Furnishing a terrace and transforming it into a livable oasis is the primary aim of all the lucky owners of these domestic spaces suspended above the world .
The reality is that you find yourself faced with an empty space , waiting to be filled with outdoor furniture, plants, and accessories. Where do you start?
To understand how to furnish the terrace and, therefore, where to place the outdoor furniture,planters , flowerbeds, dining area, relaxation area and everything else you need a plan .
Here are three golden rules for designing a terrace from scratch.
1. Identify the shaded areas of the terrace
Understanding exposure is helpful for carefully choosing plants for your terrace. Follow the cardinal directions. Where does your terrace face?
Some plant species are better suited to a southern exposure, while others prefer a more discreet northern exposure. Exposure also determines the distribution of light and shadow on the terrace.
Consider buildings or trees near the terrace. The shade cast on your outdoor space will be more or less prolonged, depending on its exposure.
Look around and take digital notes. Take photos of the terrace at different times of the day so you can see which areas receive the most sunlight and which are shaded.
This information is very useful for making decisions about the arrangement of outdoor furniture .
It is advisable to take advantage of the cooler areas to set up an outdoor table surrounded by chairs or stools .
The same goes for the relaxation area.
The shade factor, however, can be increased by placing plants, trees, shelters, and gazebos. So don't worry if your terrace receives constant sun throughout the day.
2. Terrace furniture: the importance of the focal point
Choosing a focal point is a good practice common to both interior design and outdoor furnishings. A focal point is an eye-catching element or set of elements that pleasantly captures the viewer's attention .
It can correspond to the panorama if it is worthy: if you have a pristine countryside around you, a glimpse of the sea, a romantic and varied collection of roofs, a monument, a mountain in the distance or any other fascinating view, that is your focal point.
This means that the terrace layout must allow you to enjoy the beauty of the view while sitting comfortably or carrying out the main activities you have chosen to dedicate to the terrace (taking care of a small vegetable garden, doing yoga, having lunch with friends, etc.).
The focal point of your terrace can also be a scenic element that distinguishes your outdoor space from all the others: a swimming pool, a unique potted tree, manicured vegetation, or an architectural feature.
Here too, it is a good idea to orient the outdoor furniture towards the point of interest.
3. Outdoor planters and pots to divide spaces and create privacy
The division of spaces on the terrace depends on their function.
Each area is dedicated to a series of activities . For example, there could be an intimate spot surrounded by plant canopies, entirely dedicated to cultivation; an open and festive space designated for convivial gatherings; a secluded and sheltered spot for relaxing during summer evenings.
Each space can be linked to another or clearly separated. The terrace thus becomes an experiential itinerary.
Plants are the best barriers for separating spaces. Their presence helps create that heavenly atmosphere we seek in every well-decorated outdoor space .
Low, long planters are ideal for surrounding the balustrade or for defining the living area.
To maintain privacy from any adjacent terraces, a good solution is vertical greenery .
If the height of the parapet is not sufficient, you can consider a mesh panel for climbing plants, from which you can hang pots with hooks to screen the view.
Around the outdoor table set , to frame the space, you can place tall plant pots , or an outdoor container table , which can hold a plant or gardening accessories.
Tall planters let light pass through the empty space between the feet, but ensure the right amount of privacy for diners when the plants inside grow tall.
Plants can frame the passageway that separates the interior of the house from the terrace. These are connected spaces , so it's advisable to create a common thread between the outdoor and indoor spaces .
With a few simple tricks, the rightoutdoor furniture , and a healthy dose of botanical fitness, you can furnish the terrace of your dreams.
