Outdoor living areas have developed into a cozy expansion of the house Outdoor Space and Outdoor Living They offer a multifunctional space for families and friends to meet, relax and let them wander.
The days get brighter again and the sun is gaining strength. It is again this time of the year when people use their outdoor areas more sociable get -together and relax. The demand for well -designed terraces has increased significantly over the years, which is also evident in the diversity of the offer.
If you are lucky enough to have plenty of space outdoors, in the garden or in the back yard, you will probably also want to use it optimally as soon as the temperatures rise. Regardless of whether you have a terrace, a back yard or just a small terrace: if you plan this in advance, the area can be used all year round.
What inspiration, trends and tips do experienced facility experts such as Tamara Kelly from Ideal Home , Kate McGregor from House Beautiful, Alice Turner , specialist for garden and terrace products at Marshalls PLC and Lee TretheWey , design expert at Sustainable FURNISTURE, ready for us this year?
What are the most important aspects of terrace design, from material and design options to practical care suggestions to support us in designing a beautiful, comfortable and durable outdoor area? "
The best ideas for terrace decoration can quickly turn a neglected or overcrowded outdoor area into a unique garden lounge to relax.
We have summarized the most important findings for you.
Outside areas as a natural expansion of the living rooms
Although the design of a cozy garden lounge can sometimes be hard work, the idea of considering it as an extension of the interior of your house will definitely help you. For a natural transition to relax after dinner, for example, you can set up lounges in a large backyard with several seating, as you would do in an open living room. Alternatively, you can also combine an eating group with an outdoor area.
Another unobtrusive approach to creating a coherent atmosphere outdoors is the selection of furniture, lighting and decorations in colors and designs that fit what you use indoors.
Many of the design approaches mentioned for comfortable outdoor spaces help you to optimally use the warm days. In addition, you can extend your outdoor activities well into the cooler months, regardless of the size of the room that is available to you.
Popular materials for the soil
01 paving stones
Let's start with traditional block paving stones. This paving design is often used on entrances and also fits on a garden terrace.
According to Alice Turner, the "block paving" a popular alternative to large paving stones without affecting the quality. Due to the variety of colors and versions, interesting edges and patterns can result from different arrangements.
Apart from the fact that weeds have to be kept in check between the paving stones, this is a rather easy -to -implement style for soil design.
02 natural stone
If you want a natural look, there is a selection of stones that match every garden. Indian sandstone is a fantastic choice for the soil design of a garden lounge. Due to its natural appearance, natural stones give the terrace a classic atmosphere.

photo by Jason Leung @ninjason, via unsplash
Furthermore, the different colors of the stone indicate that this pavement option can fit practically to any environment and aesthetics.
granite for an elegant, modern look . It is a hard -wearing, resistant material that makes your floor covering look longer as new.
03 tiles with patterns
When we talk about terrace ideas, we usually think of simple plates first. The laying of patterned terrace tiles could be something very special for them.
"Decorative terrace tiles can also be a great way to beautify their area," explains Alice. If you use you as step inserts or terrace edges, you can give your garden a splash of colors. You could also be the heart on your terrace.
But which pattern suits your room best? "Think of the appearance of your garden and house as well as the colors of other sidewalks in your garden," says Alice. Choose a design that emphasizes and supplements the existing one to achieve a smooth and uniform appearance all around.
04 plates in wood look
Consider plates in a wood look if terrace boards are simply not for you, but you want the same look with less maintenance. Wood optics pavement plates can give your garden a rustic charisma and the elegant, modern appearance of hardwood terraces.
They do not forgive themselves and do not decay over time such as terrace boards made of hardwood and thus represent a wonderful alternative.
05 ceramic tiles
Ceramic ensures a durable terrace with the appearance of natural stone, is non -slip and easy to lay. It fits almost every interior and exterior facility by fitting into the area and offers a diverse range of colors.
Homeowners generally opt for porcelain plaster, as this is a robust flooring for the outdoor area that can withstand a lot of pedestrian traffic. This withstands extensive grill evenings and summer parties.
Porcelain paving stone is an excellent choice because a low porosity makes it difficult to absorb dirt and it is very water-resistant. The terrace can be enjoyed years after the laying.
Use of land and division with modern design principles
06 Harmonious integration into the natural environment
Perhaps you have the vision that the outdoor area fits harmoniously into the natural environment and does not appear to be intrusive. This could be the case, for example, if your outdoor area of forest, river, lake or dreamy marshlands are surrounded.
In such environments, they may want to create a place that exudes peace and calm and blends in harmoniously. In this case, select low furniture, such as noble, deep sofas that offer an ideal place to relax. Such sofas invite you to withdraw and let the view of the surroundings wander.

