Today I’ll show you Wille’s favorite spot in the whole house. He loves the top floor (which is basically all his) but the balcony is where he loves to hag out when the weather is good.
This wasn’t always the case though. When we viewed the house the balcony floor looked like this and we were both afraid to step out on it because the boards were so brittle. And also the huge gaps between the boards felt a bit weird.
Looking up it was really dingy and moldy and of course there was that mustard yellow wall I couldn’t wait to get rid of.
And after; New larch wood flooring (my contractors did that), white walls, trim and ceiling and few spray coats of BRIGHT yellow on the old folding table along with our old Toy chairs which got some cushions this year.
Me like.
Looks great! I'm jealous...maybe I could keep my plants alive if they had a nice balcony to live on.
Posted by: Maureen@ Notes on a Visual Life | August 23, 2011 at 02:02 AM
oh, me too LIKE!
Posted by: conni | August 23, 2011 at 02:09 AM
me like very much. simple and calm.
Posted by: Mirka Brulak | August 23, 2011 at 02:27 AM
What an incredible change! And it seems the sun came out to celebrate your achievement and help you enjoy the balcony. I really do not know where you get your energy from. You do so much! Any motivation or organizational tips to share? I am full of admiration for you!
Posted by: Nicky | August 23, 2011 at 02:42 AM
I love the larch flooring. Did you have to coat it with anything?
Posted by: Wendy | August 23, 2011 at 03:11 AM
What a great spot. It looks really tranquil. You did a great job.
Posted by: Rose | August 23, 2011 at 03:13 AM
No, that's the beauty of larch as opposed to treated wood. Apparently no treatment is necessary, apart from cleaning. I'm going to use it for the patio decking next year too. It's about three times as expensive but so worth it if it keeps me from having to treat it constantly
Posted by: Carlos | August 23, 2011 at 03:16 AM
oh, that's beautiful. i'd be out there every morning. larch - how interesting! i'll have to look into that.
Posted by: elisa | August 23, 2011 at 03:20 AM
I know we got some glimpses of the progress thru summer but a step-by step of the process would be great inspiration! Great job!
Posted by: annie | August 23, 2011 at 03:25 AM
What a brilliant spot, I can understand Willie's love of being out there.
Posted by: Hxx | August 23, 2011 at 03:46 AM
No wonder Willie likes to hang there. Looks fab! We have a patio and privacy screens out of larch and we love it. It our third summer with it and the patio has a lovely grey patina. My husband does oil it once a year, but I don't really think that it is necessary.
Posted by: Monica | August 23, 2011 at 04:00 AM
Would be my favourite place, too. Beautiful!
Posted by: Ulrike | August 23, 2011 at 04:04 AM
Nothing quite like white to bring new life to things! And the pop of yellow is fantastic!
Speaking of Wille - it's been on my mind so I'll ask now while I remember. Where did you get that large map of the world from his room at the old house? Would love one for my son's room. Thanks!
Posted by: Robyn | August 23, 2011 at 04:17 AM
A perfect and pretty place for a cup of morning coffee, planning the day ahead, reading, or just daydreaming and watching the world go by.
Posted by: Zosia | August 23, 2011 at 04:20 AM
What did you do to the mold in the ceiling? Enough to wash it off and paint over, or did you replace it? After reading your blog I will not be afraid to buy a place that needs a "face lift" (although I understand that you put in a GREAT deal of effort...). Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Anna | August 23, 2011 at 05:16 AM
Love it! It looks really great. Right now I'm tackling a balcony project. My problem isn't "structural"... it has more to do with pigeons.
Posted by: Madie | August 23, 2011 at 05:51 AM
Will consider that!
Posted by: Carlos | August 23, 2011 at 06:57 AM
It came from a local map shop here in Stockholm. I know tyhere are on-line sites that sell them too though, try googeling "world map for wall" or something like that.
Posted by: Carlos | August 23, 2011 at 06:59 AM
I got a special cleaner that removes algae and mold growth. I've tried different types, one that you spray on and leave for 24 hours and then rinse and this one that you spray, wait ten minutes and then rinse. Both have worked well. Then I scraped, sanded and painted.
