Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s Bandra balcony is being held up by design professionals as an example of how an outdoor area can function as a genuine extension of the home rather than an afterthought. The space, seen in the couple’s public home tour, blends a sunken seating area, warm lighting, plants and a muted material palette to create a corner that invites lingering.
What designers say makes it work
Ajay Garg, managing director at E3 Group, told indianexpress.com that the striking feature is the way the balcony has been treated like a fully considered room. Rather than tossing furniture outdoors, the elements are coordinated so the space reads as a deliberate living area without a roof.
“The biggest thing that stands out is that the balcony has been treated as ‘a true extension of the home rather than an afterthought,’”
Jason Samuel, managing director at House of Swamiraj, emphasised that the design intentionally keeps the view as the focal point. He said the sunken lounge, low seating and subdued colours all help to frame rather than compete with the outlook.
Design moves to copy
The tour and expert commentary point to a handful of practical moves homeowners can adopt to produce a similar effect on balconies of various sizes:
- Sunken or low seating: Keeps sightlines open and creates a relaxed, conversation-friendly layout.
- Restricted colour and material palette: Prevents the furnishings from overwhelming the view and gives the space a calm, cohesive feel.
- Layered lighting and greenery: Adds warmth and texture that make the balcony feel like a lived-in room.
These features, designers say, contribute to what they described as a “resort-inspired outdoor living experience.” In the couple’s case, the seating arrangement reportedly turns a quick coffee into hours of conversation—evidence that intentional design can change how a space is used.
Small changes, big impact
Not every balcony can accommodate a deep conversation pit, but several of the strategies are scalable. Low-profile furniture or floor cushions can mimic the open sightlines of a sunken lounge, while choosing two or three complementary materials or hues helps the setting feel curated rather than cluttered. Plants and soft lighting are affordable ways to add texture and ambience without structural work.
| Design element | Intended effect |
|---|---|
| Sunken/low seating | Unobstructed view; intimate conversation zone |
| Muted palette | Frames the outlook; creates cohesion |
| Layered lighting & plants | Warmth, texture, inviting atmosphere |
For readers considering a balcony refresh, the takeaway is that design choices need not be elaborate to be effective. Treating an outdoor space as an intentional room — focusing on sightlines, materials and mood — can transform it from a functional ledge into a place where people want to stay.
Whether your balcony overlooks a city street, courtyard or water, the guiding principle offered by the experts is the same: design to highlight the view rather than compete with it, and build in seating and lighting that encourage use beyond a quick pause.
