how to arrange and decorate it

Having an outdoor space, even a small one, was your dream. You were moved and it became reality. Congratulations! Barbecues with friends, relaxing hours with a good book enjoying the sun, play sessions with your children in the open air… Yes, but the reality is a little more complicated than expected!

You quickly realized that when you have a very small terrace, really very small, the layout becomes a headache. You would like to put a lot of things in it but you don't have them not enough space. You realize that in a small space, every detail is important and the slightest error of disposition or taste will be seen like the nose in the middle of the face.

Instead of giving you a lesson on how to organize a small space, I decided to give it to you give advice by taking a concrete case.
This involves the creation of a small terrace. I appreciated this creation because the result is very beautiful, the layout is well thought out and I was attracted by the fact that most of the accessories are either recycled or found in DIY or decoration stores in general, therefore at accessible prices. This is a change from magazine photos, where the smallest decorative object made by a famous designer costs an arm and a leg!

Having finished this little introduction, I immediately move on to the explanations.

Choose

With such a small surface area (less than 10 m²), impossible to create multiple different spacesfor example a place with a table for dining and another with a sofa for relaxing. You have to make a choice.

Here we will be on a lounge area, welcomingwhere we will enjoy coming and sitting and chatting, having a coffee, reading a good book.

However, the layout is smart and lets you free space in the center. Simply move the coffee table to create a play area for children or easily add chairs to entertain guests.

Sit

Even in a small space, sitting is a necessity. Won't you enjoy the sun for hours while standing?
Here the seating is the center of attention as we have a large L-shaped wooden sofa, which takes up two sides of the arrangement.

In the case of a small area, making custom furniture is a real advantage. This avoids wasted space while providing a classy look.
Yes, yes bois was chosen for this result, it is no coincidence. This natural and warm material goes well with the welcoming spirit of the place. But it also is an easy material to work with. Any do-it-yourselfer can cut wooden planks, screw them in, etc.

Since we have little space, everything must be optimized. Ici, the sitting part of the bench acts as a container. You can store cushions, throws that are essential for enjoying life outdoors in the evening, but also small gardening tools, a bag of soil, etc.

HIDE

In the city and often also in the countryside, face to face they are almost systematic.

In this arrangement, perforated wooden panels they were chosen to create privacy. I can already see that you are offended that they are not hiding 100%. Yes, that's true. We can see you, but we can't really see what you are doing on your terrace. Privacy is still quite preserved.
These openwork claustra allow you to obtain a lightness effectwhile solid wood panels might feel overwhelming in such a small space.

We also notice that only one side is darkened. Nothing has been added at bench level so that it is not overlooked.
Here's a tip to remember: There's no point in hiding if you can't be seen! Don't systematically compartmentalize. Ask yourself if there is a need and don't hesitate to do it maintain a clear view to the outside. It always gives an effect of grandeur!

Personalize

Once you've done most of the setup with the seat and privacy screen, it's now time to take a look accessories. You have to choose them carefully because they will give personality to your layout.

Here the choice was to stay sober colors. If you wish to add pops of colour, this is also possible but should be done sparingly, one or two bright colours. If you add more, you risk ending up with a harlequin style, confused or even aggressive to the eye.

On this terrace there is great diversity in the materials, their textures and their patterns, but because the colors are discreet, it does not look messy. There are tables, candle holders, lanterns and vases in metal, terracotta, concrete and ceramic bring this place back to life, in a spirit of recovery.

The use of the mat is very interesting. It helps to attenuate the presence of wood by increasing the heat of the environment.
The same is true for the garland on the wooden panels which pleasantly decorates them, with its slightly retro charm.

Planter

Plants are essential for bring greenery and freshness to any respectable agreement.

When you are in a small space, using large plants is problematic, because if they are tall, they are often wide and take up too much space. However, the use of small plants in front of these tall wooden panels would have given the impression of disproportion.
The idea of ​​raising some of them using a sort of bench is also perfect. We get a nice balance.

AS ! You have lots of advice and examples to copy for your terrace.
Think about the utility you want for this space, this will allow you to select or create the appropriate furniture, hide only the sides that overlook, choose your accessories carefully, they must reflect your personality and the style you want to give to this place and finally, plant creating a balance.
Now it's your turn!