The Outdoor Space of Our Memories: Recreating Joy in Our Balconies and Terraces

 
 

Have you ever thought about how your fondest memories of outdoor places shaped who you are today? As children and young adults, we all had favorite outdoor spaces—places where we felt free, happy, and truly alive. Perhaps it was the sun-dappled garden of your childhood home, a peaceful lakeside retreat, or the rooftop where you watched the city lights twinkle. These places held magic, filled with emotions of joy, wonder, and serenity.


Now, as we create our high-rise sanctuary, what if we could bring back that same essence of joy and nostalgia? What if, instead of treating our balconies and terraces as mere extensions of our home, we shaped them into the cherished outdoor spaces of our past—our new favorite places?


The Power of Positive Outdoor Memories
Our past experiences are embedded in our minds, and the strongest memories are often those tied to emotion. A child’s laughter echoing in a backyard treehouse, the scent of blooming flowers in a grandparent’s garden, or the salty breeze of a summer by the sea—these are moments that stay with us forever. When we remember these places, we don’t just recall the visuals; we relive the feelings they gave us—freedom, comfort, inspiration, and peace.


However, as adults, we often overlook the importance of these emotional connections when designing our own spaces. We focus on trends, square footage, and functionality, but we rarely pause to ask ourselves: What outdoor space made me the happiest in my life? And more importantly, how can I recreate that feeling on my balcony or terrace?


Recreating the Essence of Your Favorite Outdoor Place
To design a space that truly resonates with you, take a journey back to your most cherished outdoor memories. Close your eyes and imagine:

  • The sights – Was it a lush garden, an open horizon, or the twinkle of city lights?

  • The sounds – Did you hear birds chirping, waves crashing, or the distant hum of a vibrant street?

  • The textures – Was it the feeling of cool stone underfoot, the softness of grass, or the warmth of wooden decks?

  • The scents – Did the air carry the aroma of pine trees, ocean mist, or fragrant blossoms?

  • The emotions – What did that place make you feel? Tranquility, inspiration, belonging?

Once you have uncovered these sensory and emotional details, use them as a guide for transforming your high-rise balcony or terrace. If you loved the cozy, flower-filled nooks of your childhood, consider adding lush greenery and intimate seating. If the beach was your sanctuary, incorporate natural materials, flowing fabrics, and a soft color palette that mimics sand and sea. If a quiet countryside retreat brought you peace, create a serene corner with wooden textures, soft lighting, and calming elements like a small water feature.


Your Balcony, Your Terrace as Your New Favourite Place
Your past holds a wealth of inspiration, and your outdoor space is an opportunity to bring it to life in the present. By consciously revisiting and embracing the essence of your most treasured outdoor memories, you can transform your balcony or terrace into a place where you feel truly at home. A place where every glance, every breath, and every moment rekindles the joy and comfort of your best-loved places.


So, when thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, don’t just think about aesthetics—think about emotions. Go back. Explore. Identify. And then create a space that brings those treasured moments into your daily life.


Your favourite outdoor place doesn’t have to stay in the past. It can be right here, in your home, waiting for you to step outside and experience it again.

Are you ready to transform your balcony or terrace into a luxury retreat?
Find out with our Balcony & Terrace Transformation Readiness Scorecard! Answer a few quick questions to discover how prepared you are for this exciting upgrade. Start planning your dream outdoor space today!