TERRACE: INTRODUCTION
Think about it: the house communicates the taste and style of its occupant to the outside world through a number of elements. First of all, the garden and the terrace but also windows and curtains help to define the “business card” of the private domestic space.
Indeed, this is another reason why the patio furniture project deserves to be conducted with due care (and with the advice of a professional). Especially when the available area is large, the risk of making incorrect purchases or arranging the various elements incorrectly is greater.
It is better, therefore, to take time and evaluate all the salient aspects of the terrace before starting to choose, instinctively, furniture and plants. Attention, therefore, to the orientation, the presence of specific condominium rules to be followed and the provision of external electrical outlets.
In fact, in addition to plan development, all these features will allow you to understand how to bring out the potential of your terrace and what functions to associate with it. Never forgetting that there are also easy low-cost ideas to improve or enrich it not only in summer!
In addition, there are must-have pieces of furniture that can beautify it and make it functional year-round as well. Whether you want to appreciate your outdoor space with family or friends, here are the secrets suggested by Italy’s most famous interior designers.
FURNITURES
To furnish the terrace it is essential to choose the right furnishings. These, in fact, should be selected according to the space available and how you will want to use the outdoor space.
For example, if you will want to dine or dine outdoors, it is necessary to find a suitable table, of adequate size and with the right seating. If, on the other hand, the balcony will be used for relaxing and reading, a lounge chair or a wraparound wicker chair will suffice.
In general, the must-have furniture for balconies and terraces are chairs, including deck chairs, low tables, armchairs, umbrellas, awnings. Everything should be suitable for being outside, and, it will be a good idea, especially in winter, to arrange waste baskets for recycling.
Everyone then will have their own personal must-have furniture, to be researched according to their habits and tastes.
CREATIVE RECYCLING
For the furnishing of the terrace, creative recycling techniques can be used. In fact, these make it possible to give new life especially to old furniture or accessories, giving them, above all, a new location and use.
For example, a car tire can become an outdoor table, a fruit crate will be turned into a pot for vertical cultivation, etc.
It is easy to follow tutorials available on the web and also refer to specific manuals that can also be found in bookstores. Anyone can make their own furnishings for balconies, terraces, verandas or gardens, even if they are not DIY experts.
Also very original are lamps created from old mocha coffee pots, or canary cages that become cases for aromatic plants or flowers. Making vases is essential, and many disused objects are perfect. Examples might be glass jars, chipped bowls, broken or crudely glued ceramic vases, wicker baskets, etc.
ACCESSORIES
In addition, in order to make outdoor environments livable and functional, as well as beautiful, it is also essential to choose accessories. Those that will make a difference are capable of imparting maximum customization and ensuring unique practicality tailored to one’s needs.
For example, if the balcony or terrace is particularly sunny and you will want to stay there during the hottest hours, it will be important to choose curtains. Or otherwise create a natural screen using plants, making a kind of pergola, or a cover of bamboo canes or other natural material.
The same also applies to flooring that may be in simple tiles or covered with special floating squares, available in wood or other materials. Synthetic turf carpets or wood-like porcelain stoneware coverings are also very popular, always to be chosen with the help of a technician.
Among the accessories that make a difference are no shortage of irrigation systems, which often consist simply of a water hose, long enough for irrigation, to be hooked to a handy outdoor faucet.
ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
The terrace furniture also includes the right selection of plants and flowers, indispensable in these outdoor spaces. Finding the best species will require the authoritative advice of a nurseryman, or landscape designer.
In fact, it is necessary to take into account not only the climate and location of flowers and plants, but also the time you can devote to them and the space you have available. Those who do not have a green thumb, on the other hand, can opt for artificial plants, which are fake but look decidedly realistic.
In fact, there are all kinds of them on the market, including sagging, bushy, or in pre-made arrangements. In addition, in this way the terrace or balcony will have a natural, fresh and relaxing look, but guaranteeing you a very low maintenance and unmistakable aesthetic performance.
