Seeing how Isabelle Palmer has made the most of the two small balconies attached to her flat – on the top floor of a converted church in north London – is truly inspirational. ‘When I step through the front door of the flat, I get an overwhelming sense of relief,’ she says. ‘My home is my calm sanctuary.’

The downstairs balcony has enough space for a table and chairs and is a great spot for eating outdoors and enjoying the long summer days
PHOTOGRAPHS CLIVE NICHOLS