Posted by: Carlos | August 23, 2011 at 07:01 AM
It looks like a great hangout indeed!! Larch is very sturdy indeed. Does it get slippery at all? Love the cushions by the way...
Posted by: Petra from NL | August 23, 2011 at 07:51 AM
But does Wille like? (I think I know the answer, but had to ask it anyway!)
Posted by: Dusa | August 23, 2011 at 09:07 AM
As with the rest of your projects- looks great.
PS- looking forward to your Pins on Pinterest!
Posted by: homestilo | August 23, 2011 at 09:39 AM
me like as well, very nicely done. Love the pop of yellow!
Posted by: Giulia | August 23, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Not more than regular decking I'd say.
Posted by: Carlos | August 23, 2011 at 10:47 AM
This made me laugh, Madie! Good luck with those birds!
Posted by: Lisa | August 23, 2011 at 11:49 AM
That would be my favorite spot, too! Beautiful renovation!
Posted by: Lisa | August 23, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Great :-))
Posted by: jja | August 23, 2011 at 12:12 PM
you don't stop amazing me... whenever I think there can't be more... you srprise me with a new and wonderful project... this balcony looks fantastic
Posted by: Amy | bulk flowers Co | August 23, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Wow, your new balcony looks fabulous! And I love the table makeover. :)
Posted by: Natalie | August 23, 2011 at 07:03 PM
This is so nice, I like everything! =)
http://bloobreyplace.blogspot.com
Posted by: Bloobreyplace.blogspot.com | August 23, 2011 at 07:31 PM
You are without a doubt the most productive person I have ever seen! I have been following you for a couple of years now and have been wanting to tell you that. How do you do it???! Have you cloned yourself?... Because you zip through projects like there are three of you! Do you leap out of bed in the morning and just dive right in? Wait... I just remembered that you have a job outside the home as well! Seriously... is there something in the water where you live??? Could you do a series some day on time management and productivity?!
You're Amazing!
Posted by: Kathy Sandy | August 23, 2011 at 08:58 PM
I have to agree with Kathy Sandy. If I finished 1/10% of what you did I would be thrilled! You are a very ambitious, creative, and productive person. I feel blessed if I keep up with my children and nothing more.
Posted by: Abbi | August 23, 2011 at 10:03 PM
That is a beautiful balcony. How do you get your teen to deal with clutter? Have you looked into composite decking? I need to replace mine in the northwest and it seems kind of low maintenance. You are such a good researcher..... Also decanted laundry soap because of you, very smug now!
Posted by: Robin | August 23, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Sometimes I pick it up and/or corral it and sometine I ask Wille to pick it up and corral it himself :). I can't stand stuff on the floor though (like sweaty socks and dirty t-shirts so that's usually what I take care of... He's not very messy though :)
I've actually never come across composite decking over here and I'd worry that it wouldn't feel natural. But I'd probably love the low maintenance...
Posted by: Carlos | August 24, 2011 at 03:01 AM
On weekends I do leap out of bed. On weekdays not so much :).
Posted by: Carlos | August 24, 2011 at 03:06 AM
I'd like to know this, too. Maybe she's like Martha Stewart and only needs four hours of sleep.
Posted by: Patia | August 24, 2011 at 03:32 AM
As usual...love what you have done! And seeing your yellow table makes me think of your yellow shower curtain that you were going to bleach to brighten up the cream stripes...will we get to see the results?
Posted by: Martha | August 24, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Actually, after the initial "it's cream!" I haven't been botherered about it :). Also I think it got a tad bit whiter from just washing it in detergent for white fabrics. Or maybe I've just gottemn used to it... The yellow is still as bright.
Posted by: Carlos | August 24, 2011 at 10:17 AM
The balcony is really very beautiful. Flooring has been done in a very artful manner.
Posted by: Property Investment London | September 06, 2011 at 09:40 AM