If someone mentioned the word balcony a decade ago, it would often be synonymous with the ‘extra’ space used to dry clothes, have some plants and more often store things that you would not discard in a hurry! Traditionally, balconies and patios were always treated as secondary spaces within a home; used only occasionally and designed solely to bring in light and ventilation. But today, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, our relationship with these spaces has changed quite significantly. For many people living in high-rises or dense urban environments, the balcony has become an important connection to openness, light, air and nature.

“Increasingly, people want it to support their everyday lives, whether that means having their morning coffee there, reading, working for a few hours, entertaining, or simply stepping outside for a moment,” says Anju Mukhi Mistri, principal designer, Open Atelier, a Mumbai-based design studio.

Mistri adds, “Clients nowadays come to us with more clarity. This shift is influencing how we think about patio and balcony design elements in terms of functionality, planning, layout, furniture and lighting.”

Climate responsive

Homeowners today are meticulously investing in creating balconies and patios that can feel like an extra room, offering light, fresh air, greenery, and flexibility while staying closely connected to the home.

“Large sliding doors, folding glazing systems, and smart material choices are helping to blur the line between the inside and outside,” says Anika Mittal Dhawan, founder director of Mold Design Studio, a New Delhi-based architecture and interiors practice.

These balconies carry forward the architectural and material language of the home through repeated finishes such as terracotta roof tiles, timber ceilings, earthy plastered walls, and tonal flooring patterns, creating a seamless dialogue between indoors and outdoors. Dhawan also adds that another key trend is the meaningful integration of greenery. Edible gardens, layered planting, and climate-friendly landscaping are gaining popularity as people look for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.

Weather-friendly natural materials like wood, cane and textured fabrics are in vogue. Further, wicker, teak and powder-coated metal remain popular because they are durable yet inviting.

“Terracotta, checkerboard tiles, plaster finishes, and handcrafted ceramic planters add warmth, texture, and a lived-in authenticity while maintaining visual continuity with the interiors,” says Divya Khullar, co-founder and principal designer, 1405 Design Studio, a multidisciplinary design practice located in Chennai.

Khullar adds, “Cane and woven chairs, compact café-style seating, wooden swings, and low lounge arrangements work fabulously for an effortless informality while retaining elegance.”

Along with layered greenery, natural materials and softer lighting, smaller water elements, whether in the form of compact fountains, water bowls, or subtle water walls, are beginning to find their way again into balconies and patios. Especially in urban homes, these elements help soften noise, introduce movement, and create a more calming atmosphere without overwhelming the space.

Colour, lighting and more

In terms of colour, there is a strong preference for earthy and nature-inspired tones like olive, sand, charcoal, and clay. “I personally gravitate towards earthy colour palettes like terracotta, warm greys, muted greens and off-whites, layered with tactile textures like stone, wood, linen, and concrete finishes,” says Siddhina Sakla, architect and founder, The Arch Studio, a Pune-based design firm.

Green hope

Vertical greens, moss walls, climbers, planter boxes and traditional plants are popular options. Some benefits:

Plants can filter dust, reduce visual harshness, and even change the way a space feels through texture

Improves air quality, reduces heat, and brings a sense of calm into urban homes

Gardens can also offer privacy, create visual interest, and turn plain surfaces into living features that change with the seasons

Materiality is also gaining importance. Exposed brick, natural stone, terrazzo, textured concrete, timber, woven surfaces, and handmade tiles add depth and authenticity. Instead of highly polished finishes, people are choosing materials that feel tactile, genuine, and connected to nature.

Lighting in balconies and patios is becoming increasingly experiential and layered, with warm ambient lighting preferred over harsh functional lighting. “We have been using floor lamps, lanterns, wall sconces, and concealed lighting to create a softer, more atmospheric mood that encourages relaxation,” adds Khullar. Soft wall lights, hidden LED strips, lantern-style fixtures, pendant lights, and integrated planter lighting are all used to create warmth and comfort in the evenings.

Small balcony ideas

One of the most effective ways to make a small balcony feel larger is through visual continuity; think uninterrupted flooring patterns, minimal railings, seamless thresholds, and large sliding openings.

Compact balconies benefit from multifunctional seating, slim-profile furniture, foldable furniture, compact storage, lighter colour palettes and open circulation, all of which keeps the space light and creates a greater sense of volume.

Here is a look at four distinctively designed balconies.

