How To Create A Stylish Terrace, According To Interiors Tastemakers
Whether it’s a plant-filled porch, an alfresco-dining deck, a scenic roof garden or a charming countryside courtyard, a terrace is an extension of the home that deserves special attention – so we asked three design tastemakers to share their inspirational ideas and practical tips, from replicating dreamy vacation vibes to cleverly bringing the inside out. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Evoke wanderlust
“My ideal outdoor terrace would overlook the seaside and would have a romantic and whimsical feel that is reminiscent of one you’d see on the Amalfi Coast,” says Claire Sá, director of architectural- and interior-design company De Rosee Sa. “I adore vintage wrought-iron outdoor furniture, particularly French pieces made in the 1950s and 1960s. There would be striped cushions, lots of terracotta pots and colorful parasols.
I’m inspired by the terraces that are dotted across the Italian Riviera, with their delicate iron balustrades and incredible views. You can achieve a similar look by incorporating outdoor furniture with ornate detailing – and by introducing quintessential bold stripes. Stripes have a long-standing association with outdoor furniture; you can find some fantastic hardwearing fabrics in fun, vivid colors.”
Go for bold
“My advice to anyone looking to give their terrace an uplift would be to go bold and introduce some color,” suggests Sá. “Don’t feel like you need to play it safe in this space. It’s separate to your house; so have fun, layer patterns and evoke the spirit of summer.”
Dream beyond the space
“If practicality wasn’t an issue, my dream terrace would include a pool, an outdoor dining and entertaining area with adjoining outdoor kitchen, and a separate undercover cooking space,” continues Sá. “A functional pool house with a fully equipped bathroom and storage would also be ideal.”
Nurture your aspiration
“We live in London, but we have gone to great lengths to still create a slice of the countryside living that we aspire to one day,” says Charlotte Buchanan, co-founder of creative design studio Buchanan Studio. “This includes an open fire to cook on and a small outdoor kitchen. We adore eating outside, all year round, and so our dream outdoor terrace has to include a dining table, large enough for hosting, as well as a covered weatherproof area. On our outdoor terrace at home, we have built a solid roof with canvas ‘walls’ that can be rolled up in the summer and pulled down in the winter, allowing us to enjoy the space all year round. We also have outdoor heaters – and plenty of rugs for those cooler nights.”
Bring the inside out
“We love to blur the lines between inside and outside, bringing the inside outside and the outside inside,” Buchanan says. “For an outdoor space, this means lots of loose cushions and linens – even an armchair or two. We also love decorating the walls as you might do indoors, using mirrors and even paintings – so we always keep an eye out at vintage shops and markets for art that we can use outside. A terrace should feel relaxed and intimate, with lots of candles and soft lighting – and outdoor speakers for ambient music to help you set the scene.”
Promote calm and tranquility
“All homes should be havens – and outdoor terraces are the purest expression of this,” shares Sarah Peake of interior-design agency Studio Peake. “Unlike some of the messier indoor spaces (kitchens, bathrooms), terraces don’t need to be functional; they don’t need a purpose beyond giving you a space you can kick back and really relax in. For me, a terrace should evoke a sense of almost preternatural calm; it should be effortlessly atmospheric – so avoiding clutter is key.”
Focus on flooring and finishes
“Getting the architectural elements and hard finishes right is key – they should feel like they’ve always been there,” says Peake. “Look at paving that has a past, such as reclaimed granite or locally sourced stone. I loved the floor designs at the Hermès show during Milan Design Week, featuring natural stones in beautiful patterns. Set against the contrast of ancient stone, I like my garden furniture to be modern – the clean, contemporary lines act as a perfect foil for my antique paving stones.”
Prioritize the plants
“Last but not least: plants. We are outdoors, after all,” says Peake. “Mix plant pots of different sizes to create plenty of variety – and don’t forget to get advice on which plants will thrive where – and under which conditions. And if you’re looking for a quick way to elevate your outside space, buy that beautiful plant you’ve always wanted – preferably in a large terracotta pot. I love star jasmine for its almost-unbelievable summer fragrance.”