 2026
The Gazette
Dangerous liaisons in Al 'affair'
IN the early hours of Christmas Day, 2021, a chap called Jaswant Singh Chail travelled to Windsor Castle to see the late Queen.
1 mins
February 23, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size

