How to set up a large terrace ?

A large scale garden terrace offer the advantage of being able to create any area you wish: a relaxing corner, a table for meals, some garden chairs, a space set up around the pool with sunloungers, etc. To add coherence to everything, these different areas should be defined. What’s more, you will not have the same requirements according to the usage of each outdoor living area. For example, the dining area should be accessible, spacious, easy to keep clean, but also shaded and convivial. The outdoor table is better located near the kitchen than at the other side of the garden. The outdoor living room, with an outdoor sofa or armchair and coffee table, wants to be cosy, intimate and preferably facing south-west for beautiful summer evenings. All of these criteria should be taken into account before setting up the terrace.

Separating the spaces also allows you to create a different ambience. A shade sail for example will partition off the dining space with table and chairs, and will maintain privacy. As a more natural alternative to reeds, a screen or trellis a plant wall is part of all the outdoor decor trends. In fact, verticality forms part of garden trends this year. You can create distinct zones with wooden planters or designer flower pots. In these containers, plant bamboo stakes or a trellis in exotic wood and let scented climbing plants cover them.

To set up a north-facing terrace, aim for perennial shade-loving plants. If you have a pergola, do not hesitate to brighten up the structure with green plants, and also string lights and hanging lanterns for a warm atmosphere. If you are dreaming of a vegetable plot, choose aromatic herbs and pots of plants that will bloom on your terrace.

Colours are also important. Light shades are best for areas which have a lot of sun exposure. On the contrary, avoid colours which are too white as they have a tendency to be too dazzling. Instead, choose an elegant light grey or an off-white for around the table. An anthracite black will bring a chic, modern look to your outdoor living room. Dark colours are ideal for making the most of the sun as they retain heat better.

Before deciding on outdoor decoration projects, take into account the configuration of your terrace and your house’s own look. Stay within the same proportions. Whether you are looking for a rustic style or maybe a more modern terrace, avoid a too eclectic mixture of styles.

Keep in mind that even on a beautiful expansive terrace, you shouldn’t overcrowd it. The trap is to think that you can have anything there. However, a cluttered terrace will be visually displeasing and the living space will not be as pleasant.

Outdoor furniture is as important as the DNA of garden decor. Choose terrace and poolside furniture which is light and easy to move if you have multiple spaces on the same terrace. This will avoid having a cluttered space and you can play with the set-up as you like it. At the end of summer, it is easy to fold up these garden elements in order to store them for the winter. At LAFUMA Mobilier, we offer a range of portable furniture. From the sun lounger to the deckchair via the garden table, each product is compact, space-saving, and easy to store while also being resistant and strong.