Loggia design

Just a few years ago, a balcony or loggia was used exclusively for its functional purpose. Today, much more serious requirements are imposed on their design and decoration. Competently thought-out design and well-made repairs turn these premises into full-fledged living parts of an apartment or a private house.

The balcony and the loggia are architectural structures that are very similar in their purpose. However, there is a difference between them, and quite significant. These are, for example, structural differences: the balcony is taken out of the facade and is limited by only one wall from the side of the entrance. Loggia is a recessed element, limited on three or two sides.

The modern balcony is a fenced external structure, where a reinforced concrete slab is used as a support. Loggia from this point of view is much more reliable, because it relies on the supporting structures of the building itself.

According to a number of design features, size, appearance and other characteristics, balconies and loggias are divided into several groups.

Balconies can be hinged, attached, attached (depending on the type of attachment to the facade of the building).

The French balcony, very popular in recent years, belongs to this category rather conditionally. Its design does not provide for a separate platform or base. In fact, this is a beautiful railing that protrudes slightly beyond the facade. The terrace is also included in this group, but it is placed along the entire wall of the house. Most often it can be found in suburban buildings.

Loggia can be remote or represent an average version. Its size and location have a direct impact on the amount of heat transfer from the adjacent room. Its insulation plays a key role in the formation of optimal conditions for living in an apartment or a private house.

Regardless of where it is located (in a panel or brick house, in an apartment or a cottage), its design is developed according to the following scheme:

1. Redevelopment of the premises.
2. Glazing.
3. Electrification.
4. Warming.
5. Finishing work.

How to equip a loggia, see the video below for more details.

The first stage is directly related to how exactly it is planned to use the space.... Whether it will be a small office or a small sports hall, a play area or a dining area, a greenhouse or a sewing workshop.

The choice of the functional value of balconies and loggias directly depends on their size and appearance. A corner (or panoramic) loggia will provide a good flow of sunlight into the room. Such options are often used as conservatories, greenhouses, recreation and relaxation areas when it comes to a production building.

Loggia can be open or closed. The first option is not very common today. Residents of noisy cities prefer to protect their homes from the scorching heat, gusty winds, heavy rainfall, noise, dust, dirt, insects behind a thin layer of transparent glass.

However, not all people seek to isolate themselves from the outside world; many still choose open sources of air and light. It is so nice to go out into the open space early in the morning and feel the first rays of the sun or a breath of fresh breeze on your skin! Choosing this type of loggia, do not forget about its shortcomings.

All this leads to a gradual destruction of the structure and a violation of the general appearance of the structure. To prevent these problems, an open loggia must be treated with waterproofing materials. They will provide open spaces with the highest possible water resistance.

The main list of works related to the improvement of an open loggia is approximately as follows:

1. Preparatory work (installation of concrete screed and floor leveling).
2. The device of dividing (expansion) seams.
3. Waterproofing of all surfaces.
4. Finishing work.

To give the open loggia a more stylish and modern look, various types of decorative fences and gratings are used - for example, wrought iron.

It is no secret that today lighter materials, practical and inexpensive, are used to decorate balconies. Against their background, forged railings, decor and lattice look especially noble, sophisticated and refined.

A closed loggia implies the use of glazing. The installation of a fragile, transparent fence immediately gives a lot of advantages and opportunities for using free space.

The choice of a stylistic solution, options for the location of furniture, the use of certain finishing materials directly depends on the dimensions of the room.

Owners of loggias of modest size are most difficult to decide on the design. Of course, a miniature room significantly limits the possibilities of its use, but this does not prevent it from being turned into a study, a children's corner or a place to relax.

A glazed loggia of even the smallest size (no more than 3 - 4 sq. M) already gives much more opportunities. When choosing a suitable stylistic solution for interior decoration, you should pay attention to areas that do not require a large amount of furniture and decorative elements: minimalism, hi-tech, modern, Japanese style and loft. These directions allow not only to decorate a small space beautifully and modernly, but also to visually expand its boundaries.

When it comes to furniture that can be placed, it is usually a compact coffee table, small sofa, or a couple of chairs. For a small room, various options for transformers are recommended - for example, a chair-bed. Hanging shelves will help you arrange the necessary little things or arrange flower pots. Every useful centimeter of area can be used.

