Sometime ago, I posted that work started on our balcony. At our old place we used the balcony for dinner so initially we toyed with the idea of getting a table and chairs. But in the end, we opted to make the balcony an extension of the condo, adding another room for us to use, and planning it as a ‘zen’ sanctuary.

We bought an outdoor sofa and lovely pillows from Restoration Hardware, added a rug, and a pebbly stone entrance mat. We bought and potted some reed-like plants and a gorgeous clematis, added a buddha and candles … and let me tell you, in the evenings with the candles lit and a glass of wine, damn is it mighty fine.

I still need to find the right planter for the clematis and secure the trellis, and we’re still looking for either a wall-mounted water fountain or fireplace for the far wall. And where I planned a tall bamboo plant, I shall instead put up some birch saplings instead to add more privacy to the frosted glass.

But all in all, I’m quite happy with how it’s worked out.