photo of Chloe Frost-Smith @chloefrostsmith, via Unsplash
In addition, there is cleverly manufactured coffee tables with a suitable look. Such a furniture selection makes even a small terrace an airy retreat. Family and friends can come together here to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of nature without feeling that chunky furniture presses their personal area.
The general arrangement should be loosened up to emphasize simplicity and cosiness, which fits well with the peaceful elegance of the natural environment.
07 The effect of symmetry

photo of Collov Home Design @CollovHome, via Unsplash
Some modern patio concepts rely on appealing and well thought-out symmetry. This balanced design not only has a calming effect on the eye, but also facilitates the arrangement of the furniture around a central element (e.g. an attached fireplace or a fixed fireplace).
Imagine how the gentle blazing of the fireplace pays attention, while the symmetrically arranged seating furniture creates an inviting room. Such a harmonious arrangement not only promotes a relaxed atmosphere, but also enables guests to talk effortlessly or just enjoy the quiet environment.
The possibility of integrating a variety of design styles and elements with a clear structure makes this approach particularly attractive. Regardless of whether you prefer a modern flair or rustic accents, the symmetry offers you flexibility while creating a visual resting pole.
Ultimately, this design choice shows us that the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is not only pragmatic, but also contributes to a place of well -being and conviviality.
08 garden rondell / circular terrace
The flexibility in the use of paving stones also helps to ensure that your terrace area can take various shapes and patterns. Use the pattern either simply as a decorative eye-catcher or emphasize or frame parts of your garden by forming a terrace circle (garden rondel) for a small seating area.
The round design is particularly suitable for people with a small terrace area and is ideal for a bistrotic. Alternatively, you can use it as an optical highlight next to your main terrace.
09 set zones by planting
In order to save work and maintenance effort, it can be tempting to convert small garden sections into a large garden lounge; Here you can take action creatively when planting to get a great room layout.
Different garden or terrace sections can be wonderfully combined by planted paths. Add beautiful vegetation in between to make the surroundings tangible, specify path options or to highlight a specific area. The division of a larger area into smaller areas is perfect for busy families or for children's entertainment programs.

Photo by çağin kargi @caginkargi, via unsplash
High plants are ideal for creating a private part of your terrace. This also works well if you have watching neighbors. High plants round off their terrace area excellently and thus create a private leisure area as possible.
10 optical demarcations
Record your edges if you want a rapidly implementable garden idea to accentuate a terrace. Even with small lawns, it helps to convert part of your area into optical borders. These structure the ideas for lawn and terrace clean and ensure a pleasant flair.
Choose a perennial bed to creative this additional planting area into a wellness oasis for wild bees. Or design a small vegetable garden in which you grow easily accessible, fragrant herbs.

Photo by Tile Merchant Ireland @Tilemerchant, via unsplash
11 Construction of a garden room
If you are not deterred from an investment in your outdoor area, you can think about building a garden room in your terrace area.

photo of SQ Lim @sql, via unsplash
A garden room installation on your terrace directly in front of your balcony door extends the living area of the house and increases the value of the property. A garden room can be used for various purposes. While you and your family change, the use of the room can be adjusted accordingly in order to always keep the needs of the family.
In addition, garden room ideas are an excellent way to transform your terrace into a place that can be used all year round. A garden room on the terrace also means that you do not have to take the risk of getting wet in the winter months. It is also far more cost -effective than a conventional cultivation.
12 mix of materials
The fact that a terrace can be built from a wide variety of materials is one of the advantages if you include it in the design of your garden landscape . Concrete, paving stones, stone, tiles, bricks and gravel are examples of materials that can be used to create different zones on your terrace. This is an excellent option if you want to use your terrace for various purposes, for example as a dining area or as a reading corner.

photo by Tony Zhu @zhutengyu, via Unsplash
When choosing the suitable materials for your terrace, it is a good idea to combine the materials in order to make them more interesting and divide a large area. This will help to split a significant part of the room.
The correct use of different materials ensures that the illusion of a larger space is generated. If you try to find the ideal terrace design for your garden, it can be an advantage to hire a landscape architect.
In the outdoor-eating area, bricks can be laid in a fishing bone pattern that are comparable to the flooring, which can normally be found in the interior dining areas. For the rest of the terrace, this would be an excellent contrast to concrete or paving slabs, which would work wonderfully.

photo of fraem GmbH @fraem, via unsplash
Clever ideas for small terraces

photo by Valentin Kremer @vbk_Media, via Unsplash
13 Consider the installation of awnings and a veranda
If you shape a small space outdoors, you should consider terrace roofing Because the best terrace ideas transform your garden into a place you can enjoy, even on days when it rains.
Supplementing a veranda or awning to a smaller terrace area can help increase the usability of the room and create a protected area outdoors. A veranda offers you an extended living space that can be equipped while an awning enables you to have protection against the elements. Both structures are usually relatively easy and can be embellished according to their personal taste.
14 hanging chairs are a great way to save space
Even if there is a lack of square meters in many of our outdoor areas, it is still possible to develop attractive terrace ideas. To release space on the floor, you can use a hanging chair as a seat.