General recommendations for decorating a small room:

1. When glazing a loggia, you can make a small removal of it outside the facade. This will help increase the room by about 30 cm.If this option is technically impossible, then you can expand the space visually - for example, with the help of finishing materials in light, pastel colors.
2. It is advisable to choose folding furniture. A bulky bed can be completely replaced by a small hammock.
3. A massive cabinet will perfectly replace an open shelving unit; hinged shelves located at different levels are also suitable.
4. The finishing material should not significantly “eat up” an already small space. Lightweight plastic panels are perfect for room decoration. They are practical, lightweight and affordable. Alternatively, you can use decorative plaster, wallpaper, wood panels, textiles.

Loggia 5-6 sq. m gives already much more opportunities. Its area allows you to use a variety of pieces of furniture and decor, to play up the interior in a new way. A small sofa, writing or coffee table, bar stools, open shelving, hanging shelves, floor stands allow you to turn a medium-sized loggia into a work area, a relaxation room, a dining area, a playground or a place for sports training.

Happy owners of spacious loggias with an area of ​​7, 8, 9, 10 sq. m and no longer have to limit the flight of your imagination when developing a design. Any variant of stylistic direction and functional purpose is suitable for a large room.

For decoration, you can choose the most daring color combinations without thinking about the fact that bright or dark tones visually reduce the area. The spacious loggia allows you to use a large number of pieces of furniture. This makes the interior even more comfortable for spending time.

According to the method of execution, the glazing can be "cold" and "warm".

The first method is the simplest and most cost effective. It allows you to close the space from external influences and slightly increase the temperature inside the loggia. For this option, lightweight aluminum or wooden frames with single glass are used.

The advantages of this type include:

• ease and simplicity of installation;
• low cost;
• a slight change in the appearance of the facade of the building (in some cases this is a fundamental point);
• high light transmittance;
• attractive look.

Among the disadvantages of the method:

• low indoor air temperature in the winter season;
• inability to install mosquito nets in some cases.
• This option is optimal if the loggia is used for drying and storing things.

"Warm" version of glazing implies a set of works to insulate the internal and external surfaces of the loggia. With this option, the insulated loggia can also be used as a living space (all year round). If the project provides for the connection of the loggia to the residential part of the apartment, then the list of works becomes even larger: strengthening of partitions, walls, installation of "heavy" double-glazed windows, installation of a "warm" floor.

Pros of the "warm" option:

• comfortable conditions even in the coldest season;
• excellent sound insulation;
• attractive appearance.

There are practically no drawbacks to this method, apart from the higher cost (compared to the first option) and the large weight of the insulated frames.

For glazing, frames made of plastic, aluminum and wood can be chosen. Glass can be tempered, painted, armored, reflective or laminated. Selecting a specific type allows you to control the amount of light or noise that enters the room.

The most popular glazing option for today. Such frames have many advantages over their counterparts:

• practicality in care;
• high heat and noise insulation;
• high level of reliability;
• attractive appearance;
• affordable cost.

However, when choosing such frames, one should not forget that they have a fairly large weight, and when closed, they are completely sealed.

A traditionally used option for glazing. Its advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• light weight;
• good thermal insulation;
• excellent decorative properties.

Minuses:

• high price;
• over time, the wood dries up and becomes covered with cracks;
• the need for regular care.

An excellent alternative for the first options, if for some reason they cannot be used. Lightweight, strong, reliable metal has a lot of advantages. Among them:

• light weight;
• budgetary cost;
• wide range of colors;
• high anti-corrosion properties;
• fire safety.

Minuses:

• mainly used for cold glazing;
• low level of sound insulation.

An original way to beautifully decorate your loggia. The sashes are attached only to the top and bottom rails. The result is an even, transparent, one-piece coating. This loggia looks very original. Thanks to the minimum of structural elements, it lets in much more light and is perfect for structures of different shapes and sizes.

However, this option is only suitable for "cold" type of glazing, it does not provide for the presence of mosquito nets and is not very practical.

It is characterized by the fact that all sides of the loggia are made transparent - from floor to ceiling. This type of glazing can be both "cold" and "warm", as well as frameless. The latter option is often used in office buildings. Such a loggia looks very beautiful and unusual, there is always a lot of light in the room. The latter advantage can easily become a disadvantage, especially in summer - it gets too hot in the room.

Disadvantages: high cost, difficulty in care, room open to prying eyes.

Attaching a loggia to an adjoining room is a great way to expand your living space. It can be done in two ways - partially (dismantling the doors) or completely. In this case, redevelopment will be required, permission for which must first be obtained from the relevant authorities (BTI, housing and communal services). This process is lengthy, but necessary.

Combining a loggia with a living space requires its preliminary insulation. Plastic or wooden windows with energy-saving double-glazed windows will keep a comfortable temperature inside the room and reliably protect it from external manifestations. Tinted sheeting, roller blinds, or blinds can help regulate sunlight.

