I gave my balcony a makeover for spring with a daybed and decor – it’s my favorite reading spot, people say it’s perfect
USING a few basic items, one woman converted her balcony into an outdoor reading nook.
She showed her followers a before and after look at the impressive transformation, which has gone viral with a whopping 4.2 million views.
Once the makeover was through, one viewer called the covered-over balcony the “perfect place to read while [it’s] raining.”
Several men even commented that she was “wife material” after watching her DIY the whole thing.
In her viral video, Johanna (@johannacpl) demonstrated the quick switch-up for her viewers.
She placed two wooden pallets in the corner of the balcony with a third used as a slanted backrest.
To add an element of comfort to the DIY daybed, Johanna placed a light brown cushion over the pallets.
She also added some decor to the outdoor area, including a string of paper lantern lights over the slanted roof.
Johanna placed a patterned rug at the foot of the daybed to make the closed-in space feel even more cozy.
Her final touches included placing tea lights and plants on the ledge beside the bed.
She also added smaller cushions and a blanket to the daybed to elevate the comfort further.
Johanna called the space her “favorite reading spot” in the caption of a second clip, a sentiment quickly echoed by viewers.
The interior design pro also said she was “ready for spring” after putting together the cozy nook.
Her followers shared their thoughts on the balcony transformation in the comments section.
“[Imagine] this room while reading your favorite book,” said one TikTok user.
“This is the best place for mindfulness meditation. I love your place, sweetie,” commented a third person.
“Just imagine how so peaceful reading there [would be], literally my dream reading room,” said another impressed follower.
Other TikTokers suggested some minor upgrades to elevate the space further.
How to make your backyard a little paradise
Houna Bech is an interior designer and founder of the style blog With Houna.
She revealed to The U.S. Sun five tips for transforming a drab outdoor space into a “sensory-rich little paradise.”
1. Embrace nature
“Use your landscaping, trees, flowers, and organic environment as your muse,” she said.
2. Bring the inside out
“Repeat color palettes, textures, and materials so the transition between indoors and out is seamless,” she said.
3. Create zones for specific purposes
“I might design a luxurious cabana with plush loungers and vanities for alfresco makeup sessions with my girlfriends,” she said.
4. Prioritize comfort
“I’m talking cloud-like sectionals, upholstered daybeds, and oversized weather-resistant poufs you can really envelop yourself in,” she said.
5. Get creative
“Finally, turn your entire outdoor area into an artistic installation,” Bech said.
“An idea, you could put small fake flowers inside those wooden pallets for a more aesthetic look,” wrote one person.
“[You] should use a fluffy blanket to hide the palettes,” advised another viewer.
Others joked about the impracticality of the cozy outdoor reading nook.
“Ugh, my kids would ruin this,” said one follower.
“Beautiful but all I can think about are the spiders,” wrote another person.