This Country, Shabby Chic-Inspired Balcony Makeover Is What Your Dainty Dreams Are Made Of
The space seamlessly connects with Christine Limaco's country-themed home!
Christine Limaco’s dainty country-style home in Laguna is no stranger to Real Living’s pages. In fact, it was previously featured both on our magazine and our website in 2015. This time, though, she shares with us s new project: her balcony.
Blending seamlessly with her home’s aesthetics, the approximately 50sqm balcony was transformed into the perfect place for breakfast and afternoon tea.
“For the past years, it was [a] plain, boring extra space that we don’t even use or visit,” she tells Real Living via email. “But due to ECQ, we decided to make it our new hang-out garden.”
In order to maximize what space they had and to give her kids an area to safely relax and be outdoors, Christine and her family got into the renovation.
“The artificial grass… and the retro string lights [were] non-negotiable, because without those, my design will not be perfect.” These two factors, in fact, already drastically changed the space, making it cozier and more playful. “I asked my husband to DIY the lights. We do not want to buy the 'ready-made/hang' party lights because we wanted to make sure of the quality…since it will be exposed to rain and sun all throughout.
Instead of going all-out with the greenery, Christine decided to use plants and a wooden stand as accents. She repotted plants into her old collections of teacups and pitchers, carefully drilling holes at the bottom of each.
Probably the nicest find that now graces the balcony is her set of tables and chairs. “I luckily found the makers of Mary Grace Café garden tables and chairs. I asked [them] to customize a design for my garden, to make it look French and shabby-chic.”
As a final touch, Christine used the trellis to hang her collection of windchimes which she bought from places she has traveled to, such as Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. “And I made my own shabby-chic buntings to complement the theme.”
The total cost of the renovation was around P30,000, but the result was worth it—a beautifully dainty space where her family can enjoy afternoons together.
“With hard work and sweat, I’m so proud that I executed this project…with the support of my husband,” she says. “All the designing and the planning. I think it turned out pretty nice.
“The vibe is so relaxing. Sunset ang area, so perfect ‘pag afternoon kasi shaded na during sunset.”
Check out what the rest of Christine’s house looks like!
“The theme of our exteriors is originally American Country/Shabby Chic. It was my dream, since I was a child, to live in a country house in the suburbs... With a cozy porch and swing in front of the house. I also love and am fascinated with all the cool, pastel colors of the houses in San Francisco.”
Kitchen
“My kitchen…was recently slightly renovated to accommodate my pink FAB32 SMEG refrigerator and my pantry cabinet customized by Lucina, where I keep all my groceries.
Dining area
“Our dining room table and assorted Windsor dining chairs in pastels are also customized.“
China cabinet
“My favorite is my shabby chic china cabinet where I can showcase my collection of teapots/teacups from abroad. Beside it is my pink Crosley retro payphone that my cousin sent me from the U.S., and yes, it is working.”
More DIY Projects
Old vintage shelves separate Christine’s living and dining areas.
She also personally installed wallpaper on the steps.
Christine put up her Royal Albert china collection as an interesting contrast to striped walls.
*Parts of the interview were edited for clariy.
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Have you recently spruced up your room or renovated your home? We'd definitely love to see the result! Send clear photos (with your full name, city address, and accompanying kuwento) to [email protected], and we may just feature your DIY project!
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