Prepare The Balcony For The Summer

Sunflower with a burst of sunlight poster

Summer is one of the most awaited seasons around the world. This is the time when kids can go out to enjoy the heat of the sun. This is also the right time to prepare the balcony so that you and your family can use it for some outdoor fun. 

Clean the balcony before decorating

Before decorating the balcony, you need to thoroughly clean it. This includes the floor, railing, walls, door, and others. Use eco-friendly detergent in cleaning them. Use baking soda when cleaning the floor. For the windows, wash them with a mixture of water and vinegar then wipe with a crumpled paper. Though there are glass cleaning solutions that can be bought from the grocery, baking soda and water can help you save a few bucks. Cleaning the balcony will also allow you to check its condition. You may also discover some parts that need to be repaired or replaced. 

Add lighting in the balcony

Lighting is needed in all rooms of your house. It may be functional but lighting can also add drama and effects to the entire room. You can add general and accent lighting as well as ambient lighting to achieve the desired effects. Examples of general and accent lightings are articulated clip lamps and ceiling lights. On the other hand, floor lamps, pendant lamps, lanterns, and string lights are examples of ambient lighting.

Give it a touch of nature with plants 

Adding plants and flowers is one of the best ways to make the balcony look like summertime. With blooms and greens, you can also make it look like a mini garden. These can be in large pots, hanging planters, or railing planters. Be creative and add a vegetable patch that you can use in the future in some of your dishes. 

Make the balcony look cozy and relaxing

There are different themes or appearances that can make the balcony look cozy. The addition of a close seating arrangement and the right outdoor lighting can do the trick. Designers and many homeowners also recommend the addition of thematic plants and decor as they can liven up the balcony.

Grill pit for an outdoor party

It is a tradition to have a BBQ while enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. Summer is never complete without having a BBQ party. These days, there are table-top and tiny frill options that can make the balcony look more fun and exciting. Not to mention the BBQ that you will be serving. Just remember to have a fire extinguisher or a pail of water if things turn out roughly. 

Tables and chairs on the balcony

A small table and set of chairs can give you the opportunity to have an outdoor breakfast any day of the week. You can also make the balcony into a small nook for a bottle of beer with your buddies. Add other decors such as string lights to personalize the balcony and make it look perfect for the dry season.

Beach sea poster

Beach sea poster

Water is natural solvent and it can also cleanse and purify. It also nourishes the earth to satisfy the body and other organisms. A poster print of the beach is one of the impressive arts to display to create a lively yet rejuvenating room atmosphere. A poster print that is cool and refreshing to the sense of vision will likewise create a calming and relaxing mood to the mind.

Palm leaves on beach poster

Palm leaves on beach poster

Water is natural solvent and it can also cleanse and purify. It also nourishes the earth to satisfy the body and other organisms. A poster print of the beach is one of the impressive arts to display to create a lively yet rejuvenating room atmosphere. A poster print that is cool and refreshing to the sense of vision will likewise create a calming and relaxing mood to the mind.

Canyon poster

Canyon poster

A canyon is a type of landform that looks like a valley with deep sides. They are formed over millions of years due to erosion by natural causes. Examples are weather or a body of water.

French riviera poster

French riviera

The French Riviera is known for beautiful beaches, amazing views, refreshing water, colorful yachts, and others. It is also known for charming towns and villages as well as scene for art and culture.

Beach chairs poster

Beach chairs poster

A great view of the beach in poster print can give your wall a total makeover. The natural colors of the sand and water give a refreshing feel that is perfect during your busy days. Create a wall gallery with this poster along with other prints of a similar theme and you will surely have a stunning wall design that will be loved by your guests.

Canyon 2 poster

Canyon 2 poster

A canyon is a type of landform that looks like a valley with deep sides. They are formed over millions of years due to erosion by natural causes. Examples are weather or a body of water.

Make Your Balcony Herb Garden

Garden brutallist photography poster

The balcony is one of the multipurpose areas in your home. It may have different appearances depending on how it will be used. Making a balcony herb garden is a great way to add beauty to space. Herbs and spices are ideal as they do not take up much space. Read on to learn more about starting an herb garden on the balcony. 

Best herbs to plant on the balcony

Any herb can be planted. However, there are factors to consider before starting the herb garden. The type of herb greatly depends on sunlight, space, and weather. Among the favorite herbs is basil. Dill. cilantro, marjoram, parsley, chive, oregano, lavender, sage, thyme, mint, and rosemary. 

Sunlight availability for the balcony herb garden

It is a fundamental principle that plants need an ample amount of sunlight for them to grow. This is what you need to consider if you are planning to create a balcony herb garden. It is a must to know the sunlight that the balcony receives each day. 