The next mandatory step is the installation of a "warm floor" (or installation of oil radiators).

One of the most practical options for combining. In this case, the dismantling of the window sill is not required, which will completely replace the kitchen countertop or become a bar counter. Competently located spotlights will help to effectively highlight the areas above the table, counter, countertop. As furniture, you can consider the option with folding or folding chairs. They will not take up much space and will comfortably accommodate guests.

An excellent option for those who prefer outdoor activities. Even in the hottest summer, such a sleeping place will deliver more comfort than an ordinary room sofa. Thinking over the design of the room, it is recommended to choose compact furniture so that you can place a small table and a night lamp next to it.Decorated in muted tones and a soft fleecy carpet will make the interior even more cozy and inviting to relax.

Plastic or wood panels are perfect for decorating a winter garden. A neutral tone will wonderfully emphasize the beauty of curly and lush greenery, bright colors. Blinds or roller blinds can help you adjust the light intensity.

A special place in the apartment that requires sufficient privacy and comfortable conditions. A spacious, bright loggia is ideal for this purpose. A computer desk, a chair, the necessary office equipment, a shelf or a bedside table for documents - a mini-cabinet can be easily created even in a small loggia. Particular attention should be paid to artificial lighting, because sometimes you have to spend a lot of time at the workplace.

The loggia, combined with the living room, will be a great place for receiving guests. A spacious room will allow you to place the required amount of furniture (sofa, chairs, table, even a fireplace) to create comfortable conditions for a pleasant pastime.

The loggia will help to significantly expand the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe children's room, especially during the arrival of guests and the holding of children's parties. Particular attention should be paid to the insulation of the loggia and its safety (exclude the presence of sharp corners and dangerous objects, install clamps on the windows).

Even a narrow and small room can be a great place for home workouts. A gymnastic rug or exercise machine will fit here, sports equipment can be placed in an open rack or on shelves.

• Provence. The direction implies the use of natural materials (wood, ceramics, natural stone, textiles), pastel colors (mint, lilac, pink, sand colors), elegant furniture (for example, wicker) and a lot of vegetation.
• Japanese style. The interior is maintained in contrasting colors (red-black, light and dark brown), complemented by stylized screens, partitions, and lanterns. A great addition to the interior would be a large Japanese fan on the wall or bamboo blinds on the windows.
• Country. Wicker or wooden furniture, bright curtains with large ornaments, potted plants, decorative plates on the walls, multi-colored rugs for feet - the atmosphere should be homey, cozy and inviting to rest.
• Mediterranean style implies the use of blue and white tones in decoration, decoration with the use of "marine" elements in the ornament, wicker furniture, exotic plants - for example, palm or tangerine tree.
• High tech. A minimum of decor, furniture and other interior items. Only all the most necessary and necessary. Chandeliers and wall lights will replace LED bulbs. The colors used are steel, black and white.

For the decoration of walls, ceilings and floors, materials of various characteristics, price, composition are used today. Among the most popular:

• drywall;
• MDF;
• plastic panels;
• wood;
• Cork;
• decorative rock;
• plaster.

The material should be chosen based on its practicality. For example, a loggia located on the sunny side should not be decorated with bright plastic panels, a cork or lining is best.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages over analogues:

• Plastic helps to visually expand the space (thanks to the smooth surface). The material is very lightweight, durable enough, does not require special care and is available in a wide range of colors.
• Wood is a natural material that always looks great. Possesses high heat and sound insulation characteristics, excellent decorative properties.
• Drywall perfectly hides small cracks, potholes and surface irregularities.It can be used as a base for applying paint, decorative plaster, and wallpapering.

The modern abundance of finishing materials allows you to create loggias that are unique in beauty, design and exclusive of their kind.

A striking example of this is the use of stained glass in the design. Stained-glass windows are a rather expensive type of glazing, because the process of their manufacture requires a certain amount of time and labor. Most often, this decor option is used in private homes. Stained glass will be a great backdrop for a home greenhouse or a spectacular divider between the loggia and the living room.

Most often, floral patterns, vineyards, geometric patterns, images of fairy-tale or mythical characters, and marine themes are used as an ornament. This decoration looks very impressive and expensive.

Modern ideas and manifested imagination will make it possible to design even a tiny loggia with great taste. Wooden finishes, beautiful flower pots on the walls, bright colors and original furniture will help create a cozy corner for relaxation.

A computer desk, a chair and a shelf for documents - all this is ideal for doing work projects in silence and comfort. A spacious, bright loggia only contributes to this: isolation from ambient noise and an excellent source of natural light are provided.