How to design a terrace in front of the house and on the roof?

It's time to create a place to relax in front of the house. If you are wondering how to decorate a cosy terrace, read this guide. We tell you where to start and what accessories you should use to top it off. You will also learn how to create a terrace on the roof or next to the house.

Before you start thinking about how to arrange your terrace

Not sure how to decorate a terrace? First of all, determine its function. You may decide to make it your private outdoor relaxation area. In this option, lounge furniture plays a key role: armchair, sun lounger, hammock. You might also want to arrange an outdoor eating area with chairs, a table and a barbecue. Another option is a terrace for growing plants. In this case, take care not only of the flowers, but also of their setting - pots, stands, decorative stones.

In the next step, choose the dominant style. If you are lacking ideas on how to decorate your terrace, take inspiration from our suggestions:

• Modern style - minimalist furniture with straight lines works well on such a terrace. When it comes to accessories, restraint is welcome.
• Boho style - here there should be no shortage of wicker or wooden furniture, a hammock and plants in brick and woven pots.
• Scandi style - go for soft colours, wood and other natural materials.
• Provençal style - white decking, light-coloured furniture, lace tablecloth, flat woven rugs. With such elements, you will emphasise the Provencal character of the place. Roman blinds for the terrace will work well as a cover.

How to style a small terrace in front of the house?

One of the most important elements of a terrace is the surface. Remember that it should combine several needs: to be functional, aesthetically pleasing and durable. These conditions are met by:

• Wooden planks - they are durable, have a timeless design and warm up the terrace. You can choose between natural and composite decking. The former require regular maintenance, the latter are less problematic in this respect.
• Terrace tiles - you can easily keep them clean and they are not susceptible to adverse weather conditions. The tiles are particularly suitable for modern and classic terraces.
• Stone - it is durable, but remember that it requires a suitable substrate. It is ideal for terraces decorated in a rustic style.
• Artificial grass - the version for people who appreciate ultra-simple solutions. Unlike a real lawn, you don't need to maintain it. You can also use it if you want to cover up damage to an old parquet floor.

Once the surface has been chosen, it is time to fit the roofing. In this case, you have the option of:

• Pergola - a wooden, aluminium or plastic structure. Thanks to the variety of materials, it is easy to find the right version for your patio style.
• Roman blinds - how do you shield your terrace from the sun? Roman blinds for patios are ideal. They allow you to control the light in a simple way.
• An awning - this is an overhanging covering that protects not only from the intense sun, but also from the rain. Among the models available, pastel-coloured and stripe-decorated ones prevail, looking particularly good on retro-styled terraces.
• Fixed covering - glass or aluminium roofs have a modern look. Such covers are also extremely durable.

How do you furnish a cosy patio? Take care of the furniture and accessories

If you want to achieve the effect of a cosy terrace, special attention should be paid to the furniture on the terrace. The accessories - plants, lighting and textiles - are also important. Use these tips to make your task easier:

1. Furniture - if you have a large terrace, buy a table and chairs for several people, if smaller, a compact set. Think about a sun lounger or garden chairs, and when you have more space, choose a sofa and a coffee table. Rattan, wooden and wicker furniture will be a good idea to warm up the terrace.
2. Plants - flowering potted plants, fruit trees and climbers will add cosiness to your terrace. On the other hand, you can decorate your table with cut seasonal flowers.
3. Lighting - old-style lanterns, light garlands, candles. These are just a few ideas you can use when thinking about how to decorate a cosy terrace.
4. Textiles - complement your patio with colourful cushions, lightweight plaids and practical garden rugs.

And how do you arrange a roof terrace?

Are you installing a roof terrace? First of all, take care of safety and make sure that the building structure allows it. If it does, install protective railings on the roof. Next, lay the ground with composite decking, tiles or artificial grass that can withstand rain and excessive UV radiation. Also consider these issues when purchasing furniture. A practical cover will protect you from the intense sun. This could be a pergola, a garden tent or a special sail.

What else is worth bearing in mind when setting up a terrace?

When arranging your patio, don't forget a place to store textiles and accessories. In this category, garden boxes and cupboards are unbeatable. Another consideration is protection from insects. You can hang mosquito nets in the terrace windows, place an insecticide fan on the terrace and place candles on the table. Plants with strong scents such as lavender, mint, lemongrass or catnip will also come in handy.

What else is important? Your privacy! You will increase it with special covers. If you are interested in such a solution, read our other article: How do I install Roman blinds on the terrace? A comprehensive guide.