I have always liked to work on big projects slowly. It gives me time to plan, optimise my choices (Cost vs. Practicality vs. Aesthetics), decorate and ENJOY.

I never did like having balconies in the house because I am too lazy to clean anything outdoors. That would explain why my front porch is in a pathetic condition...I have not cleaned it since I moved in!!! Oh well, it can't be helped, we have a BIG porch. It's just too much trouble to clean! I figured I would start cleaning it once we get to decorating the porch. Anyway, having a balcony is a tropical country is not too wise because 90% of the time it is too damn hot to sit in the balcony during the day. And at nights if you sit there, the chances of getting bitten by a gazillion mosquitoes is 100%.

Hence, we transformed our balcony to a meditation/tea room. We call it the "Floating Room" simply because it "floats" over the garden.


What started out as a Balcony with a View...


...became an enclosed room with a full frontal view of the 4 acre park



Sliding doors were removed and replaced with a carved wooden frame. A Bamboo mat covers the cold tiles and lace curtains frame the room



A carved teak table, white Zen stones, 3 bamboo vases, floor cushions and table decor transforms the simple room into a relaxation area that can be used for meditation, reading or simply enjoying a cup of tea



With a small bamboo table, scented candles and a bible, the Floating Room also serves as a prayer room


Cost:

1. Walls on left and right side of the balcony, windows and grills, paint~ 1800

2. Removing sliding door and replacing with carved wooden frame ~ 800

3. Bamboo mat ~ 100

4. Carved teak table ~ 300

5. Cushions. bamboo vases flowers ~ 40

6. White Zen stones ~ 45

7. Bomboo table and scented candles ~ 75

8. Lace curtains and curtain rail ~ 40

Total Cost : $3200

And this, my friends, is the first episode of Transforming a House into a Home. Stay tuned for more miraculous transformations...


 

Created by the Princess and Turtle 2007