Open, covered, circular, terrace-pavilion and with glass walls… We figure out what kind of country outbuildings there are – classic and modern – and tell you how best to equip them.
It is the terrace, like nothing else, that reflects the French L’Art de Vivre – the art of living, the ability to enjoy work and leisure, and enjoy any weather and day of the week. There are no bad days, just a poorly designed terrace.
The simplest type of terrace, which is a wooden flooring, is an extension of the house. The flooring itself can be made of wood, stone or tile.
If you choose natural wood, be prepared for regular repairs and maintenance. The harder the wood, the more resistant it is to the vagaries of weather and temperature changes. It is recommended to clean wood flooring annually with a brush and a cleaning solution, sand it and coat it with a special impregnation.
The minimalist architecture of the open terrace implies a modern design style. Decorative elements made of concrete and glass, massive furniture made of natural wood and textiles in eco-friendly colors will fit perfectly into it.
A wooden terrace with railings is an integral part of the classic look of a summer house. When arranging it, special attention is paid to the floor. One of the most popular finishing materials is decking (a mixture of sawdust and polymers). It looks beautiful and modern, is easy to use and at the same time does not rot and is not subject to changes in temperature and humidity.
Soft blankets, sun reflections on a slightly worn floor, bindweed and a rocking chair are attributes of an unobtrusive and cozy rustic style, which is perfect for decorating an open terrace with a fence. By the way, in the evenings the lighting from homemade lamps looks great on such a terrace.
One of the most important elements of a terrace is the roof. A decorative roof does not protect from precipitation and wind, but creates shadow and visual limitation. A traditional roof provides protection from rain, snow, wind and sun. There are also retractable roofs, tension roofs, and tent roofs. The choice of materials is unlimited – wood, glass, fabric, plastic.
A bench swing will fit perfectly into the decor of a covered terrace. Here you can also put a soft sofa for relaxing and reading, or organize a dining area with a round table and classic Viennese chairs.
A great opportunity to enjoy nature in the most comfortable conditions: the glass extension is completely protected from the weather and at the same time completely open to view.
A glassed-in terrace is a unique find for a decorator, as it provides a lot of room for creativity. The first thought that comes to mind is the living-dining room. It would be great if the extension of the closed terrace becomes an open wooden deck, where you can organize a barbecue area and a summer kitchen. Add flowers in massive clay pots to the decor, place a couple of vintage armchairs and a comfortable sofa.
Her designs often resemble a miniature garden. Lawns are planted on the roofs, orchards are planted and herbs are grown. When arranging a roof terrace, it is important to meet three basic conditions:
- flat roof slope;
- waterproofing system, drainage of rain and melt water;
- roof insulation.
Floors can be made of any material – wood, stone, tile – and even covered with natural lawn.
The design style reflects the eco-concept of the building – natural materials, minimalist decor, natural colors. Tents are also erected on the roofs, and verandas with mobile retractable roofs are installed.
It can be completely different: miniature, serving as a decorative frame, or spacious, multi-level, equipped with sun loungers and a minibar. Traditional materials for decorating the floor of such a terrace are decking, tiles or stone.
Rattan loungers and chairs are an excellent choice for such terraces. In terms of beauty and practicality, they are not inferior to modern furniture made from artificial polymers. Don’t forget about sun protection. It is most convenient to use folding textile umbrellas and canopies. Consider lighting – for safety and, of course, beauty, the pool area should be well lit. Built-in lighting is a good choice for any design style.
The dream of any summer resident. Since in the summer, in good weather, the whole family inevitably moves to the veranda, a small kitchen allows you to actually live outside.
To set up an outdoor kitchen, all you need to do is build a stove or lay out a stone grill, run water onto the terrace and organize a small kitchen corner with a sink and work surface. It is best if the building is monolithic – made of brick or stone. The floor of the veranda can be paved with stone or tiles.
For arrangement, you can use an existing building, for example, a summer kitchen or gazebo. The main elements of the pavilion are the roof, floors and walls. In this case, the walls do not have to be blank; their role can be played by wild grapes, wooden or forged mesh, or shrubs.
The interior design of the pavilion is always personal and reflects the tastes of the owners of the house. A large round wooden table and Viennese chairs are perfect for decorating a dining room. It’s good if they are not new and slightly different in shape. If the pavilion serves for secluded relaxation, place a comfortable lounge chair for reading and a miniature coffee table. Light curtains in natural shades will fit perfectly into the decor of a glazed pavilion.
A circular terrace is a traditional companion to chalet-style houses and buildings on stilts. It frames the house like a deck and gives a special mood to the architecture.
Plus, extra space is always practical. On one side you can place a summer kitchen and put a barbecue, on the other you can organize a dining room, on the third you can hang a hammock, and on the fourth you can make a play area for children, hang a swing or install a sports complex. Such an extension combines the advantages of a traditional outdoor terrace, pavilion, outdoor kitchen and covered veranda.
Just like a circular terrace, it can frame the entire second floor of the house. On the contrary, it can be miniature, more like a traditional balcony, or multi-level with access to the roof. A mandatory element of the terrace is a fence made of metal, glass or wood, depending on the style in which the house itself is made.
Such balconies are often decorated with flowers, and large fabric umbrellas are used as protection from the sun. Set up a small round table and a couple of chairs to enjoy your morning coffee and spend your evenings chatting over a glass of wine.
