The terrace is the equivalent of your outdoor living room. This room combining relaxation and functionality will serve not only as a zen space but also as a living room to welcome your many guests on beautiful summer days. Who doesn’t love terrace evenings ending by the fire?
Want to spend more time outdoors enjoying the summer season? No matter what stage you are at in the layout of your terrace, this short guide will guide you in your next tasks. You can either start your construction project or update your outdoor spaces.
A harmonious decor
Your patio is an extension of your home. It must be practical and aesthetic. It should reflect the interior of your home, the decor, the theme of your home, and above all, reflect your image! Opt for materials and a finish similar to the look already in place. You can take inspiration from the furniture you have, the color shades of your walls, or even the decoration. Do not see the terrace as a separate space, but rather as an extension of your interior.
Much like when interior designers try to delimit living spaces, we will apply the same mentality to the terrace and the patio. Thus, you could install a dining room, a fireplace, and a kitchen area according to your needs. The important thing is to keep the same style but give a different character to each delimited zone. The current trend is also to provide outdoor spaces as well as that inside. That is to say, to integrate a sofa, a coffee table, and carpets, without forgetting the accessories to make these areas as warm as possible.
Functionality of spaces
When designing your terrace, you have to think carefully about the functionality of the space. To ensure maximum comfort, you must organize your space according to the size of your land and especially its shape. Optimize the space so that everything is quickly accessible and, above all, that the space is inviting.
When designing your space, plan for the worst. Be prepared, among other things, for bad weather and temperature variations. A mistake often noticed is the layout of a terrace that does not effectively meet the needs of its users. So plan the maximum number of people you will welcome there, the times of day when this area is likely to be used as well as the position of the famous cocktail bar (or any other workspace that will simplify your life). Rain or shine, a well-appointed terrace is the one that perfectly meets your needs and makes your evenings a success.
The role of furniture
Furniture plays a major role in the layout of your terrace. Quality furniture that combines comfort and style is preferable. They are likely to spend a lot of time at the mercy of the elements. You will therefore enjoy your landscaping more by investing in durable and easy-care materials. However, plan seasonal maintenance for higher-value furniture, fabrics, and cushions.
Always sought-after shadow corners
Summer often rhymes (at least, we hope so) with sunshine. Although it is pleasant to sunbathe for a few hours at the beach, we must not overlook the impact of UV rays on our health. When building a terrace, it is essential to plan shady areas for the hottest days.
To do this, there are several options, whether for a covered terrace adjacent to the house or a pergola. Darker corners will make a nice transition between warmth and comfort. In addition, this solar protection will also serve as a shelter for bad weather. Kill two birds with one stone.
Plants can also be used to shelter from the sun. You could, for example, install climbing plants on a pergola. This will create a cooler and shaded space.
Appropriate lighting
One of the key design concepts is lighting! As with all rooms in your home, lights provide a different perspective when the sun begins to set. Primarily, outdoor lights provide the ability to extend evenings and bring your patio to life. For sure, it will become the favorite place to have a drink and chat with friends!
A touch of greenery
Sure! Greenery is a must! You can add vegetation in several ways. You could extend an existing garden, plant a few flowers and flower beds, or even buy potted plants. Also, consider the maintenance required for the vegetation. Some plants are particularly easy to care for, while others require a little or a lot more attention.
You will need to consult an expert at the time of purchase to choose plants whose sun needs correspond to the location you reserve for them in your yard. In addition, the winter maintenance of plants varies greatly from one species to another. Make sure you have enough space indoors if these cannot survive the cold temperatures.
The fireplace
Setting up a fireplace in your backyard is essential to make the most of summer! It will not only allow you to enjoy your terrace on sunny days but also after sunset. The fireplace will also warm you towards the end of summer when you try to lengthen the summer season.
A fireplace creates a unique atmosphere to spend pleasant evenings. A variety of options are available to you; electric fireplaces, gas, or the good old traditional wood fire. The traditional fire is the one that requires the most maintenance. Indeed, it takes longer to light but it offers an incomparably warm character. It is also necessary to plan a space further from the house and find out about the standards of your municipality that apply.