10 Charming Terrace Gardens To Inspire Your Outdoor Space
Welcome the sunnier days ahead with inspiration from these thoughtful and stylish terrace gardens.
"Let's go out on the terrace," sounds infinitely fancier than hanging out on the patio or in the backyard, doesn't it? While it gives Bridgerton vibes, a terrace is merely defined as an open flat space (whereas a balcony is an elevated platform), so your terrace fantasy can be lived out in the yard or on a roof—spy Celerie Kemble's mind-blowing city panorama below.
What separates a terrace from just a general area? No matter how nice the weather—or how great your view—the right accessories, like potted plants, tables, chairs, and places to lounge are key. With spring on the way it is time to dust off your boring outdoor space and elevate it for morning coffee, pre-work yoga, happy hours, and casual weekend hangouts. Below, 10 designers share their charming terraces packed with function, florals, and furniture to get the inspiration flowing.
Curate Outdoor Rooms
Instead of settling on one larger furniture scene (like an oversize outdoor sectional), create mini "rooms" using arrangements of tables and chairs. Here, designer Celerie Kemble decked out her outdoor terrace bistro chairs build for morning coffee and a lounge-worthy couch for a quick read (or snooze) in the sun.
Become a Plant Maximalist
With space at a premium, you may be tempted to keep the plant selections on your terrace streamlined and minimal. Well, we're here to flip that idea on its head. Embrace a more is more attitude with greenery, opting for full-sized trees and lush container plants that feel almost comically large for the space. The end result? A secret garden design that will act as your own verdant retreat.
Combine Indoors and Out
Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living is a great way to lend the illusion of more square footage. In this 1920s Spanish colonial, designer Regan Baker and landscape architect Terremoto married the home's great room with the petite exterior terrace through a sliding steel and glass door that disappears when opened.
Throw in a Few Creature Comforts
Think of outfitting your terrace similarly to that of an indoor space, layering in furniture and accessories that are typical hallmarks of, say, a living room. The team behind M. James Design Group brought a balcony to life with comfy throw pillows, a functional coffee table, and plenty of plant life.
Add Privacy With Plants
When it comes to adding a bit of seclusion to your terrace garden, plants are your best camouflage. If a privacy hedge or trellis wall won't work with your space, consider hanging a row of lush, overflowing baskets to block curious eyes and add a touch of life to the area.
Select a Standout Piece
Trust us: No one is going to pay attention to the number of square feet on your terrace when eye candy abounds. Give a beloved item—whether that's a vintage planter or an adobe-style fireplace—a place of prominence in your space and turn your terrace into your favorite "room" of the house.
Sneak Some Shade
Ensure your outdoor space functions well in rain or shine—or really, really shine—by incorporating the necessary weather-proofing throughout the terrace. But that doesn't have to mean unsightly tarps or oversized umbrellas, either. Take a note out of designer Leanne Ford's playbook. She strung a piece of antique lace fabric over the picnic table in her yard for stylish shade that suited her boho aesthetic.
Reach New Heights
When it comes to creating more usable space in a small footprint, always look up. Outdoors, turn to wood walls or pieces of sturdy trellis for a bonus area to hang planters, string lights, and more. On this terrace by Malcolm Simmons, pieces of slatted wood "walls" have the combined perk of privacy and an additional spot to house some herbs.
Do One Thing Well
You know the saying "You can't be all things to all people"? Well, the same goes for your terrace. Instead of trying to cram the space with a living area, lounge zone, and dining table, pick whatever adds the most value to your outdoor lifestyle and run with it. It's better to do one thing super well—as is the case with this stunning dining scene from designer Jeffrey Alan Marks—than over-populate your terrace until it looks like a cluttered mess.
Have Fun with Color
Your prized plant collection may bring the green, but what about the rest of the rainbow? Up the style quotient of your terrace garden by decking it out with a slew of saturated shades. Pillows, planters, and even tiles hung like artwork are all great ways to add a colorful dose of personality to your space.
Watch Next
Beautiful Flower Bed Ideas
Why You Should Never Plant a Bradford Pear Tree
Can Vinegar Actually Kill Weeds?
The Top Garden Trends for 2024