photo of content pixie @contentpixie, via unsplash
15 Use a garden mirrors
The use of a mirrors S garden is a great way to optimally use a small outdoor area next to a house or apartment. It is possible to generate the impression of a larger area by letting floor tiles off the interior to the outside. This creates the impression of continuity.
You can achieve a tropical atmosphere and the feeling of being in nature by placing large pots in groups and filling them with lush plants.
It is astonishing to see how Ver mirrors Te Panele can double the area - at least optically. As a result, a small terrace area can appear more easily and full of energy if you sit down for dinner or have a pleasure with drinks.
16 vertical garden on high walls or privacy screen

Photo by SpaceJoy @spaceJOY, via unsplash
If you create a wonderful vertical garden on high walls of a terrace, you can create a warm and secluded oasis outdoors that ensure that you do not suffer from space. This idea works particularly effectively on urban terraces where space and privacy is of great importance.

Photo by Zamakhoiri Hakim @zamhkm, via Unsplash
Garden furniture and equipment with accessories
17 The correct selection of garden and lounge furniture
By choosing the right garden furniture, every outdoor area pre -designed can be beautified in a targeted manner. With carefully selected seating, the atmosphere of a terrace area contributes particularly effectively. If you want to create a comfortable garden lounge in shabby chic style , you should think about combining wooden benches with casual upholstered furniture.
Alternatively, you can choose a relaxed French farmhouse atmosphere that is perfect for Sunday meals outdoors. This succeeds with an iron bistroet in vintage style with slatted rust chairs and patterned seat cushions.
With the words of Lee Trethewey:
It is important to ensure that the garden furniture that you choose meet your needs. "
If the main purpose of your terrace is to serve as a dining area outdoors, you should select a large table and a number of comfortable chairs. If you want your terrace to be a place to relax, deck chairs or deep sofas make more sense.
18 furnishings inspired by nature
Enable the natural landscape to guide your ideas for terrace decoration. A simple terrace mirrors T perfectly resisted the relaxed and rustic atmosphere of a property on a lake or forest.
This ambience is also reinforced by taking natural materials such as wood, rattan or linen into account when choosing the furniture.
19 TR Terms & Conditions are seating
In the event that they are not used, chairs and benches from light materials are practical and can be placed at the table or taken into the garden.
With this terrace design, the armchairs are also mobile and versatile, so that the party can take place in any place and regardless of the weather.
20 modern accents in current color trends
The colors gray, green and brown are still the most popular options for the outdoor areas of our houses in all industries. By using marked concrete or colorful porcelain tiles in the design of your terrace, you can give the room some color. You could even go one step further and coordinate the color scheme with gray doors and shutters.
An almost weightless feeling can be achieved by combining with a table with a colorful glass plate and finely braided chairs. This will also look clean and fresh in contrast to the green in the garden. Add a huge, modern parasol to round off the dining area. This not only visually zon the room, but also donates shadows on warm summer days.
21 planting in tubs for even more splashes of color
The flowers that they cultivate in potted plants contribute together with the pattern and color of the stuffed pots to the additional splash of color. Consider growing the best evergreen plants for pots to maintain their rich colors all year round.
Potes are also perfect for herbal and vegetable growing. Due to their lower space requirement, leaf and Roman salads are ideal for cultivation in planters. Pots with a depth of at least 30 cm are ideal for tomato cultivation.
We recommend putting together pots of different sizes, colors and styles to get a varied picture. If you prefer a minimalist design , a few ferns will also breathe life into neutral pots in your terrace. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere in the country house garden, you could enjoy planting your favorite perennials in terracotta pots of different sizes.

Photo by Robin Wersich @robinwersich, via unsplash
Bonus: 79 Spectacular Outdoor design ideas in the terrace decor-marathon
Would you like more ideas and suggestions to creatively decorate your outdoor areas? Please 😉
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Sources, technical support and further information:
- Tamara Kelly/Ideal Home : 30 Patio Ideas to Help You Transform Your Outdoor Space Into an Alfresco Haven , https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden-ideas/patio-icideen-58772
- Kate McGregor/House Beautiful: 74 Best Patio Decor Ideas To Inspire Any Outdoor Space , https://www.housbeautiful.com/room-decorating/outdoor-Ideas/G853/outdoor-room-design-ideas
- Jessica Bennet/Better Homes & Gardens : 44 Dreamy Patio Ideas for a Space You'll Never Want to Leave , https://www.bhg.com/home-Improvement/patio/designs/patio-ideas/

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.