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CREATE A PATIO IN THE CITY In small spaces don’t add too many colours using plants and décor. keep it simple so that it is easy on the eyes and gives the viewer the illusion of a larger area. When designing a balcony in a city, privacy is always an issue. I found this great white lattice at The home Depot. I turned it sideways, attached it to the balcony railing and added greenery in front, creating an intimate and functional privacy screen. I also added an umbrella, not to block the sun, but to block the view of the neighbours above me, taking away that fish bowl feeling and creating a relaxing room. Photo by Jason Hartog For that extra touch, I added a water fountain to drown out road traffic and give the illusion of being near a lake. It is also a nice visual and conversational piece. 39