Finally, you can also choose aromatic plants or potted vegetables, such as chili peppers, salads, tomatoes, strawberries, etc.
BARBECUE
A definitely loved and above all functional element to be placed on the terrace or balcony is the barbecue. This, in fact, now available in endless versions, shapes and sizes, is especially useful in hot weather.
If the condominium regulations allow it, it will be possible to make excellent grilled meat, fish, vegetables and even fruit. Some models are electric, others work with embers and once closed can be left outside even throughout the winter season.
Also very popular and definitely space-saving are the models that can be attached to the railing. These look like simple planters and, with proper precautions, will ensure excellent grilling even on narrow balconies. On the other hand, those who have an old unused barbecue can turn it into an original flowerpot.
SEAFARING STYLE
The outdoor space, be it a balcony, a terrace, a veranda or a patio, can be furnished in a maritime style. In fact, very few elements will suffice to create an environment reminiscent of seaside towns that will bring you back to the vacation atmosphere for a few hours.
For example, a wooden coffee table, painted blue or white and treated with the pickled technique, could be used. This will give the furniture a rustic and charming look. Also perfect and scenic are old shutters or doors, which can be used as tables or to decorate the walls of the balcony.
Finally, perfect are wicker rocking chairs, or rope hammocks, to be placed strictly away from railings. In the vases then you can place shells and sand, while on the windowsills will look great marine-themed furnishings.
ETHNIC STYLE
Ethnic style is also perfect for patio furniture and can give you cheerfulness and practicality using just a few accessories. In fact, very practical poufs for sitting are enough, perhaps made by taking advantage of many ideas from creative recycling.
Lanterns of oriental or Indian origin should also not be lacking; alternatively, candles, tea lights, or mosquito-proof ones will also be perfect.
Flowers and plants will help define the ethnic genre atmosphere: cheerful, lively and welcoming.
Finally, indispensable then will be furniture made of wood, bamboo, even with wicker, straw or raffia details. On the market you can find lots of furniture fabrics capable of recreating the right atmosphere in just a few steps, while also making you spend very little.
INDUSTRY STYLE
A mix between modern and vintage is the industry style, or industrial in Italian. To furnish your outdoor space following this genre, all you need to do is reuse old furniture, even purchased from a junk store or flea store.
If you do not like the idea, however, it is possible to find complements that are new and made in precisely this mood. The furnishings have a simple, raw look and are mostly made of wood, including chipboard or pressed wood.
In addition, the details are made of metal, wrought iron, and there is no shortage of copper, brass, or lead-colored old style lamps. In fact, the industry style is perfect for city balconies or terraces to create visual harmony with the metropolitan landscape.
But it can also be softened by including plants with romantic and fresh shades such as light greens, whites, yellows and pinks.
COUNTRY OR SHABBY STYLE
Shabby and country styles are also ideal for embellishing balconies and terraces. In particular, wooden chairs with straw or wicker seats, rocking chairs and matching coffee tables may be used.
Alternatively, wrought-iron outdoor furniture with a vintage mood and painted in soft or dark colors as desired will also be perfect. Indispensable, too, are furnishing fabrics, preferably checkered or with floral prints, preferably with very small-scale designs.
Finally, flowers and plants are indispensable and will emphasize the rustic look proper to the styles mentioned above.
MODERN STYLE
The modern style is also suitable for outdoor environments. In fact, the most suitable complements are minimal, made with technological materials, light, durable and easy to clean.
This kind of furniture will also lend great practicality to balconies and terraces that will look almost zen-like, relaxing and soothing.
The topic colors are total white or total black, which can be combined with light-colored plants and flowers. Alternatively, you can play with a single but very bright color such as yellow or red.
LEAVE A COMMENT
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Finally, if you need personalized advice to choose the style with which to decorate your terrace, send an email to [email protected]!
