| Condo living just spoils a person for any other type | | | | common use). In a condo it is an important part of |
| of lifestyle! If you have chosen your condo in one of | | | | your living space. Many of the luxury retirement |
| the popular retirement areas, you will often have the | | | | condos have large balconies for relaxing and enjoying |
| added luxury of pools and clubhouses and nightlife | | | | the sea view. |
| right on your doorstep! At the very least, wherever | | | | Often you are not responsible for its upkeep, but |
| you are, you will not have to shovel your driveway! | | | | you can stack as many rattan chairs and barbeques |
| Condos are the way of the future for the large | | | | and pot plants as you want on it! However, try not |
| generation who will be coming up to retirement very | | | | to overflow onto the patio or balcony too much; you |
| soon. One of the critical factors about moving into a | | | | do not want it to look crowded. |
| condo, is that it encourages you to streamline your | | | | Ensure that your furniture does not mar the beautiful |
| life. You will not have the opportunity of stacking | | | | view, if you have one. It is far more spacious and |
| away so many belongings in a condo! | | | | relaxing to look out of your windows onto a clear |
| Some condo managers allow certain items to be | | | | balcony affording a clear view. How you choose to |
| placed in the 'common' usage' hall area. If you are | | | | do this will depend on your balcony, your finances |
| lucky you can personalize your front door with an | | | | and your lifestyle. |
| umbrella (or parasol) stand, as well as a personalized | | | | If you have a lifestyle where you always barbecuing, |
| door knocker. Door mats can set the tone for your | | | | and your balcony is like your second living room, you |
| home, some are warm and welcoming, others can be | | | | will want to splash out on a decent patio set. |
| humorous (i.e. Beware of The Grump or A Spoilt Brat | | | | Alternatively, if you entertain less often, or sit |
| Lives Here) | | | | outside only on occasion, you may prefer the look of |
| If you are a retiree who has chosen to move into a | | | | a clear balcony. |
| condo in one of the luxury retirement beach areas, | | | | One way to do this is to buy chairs that are |
| then you probably have a large balcony. This can help | | | | stackable and a table that will fold down. Choose a |
| immensely with the storage arrangements as rattan | | | | small model of barbecue, or a table top version that |
| cupboards on the balcony are very practical. They | | | | can be stood on top of a small cupboard that also |
| can also look tasteful and match your balcony | | | | houses the coals, fire lighters and tools. |
| furniture. | | | | A grouping of flowers and plants in matching pots is |
| Having moved in without all the clutter that you 'can't | | | | very decorative and will 'frame' your view in |
| do without', it is important to furnish and decorate | | | | greenery. Group them together with the taller ones |
| your condo in a way that maximizes spaciousness. If | | | | at the back and preferably against a side wall. |
| you do not want the added expense of hiring an | | | | If you live in a smaller condo, or one where the |
| interior design consultant, you can borrow some of | | | | winter weather keeps you indoors, you can always |
| their techniques yourself. | | | | fold some of your furniture down in the winter. It |
| Although the balcony or patio is often part of the | | | | can make way for an outdoor Christmas tree, all lit |
| 'common element' of the complex, it is for your | | | | up right outside your window! |
| exclusive use, (unlike the hallways which are for | | | | |