Helena Talbot’s blog – Designing A Balcony Retreat

When was the last time you thought about your patio or balcony?  Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular and for good reason.  An outdoor living space will give you a change of pace.  A living space where you can relax and enjoy the ambiance.  A living space that is unlike any other part of your home.  So why not fix it up and turn it into a balcony retreat?  Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

1.  First decide how you want to use the space.  Do you want a personal space that is customized just for you?  Or would you rather have a space that is perfect for entertaining and socializing?  

2.  Now you can make a blueprint of exactly what you want.  Sometimes a few plants and a nice bistro table and chairs is all it needs.  Some people may prefer something a little more elaborate.  Consider building your balcony around a theme.  Such as a country garden, a casino, or something relating to your favorite hobby.  

3.Here are a few ideas you can use to build on:

• Add a sunshade
• Make it into an outdoor garden - just make sure you only use plants that can handle the amount of sun your balcony receives
• Turn it into a book nook
• Design a romantic retreat
• Add a porch swing
• Perhaps some nice wicker furniture
• Give it a country cottage feel
• You may like some statues or fountains with a tapestry backdrop
• Add some throw pillows or some outdoor art and a small rug for a splash of color
• Make it tropical by adding some bamboo, a ficus or some decorative grasses and top it off with a lattice backdrop
• Mix and match lighting really adds to the mood of the space.  You can use a mixture of candles, a spotlight or strings of small white lights to adorn the space 

Just remember, this is your space and you can do anything you want with it.  If you add something that doesn't seem to fit - change it.  If you get bored with the look and want something different - change it.  It's that simple.  There's nothing easier than upgrading your outdoor living space.  You can also turn it into a social event and invite all your friends over to help.  So get started and have some fun.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, contact your realtor and request a comparative market analysis of your area, as well as, a list of available homes in the location of your choice.  Your realtor is there to help you in any way he can.  

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.