1. CREATE A SEAMLESS BLEND WITH CONSISTENT MATERIALS
A terrace with no level change makes for a smooth transition from inside to outside.
2. MAKE BOLD LANDSCAPING CHOICES FOR IMPACT
If you are looking for paved backyard ideas, this is intriguing. A central square ‘pad’ creates a calming pause in a terrace space. In this historic farmhouse, Harriet Farlam of Farlam & Chandler designed a detailed paving pattern.
3. USE LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS FOR A TIMELESS TERRACE
Walling and its treatment contribute hugely to how a terrace feels. ‘Too high and too stark and the space can feel tight and overwhelming,’ says garden designer Helen Elks-Smith. ‘Get them right and they can contribute to the space feeling protected and secure.’
4. CHOOSE DECKING FOR A SMALL TERRACE
Lay hardwood flooring such as iroko, ipe and balau for a long-life wooden surface that looks and feels good on a small footprint.
5. CREATE PRIVACY WITH SMALL TREES
Small trees play a starring role in a terrace, changing with color and texture through the seasons. The best trees for privacy include pleached and multi-stemmed varieties, which also add depth, height and all-important seasonal interest.
6. CREATE A FLOOR SHOW WITH PAVING AND PLANTING
It’s tempting to push all the planting to boundaries in a bijou space, but the effect often only defines the smallness of the space. In the garden of this townhouse, a patchwork of floor-level planting was designed alongside the central seating/dining area to create an enticing and soft effect.
7. INTRODUCE A WATER FEATURE
The sound of running water brings a cooling, soothing sparkle to a terrace’s atmosphere. In this row house in central London, located within a conservation area, designer Henrietta Murray-Wicks of HMW Studio positioned a water feature as the key focal point through the door that leads to the garden. It acts as a backdrop for the entire space.
8. CREATE INTRIGUING REFLECTIONS WITH MIRRORS
Pay attention to the light and vertical garden ideas advises Gavin McWilliam of McWilliam Studio, who used reflective surfaces in this townhouse terrace. An antique distressed mirror opens up the space bringing light and drama into the space.
9. FIT IN A CROWD WITH SECTIONAL SEATING
In-built furniture clustered around a coffee table or gas flame backyard fire pit table is a neat destination for late-night entertaining. When positioning, Chris Harrington of Harrington Porter recommends considering the views from the house, as well as back to the house (what you will be looking at).
10. CREATE VISUAL INTEREST WITH SCULPTURE
Sculpture pleases the eye and acts as a yard art element. In this terrace, with high walls on both sides, Barcelona Bird by Christopher Marvell was set upon an oak plinth by designer George Cullis of Studio Cullis.