Houses with balconies... Houses with balconies, which are everyone's favorite nowadays, were once used only for hanging laundry and were seen as storage areas. However, with the pandemic, it gained a completely different meaning. Because they became the only open space where we could breathe during the long periods we spent at home during the pandemic period. Remember; Even looking outside with a cup of coffee had become a small representation of freedom.
After the pandemic, balconies are no longer just an architectural detail, they are an extension of the living space, often even the most private corner. So how did the function of balconies change with the pandemic? Come, let's talk together.
The Need for Contact with Nature: Mini Gardens
With the pandemic, we all started to need nature more. Balconies were a small but effective solution to this need. Many people have enlivened their balconies with flowers, potted plants or small vegetable gardens. Easy-to-grow plants such as mint, basil and tomatoes created a "tiny feeling of soil" in city life. Dealing with plants has become not only a visual pleasure, but also a stress-relieving therapy.
This process has taught us that balconies are the simplest way to reconnect with nature in the middle of the city.
Home Workspace: The Power of the Outdoors
As working from home became permanent during the pandemic period, balconies suddenly turned into "alternative offices". Working on your computer in a quiet environment on the balcony provided mental freshness. Moreover, sunlight and fresh air increased productivity; Coffee breaks were no longer held within four walls, but outdoors. Some have even set up a permanent mini office on their balconies, placing small tables, folding chairs and extension cords with plugs.
This change showed that balconies are no longer just places to sit in the evening, but a functional living space used during active hours of the day.
The New Address of Socialization
You may remember, during the busiest days of the pandemic, our only point of communication with neighbors was balconies. Balcony concerts, applause events, mutual conversations... These areas have become places where social ties are reestablished. Neighborhood relations were strengthened and balconies became socializing points. The balcony turned into a meeting place for people who read books, listened to music or chatted in the evenings. This interaction reminded us of the "neighborhood culture" that was lost especially in city life.
Even today, many people continue to hold small celebrations or friendly gatherings on their balconies.
Aesthetics and Personalization Trend
After the pandemic, balcony decoration has become an extension of interior design. Balconies are now a "design space" that reflects the style of the house. Balconies gained a brand new atmosphere with wooden flooring, soft seating areas, light chains and plant shelves. From minimalist styles to bohemian corners, everyone brought their own personal taste to the outdoors. Even in small spaces, both functional and aesthetic spaces were created with smart storage solutions.
In fact, “home tour” videos now show the balcony as much as the living room — because it is now the heart of the house.
Balconies in Terms of Real Estate Value
Housing preferences also changed after the pandemic. Balcony is no longer a "Nice if it is" criterion, but a "Must have it" criterion. After this change, the demand for houses with balconies increased significantly, which affected their market values. Especially large balconies or balconies with views were a strong preference for buyers. In new housing projects, balconies began to be redesigned as the center of the living space. In short, the balcony is no longer an indicator of comfort, but of quality of life.
The pandemic has taught us many things, but the most valuable of these is: Happiness is sometimes hidden in a small space, in a corner where we can breathe. Balconies are no longer just architectural details; Symbol of breath, production, socialization and peace.
If you still see the balcony in your home as just an "intermediate space", perhaps it is time to rediscover it. Because sometimes making life beautiful is just a few pots of flowers, a chair and some sunshine...
