Whether your balcony is a small urban garden or a spacious al fresco lounge, make sure to include it in your cleaning schedule.
Whether your balcony is a small urban garden or a spacious al fresco lounge, make sure to include it in your cleaning schedule.
Having a balcony is a luxury in Singapore, so if you have one, you’d want to get the most out of it, no matter the size. However, remember that balconies are open to the elements, so regular maintenance is a must. Here are some pointers to ensure your outdoor space receives enough TLC.
Keep it green
Artificial turf or synthetic grass is gaining ground in balconies, because it adds a green factor with less care and maintenance required than natural grass. Grooming it regularly – according to the amount of foot traffic it gets – will help extend its life and keep it looking as natural as possible.
Using a brush with synthetic bristles at least 12cm long, brush the grass against the natural grain. This will keep the fibres upright and fluffed up.
Most spills can be rinsed away with water. If residue remains after hosing off the area, use a mild, natural soap with warm water or a half-and-half mix of vinegar and water, which also removes bacteria.
Maintain the deck
Another popular balcony flooring is timber decking, typically in chengal or balau. Timber decking can be cleaned with a vacuum or a mop, but it scratches easily, so take care when moving furniture around. Protective stains for decks also deteriorate over time due to natural wear and tear, so it’s best to have it restained yearly. To avoid darkening of wood colour through repeated staining, thorough sanding may be required before applying a new layer.
Unclog drains
Check your balcony drains often for debris that might cause clogging, such as fallen leaves or accumulated dirt. Sweep them up right away to prevent water ponding – you don’t want water to eventually flow into your indoor space.
Keep weight in check
Your balcony floor slab can bear only so much weight. Don’t place overly heavy pots or huge installations in your al fresco area.
Mind the moisture
Water can be an erosive element, especially if your balcony is facing the coast. Moisture from sea breeze can cause fast rusting of steel or rotting of wood. Look out for these signs and get professional help if such damage occurs.
Make An Impression
Prints can certainly change the look of a space! Made from polyester, cotton, linen and viscose, Acacia Fabrics’ Staccato range of 10 classic prints in neutral colours will lend a classy feel to your home. Having undergone the Martindale and Wyzenbeek rub tests (which measure the durability of fabrics) for between 2,000 and 105,000 abrasions, the pieces are sure to stand the test of time.
Prices for all AcaciaFabrics’ products are available upon request by calling 6743-0060. Visit http://www.acaciafabrics.com for more details.
Fan-tastic!
Cool down with Acorn Fantastique fans that feature acrylic blades pitched at 23 degrees to ensure the best wind performance. Thanks to its clean and simple lines, the contemporary design fits into all home styles. The three-tone LED light attachment allows you to change the lighting ambience of any part of your abode conveniently. The Acorn Fantastique fan comes in three colours – matte black, coffee, and matte white.
The Acorn Fantastique fans retail from $639 at http://www.acornceilingfan.com.
Smooth Marbling
You can’t go wrong with an elegant conversation piece, like Crate & Barrel’s Hexa side table. Designed with a top featuring a mosaic pattern of marble hexagonal tiles, and a flared iron base, the table exudes an understated and laid-back beauty. It’s also versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use. The Hexa side table comes in three sizes, and can be layered for added dimension.
The Hexa side table is priced at $499, exclusivelyat all Crate & Barrel outlets .Call 6634-4222.
The Perfect Soak
Enjoy your very own spa-like bath sanctuary with the Neorest bathtub from Toto. It’s made using Toto’s custom Luminist material that is impact-and heat-resistant, and easy to maintain. The Neorest also comes with embedded LED lights.
The Neorest Luminist bathtub costs $48,835. Find it at the W.Atelier showroom on Level 1, 75 Bukit Timah Road. For more information, call 6270-8828.
Photography DARREN CHANG Design MUSEUM HOMES