Sweven | Open Atelier, Kolkata

Located in Kolkata’s Forum Atmosphere Towers, Sweven has been designed for three generations. The duplex blends neoclassical elegance, vintage charm, and industrial elements. The balcony within is envisioned as the addition that creates a relaxing outdoor space in sync with the larger language of the residence. “Framed by classical arches, textured wall finishes, warm, dimmed lighting and layered greenery, the space creates a strong sense of intimacy. The layout is intentionally minimal and open, allowing movement and pause to co-exist naturally, says principal designer Mistri. She adds that wooden deck flooring introduced warmth underfoot, while the muted palette of earthy browns, stone textures, charcoal tones, and soft upholstery helped create a grounded and relaxed atmosphere.

“Lightweight lounge seating, lantern lighting, integrated planters, and subtle landscape layering further soften the experience of the space,” adds Mistri.

Madras Gatsby | 1405 Design Studio, Chennai

The balcony in this 4,000-sq.ft. apartment was designed as a layered outdoor living space that seamlessly extends from the interiors. Large sliding openings visually connect the balcony to the interiors, allowing the space to function as an extended outdoor room rather than as a detached space on the edge. The balcony layout combines lounge seating, café-style dining, and lush peripheral planting while maintaining openness and uninterrupted movement from the inside and outside.

“The furniture palette includes woven café chairs, compact wooden seating and relaxed lounge arrangements that encourage slow living and conversation. The palette is warm and tropical-modern — muted textured walls, clay tiles, timber ceilings, and abundant greenery create a rich yet relaxed atmosphere. The checkerboard flooring introduces a bold graphic identity,” says Khullar.

At the same time, the sloping tiled roof, warm material palette, and tropical planting soften the experience and create a rich sense of volume despite the apartment setting, he added. “Layered greenery along the edges acts as a natural privacy screen, fostering a feeling of immersion and calm within an otherwise dense urban context,” adds Khullar.

Allperto | Mold Design Studio, New Delhi

At Allperto, the balcony was designed as a natural extension of the home’s social and living areas. Situated next to the formal living room and bar, it serves as a bridge between the indoor areas and the lush landscape outside.

“The balcony reflects the home’s overall material choices, including exposed brick, pinewood, terrazzo, and soft grey colours. Layered plants line the edge of the space, making it feel like a natural escape, even within a busy urban area,” says Dhawan.

She added that the design promoted easy movement amidst the balcony, living room, dining area, and family lounge, allowing each space to function independently while still feeling connected.

“One major challenge was achieving openness without sacrificing comfort and privacy. This was resolved through careful planning, smart plant placement, and adjustable architectural features that allow the space to expand and adapt to its use. The result is a balcony that truly offers a breath of fresh air in the city while enhancing the home’s focus on openness, flexibility, and connection to nature,” adds Dhawan.

Cedar Cane | The Arch Studio, Pune

Designed as an extension of the living room, the balcony is planned to maximise views of Pune’s tekdis (hills) and natural light. A swing and a Buddha statue create a calm seating corner, while the overall layout remains minimal and uncluttered. Elements like muted tones, warm wood finishes, cane accents, and subtle textures seamlessly connect the balcony to the rest of the home.

“The balcony stands out for its strong connection to nature and memory. It was designed as a quiet pause within the home, framing panoramic hill views while allowing seamless integration with the living area,” says Sakla.

However, the main challenge was creating a minimal and low-maintenance aesthetic while ensuring the balcony felt cosy and inviting. “Since the apartment is on a higher floor, the materials also had to withstand strong natural light and changing weather conditions. More than just an outdoor space, the balcony became an emotional anchor within the home: a place for quiet reflection,” adds Sakla.

Design on a budget

Opt for simple furniture and accessories like cane chairs, jute baskets and mirrors to give your space a chic look. Wicker and aluminium furniture are also budget-friendly options.

Pallet furniture is another versatile and good choice suitable for the outdoors.

Repurpose large wooden crates as stools. They can also be used to hold planters or big candle stands. Choose planters upcycled from glass containers, mason jars and even hollow bamboo poles.

Fairy lights and hanging lamps serve to give your balcony a warm and cosy feeling.

Decluttering and maintenance

Review the items in your balcony on a regular basis and remove items that may no longer be needed. Think extra furniture you had to put in for a get-together or a throw blanket you added for a cold, windy day.

Remove dry leaves, overgrown weeds and climbers regularly. Repot plants as needed and always have bottom trays under pots to prevent water spilling onto the floor.

Wall mounted planters and vertical gardens are again a great idea to keep the floor space neat and uncluttered.

Artificial lawn grass is easy to remove, clean and even relocate. Ensure cracks are sealed quickly to prevent water seepage.

Blowers, vacuum cleaners and window railing cleaners are good gadgets to have handy.

The Bengaluru-based freelance writer is passionate about all things design, travel, food, art and culture.