Adorn Your Garden Terrace

Color

In addition to the earth tones that come with most gardens, consider adding bold splashes of color to your terrace. Garden terraces are often made of stone or brick which means purples, yellows and shades of blue make a quiet contrast to the muted ground. The colors you select should match the function of the space. For example, if creating an outdoor reading room, red seating and shade may not be the most appropriate option. Instead, soft blues and purples promote rest and create a soothing environment.

Space Planning

Measure the size of your garden terrace before shopping for accessories. Oversized items can make a dramatic impression, but may take away from the functionality in your garden. Shop for items that help beautify your terrace while maximizing the space. Consider incorporating the natural environment and permanent structures such as large trees and nearby fences in your décor planning. Use measurements to create a layout describing where items you select for your garden can be placed. Draw items into the space to help you fill in gaps or avoid duplication when shopping.

Free online 3-D modeling programs, such as Google SketchUp, or sheets of grid paper are appropriate tools for mapping your terrace. However, 3-D modeling is a better option for illustrating garden décor if you plan to place items at high and low points around your terrace.

Themes

Create an imaginative garden terrace using themes. Themes help you organize your décor and accurately project your budget. Adorning your garden terrace doesn’t have to be expensive, and knowing your expense in advance prevents you from potentially unpleasant surprises.

Outdoor café

A simple enhancement to your garden terrace is creating an outdoor café. An outdoor café is a relaxing place to enjoy your morning coffee with only the surrounding trees as companions. Accessorize a circular vintage café table with a checkerboard table cloth, small vase and wrought iron chairs to create a French-inspired patio. Flowers for your vase can come from around your garden or be purchased from the gardening section of your home improvement store. Ensure your tablecloth is weather proof to avoid mildew.

Cabana

If you love to entertain, your garden terrace décor should reflect this fact. Hi boy tables and a bamboo tent covered by a cream-colored fabric bring the constant mood of tropical celebration to your garden. Mix in lounge furniture, but leave the center of the cabana open for dancing or cool weather accessories. For example, during late fall a good outdoor fire pit can help continue your outdoor parties well into the cool weather season. In addition, place a small portable bar in the corner of your terrace to store extra beverages and replenish guest drinks as needed.

Reading Room

Keeping your books outdoors may not be a feasible, but creating an enjoyable environment for reading on your terrace is a viable option. Purchase an outdoor floor lamp with a weather proof shade for your terrace. Place the lamp between two oversized garden chairs to create your reading room. Statues and sculptures bring a sophisticated touch to your “library.”

Lighting

Illuminate your garden terrace with a range of creative lighting styles. Consider hanging battery-powered paper lanterns from trees or covering an outdoor tent in a string of electric lights. The lighting style you choose should match your theme. For example, with an outdoor café, romantic mood lighting is appropriate. Consider hanging candles inside glass votives from an overhead tree branch near your café table to accentuate the style of your terrace.

Heirlooms & Keepsakes

Keepsakes and heirlooms are often unused and unseen in your home. Adorn trees and garden gates with old jewelry using thin wire. Wire helps ensure the items don’t get washed away with the rain or moved by small animals. Seeing your items as you enjoy your garden brings new value to your outdoor experience.

Think twice before throwing out any old furniture or household accessories. Often, items can be weatherproofed for your outdoor terrace which can mean budget friendly make overs for your terrace each time you update your household furniture.