# Reclaimed Balcony Spaces This Apartment Maximizes Space by Repurposing Its Balcony as Indoor Space By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-09-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indoor-space References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2015/09/01/shimpei-oda-apartment-renovation-osaka-japan-inner-balcony/) & [decor10blog](http://decor10blog.com/decorating-ideas/shimpei-oda-creates-inner-balcony-in-renovated-osaka-apartment.html) Many apartment dwellers would sacrifice a bit of their indoor space to have some outdoor square footage but Architect Shimpei Oda is a little different. Oda opted to convert an existing balcony space into an [extension of his apartment's living room](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-simple-addition). The unusual move was done to increase the value of the space by creating more square footage. Half of the balcony was transformed into indoor space and the other half was maintained. The "inner balcony" is now an adaptable space that can be used for a variety of things. The large windows still allows for [plants to be placed there](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-pot), but also provide the option for more living and storage space. In addition to being a creative concept, indoor balconies are functional and are becoming more popular in Japan, especially in [smaller, compact homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-housing-prototype). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Reclaimed-balcony Spaces:** Maximizing indoor space by repurposing balconies provides innovative solutions for apartment dwellers. - **Inner-balcony Adaptability:** Creating adaptable indoor balcony spaces opens opportunities for versatile living and storage solutions. - **Growing Popularity of Indoor Balconies:** Increasing demand for indoor balconies presents a trend in smaller, compact housing in Japan. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and designers can explore creative ways to reclaim balcony spaces and maximize indoor living areas. - **Home Improvement and Renovation:** The home improvement industry can capitalize on the trend of converting outdoor balconies into functional indoor spaces. - **Furniture and Storage Solutions:** Manufacturers of adaptable furniture and storage systems can develop innovative products tailored to inner-balcony spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Planted Balcony Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-greens.md) - [Compact Duplex Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sbc-apartment.md) - [Japanese Inn-Inspired Micro Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-tarta-piccola.md) - [Smartly Designed Compact Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-apartments2.md) - [Retro Apartment Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kyano.md) - [Elevated Garden Lofts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/attic-above-garden.md) - [Playful Apartment Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onda-apartment.md) - [Adjustable Japanese Studio Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/building-frame-of-the-house.md) - [Redesigned Curved Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-apartment.md)