Most herbs need around 4-6 hours of sunlight each day to grow properly. Check the balcony for the availability of sunlight before making the herb garden. Living in a condominium or apartment may also pose a problem. Nearby buildings may shade your balcony, thus hindering you from growing herb gardens

Seeds or starter kits for the balcony herb garden

Seed packets are readily available. They can be purchased from the market or online. Growing from seeds can be fun and exciting. Seed starter packs can likewise be purchased to hold enough moisture to start propagation. It is also recommended to purchase starter plants that have already sprouted. This will give you an idea of which herb to grow.

The things you need

Creating your balcony herb garden only needs a few items. Pots, potting soils, and herb plants are the primary items that you need. Pots can be purchased easily and you may want to consider the type of pot that can be brought indoors when the weather gets rough. You may also recycle PET bottles and use them as pots. Choose herbs that are easy to grow and manage. It is also ideal to grow herbs that you usually use in cooking. Group them accordingly so they would look attractive on the balcony.

Water them

Understand the herbs that you are growing. Understanding their water requirements is a must so that you may know the frequency of watering them. It is also recommended to water the soil before planting the seedling or seeds. Check the soil and make sure that they do not dry out. 

Reaping your reward

Not all herbs are the same when it comes to harvesting. For instance, oregano and mint can be harvested by cutting the leaves off from anywhere on the plant. Basil leaves should be snipped from the top of the plant. Chives can be cut to the soil. Get enough information on this matter so as not to waste your hardship. 

The Mayon Poster – A Magnificent View

Mayon poster

Artdesign gives you fantastic and trendy posters that will surely add life to your rooms. We have a wide range of poster designs that will suit your decoration needs. The Mayon poster is one of the impressive posters that will not only add to the aesthetics of your home. This can also be used in travel agency companies to promote tourism in the Philippines. Rean on to know more about the amazing volcano and how this print can boost the overall appearance of your rooms. 

The Mayon volcano

Mayon volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines. It is located in the province of Albay in Bicol region. It is considered to be one of the popular tourist destinations in the country due to its symmetric conical structure. Mayon volcano is also regarded to be a sacred mountain in Philippine mythology.

On July 20, 1938, Mayon volcano was declared to be the first national park in the Philippines. UNESCO declared the volcano as the centerpiece of the Albay Biosphere Reserve in 2016. A very active volcano that is constantly monitored by PHIVOLCS. 

Mayon volcano in Philippine mythology

The Philippines is rich in culture and tradition as well as numerous practices. In Philippine mythology, interesting stories are told that explain the origins of various things including landscape and waterscape. 

The myth of the origin of Mayon volcano is as interesting as the love stories that you have read or watched on television. It tells the story of star-crossed lovers that has a tragic ending, thus giving birth to the crown jewel of Albay. 

The legend is about the beautiful maiden, Magayon, who lived in Ibalon. She is also the daughter of the chief of the tribe, Makusog. Men from different places were so enamored by her beauty that they visited Ibalon just to get a glimpse of the maiden. 

One of the suitors was Pagtuga, a warrior and chief of Iraga, who tried to court Magayon by bringing various kinds of precious treasures, like gold, and jewels. However, Magayon was not moved by this gesture. 

Magayon also loved to bathe in the Yawa river. While bathing, the maiden slipped on the rocks and almost drowned if not for the help of Pangaronon who saved her. This led to a good relationship between the two characters. Magayon eventually asked Makusog for Magayon’s hand in marriage. This was immediately approved by Makusog as he wished only for the happiness of her daughter. 

The news about the wedding reached Pagtuga who then kidnapped Makusog and threatened to kill him if Magayon refused to marry Pagtuga. As such, Magayon married Pagtuga to save her father. 

On the day of the wedding, Pangaronon went to the place of the wedding to try to stop the celebration. A battle erupted between Pagtuga and Pangaronon in which the former was struck by the latter. As Magayon and Pangaronon were about to hug each other, a poisoned arrow struck Magayon. 

While kneeling and watching Magayon die, Pangaronon was stabbed by the soldiers of Pagtuga. The two lovers were buried together. Years have passed and the people observed that the land where the lovers were buried started to rise. The mountain that rose from the burial site is now known as Mayon Volcano. 

It is also believed that when the volcano is about to erupt, Magayon is being bothered by Pagtuga. On the other hand, when the volcano is calm, it is believed that Pangaronon is hugging Magayon. 

Beauty and a touch of nature on your walls

The Mayon poster is one of the prides of Artdesign. It is a multifunctional art that can easily be displayed on the walls. The natural colors and image of the volcano can instantly add a touch of nature to your space. The display of the poster can also show your love and admiration for the famous destination of the country. 

Citrus slice poster

Citrus slice poster

Cool and refreshing citrus slices. A poster art that will make your mouth water. The natural colors of the fruit can give an inviting vibe to your home. Add life to the dining room, kitchen, or any other room of your home with this art and get the chance to create a focal point that you will love.