Designer Mangesh Lungare shares expert tips on how to transform a balcony

For those cheerful house parties or intimate evenings spent watching the sunset with your loved ones, a balcony is perfect for this time of the year. Just like the interiors of our homes, these zones should reflect our personalities. “When I am styling a home, I strongly believe that the residents should have a deep physical and psychological connection with the space,” says Mangesh Lungare. The interior and architectural designer is now based in Mumbai, but his upbringing in the peaceful, remote countryside of Dudhalwadi village in Maharashtra has a profound effect on how he approaches design today. “We need to understand who we are crafting the space for. We have to understand where they are from what they say – from their stories, experiences and travels,” he adds.

Mangesh is very clear that your home should be comforting to you and complement and elevate your daily life. So, here are his simple guidelines to turn your balconies into beautiful havens with a touch of luxury:

Use exterior specific colour and textures
Mangesh says, “The driving force of the look I have styled is the colour and texture of the wall, which can be a perfect canvas for layering other elements while still being a standout feature. I’ve used Asian Paints Ultima Allura Graniza exterior paint in a Fine Finish texture topped with their Tile Guard Clear Matt Topcoat. I felt a deep connection with the terracotta; it takes me back home. The diagonal texture, at an angle of 45 degrees, adds beauty and visual interest. It’s a simple expression that is very effective. If possible, bring in hardwood flooring as well - the wood grain adds to the visual texture while being a neutral canvas for the other pieces. If you choose the right wood and maintain it properly, it will last a lifetime. I’ve used the Asian Paints Woodtech Emporio PU clear finish to polish the floors.”

Plants and DIY hanging lights for a year-round festive feel
“You will need a seating area to make the space comfortable but to style a balcony or patio, you don’t need too many props once you add greenery and suspended lights. A few potted plants can completely transform the look. Make sure to choose the right plants for the space and weather conditions. It adds life to the vignette and can bring about a sense of wellbeing.In addition to greenery and suspended lights, incorporating a well-thought-out furniture arrangement into your balcony design can create a cozy and inviting seating area, perfect for enjoying the outdoors or entertaining guests.

I have crafted these DIY delicate hanging light features which gently sway in the breeze, my rendition of festive lanterns that remind me of temple bells. I’ve used paper cut-outs glued around thin bands of wood with LED strips to illuminate each piece. I added rough paint stroke to the paper globes to give each a different look and then hung them from the ceiling at different heights with thin wire. So, during the day they softly sway in the breeze, and at night the gently illuminated installation creates a pleasing vibe.”

For a Diwali gathering, bring in a hint of tradition and comfortable seating
“Add a pretty rug to the mix. You can fashion comfortable floor seating around it for a house party.  Another element that screams Diwali to me is brass - from planters and vases to curios and thalis filled with garlands, bring in some brass pieces to add a traditional element to the space.

Here, I’ve chosen a few rustic elements that still work with a contemporary space like a tiger head, mask and cow figurine from Philips Antiques. I’ve added a beautiful Chandigarh Chair in dark wood and cane that brings out that vintage vibe. The side table on wheels is a new design we are working on in our studio. This carefully curated blend of rustic and vintage elements not only complements the contemporary ambiance, but also showcases the seamless integration of different design styles, creating a captivating and unique Interior Design composition."