Roof Terraces – Bringing the Inside Out

By Oliver Burns

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May 8, 2014|Luxury Design

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  • oof terraces provide highly coveted outside space for apartments and houses, especially if there is no private garden. Even where a garden exists, a roof terrace may be desired because of the attractive views it presents, allowing the owner to appreciate the lustre of the city or countryside in the comfort of their own personal space. Growing in popularity, a terrace used to be treated as an alternative to a private garden and was designed accordingly, with landscape garden specialists leading the design. However, nowadays, terraces are increasingly being viewed as an extension of the living space, offering a place to wine and dine guests, relax and even cook. As a result, we are seeing a trend towards bringing interior elements outside, ultimately making it feel more like a room in the house and providing extended living space for the owner. However, when furniture and accessories are being exposed to the outside elements, it’s important that items are selected for their durability as well as aesthetics. Below I have looked at how you can create the ultimate outdoor room using some of the most stylish outdoor pieces available on the market.
Image sourced via LINLEY

One of the key ways to make a terrace instantly look more like a room in the rest of your house is through the addition of luxurious, comfortable seating. This new range of outdoor seating designed by LINLEY in conjunction with Summit feels much more like the chairs you would find indoors. However, this furniture comes with soft grey acrylic fabric cushions, a teak structure and metal detailing, so it’s designed to withstand the British weather too.

Image sourced via Architectural Digest

To add to the homeliness to your roof terrace, a Ralph Lauren Home outdoor rug is the perfect choice. Hand woven from polypropylene, these versatile designs will add a stylish touch to any outdoor space.

Image sourced via Living Etc

For elegant dining on your terrace, the iconic Saarinen Table is now available with an acrylic stone top instead of the original marble or lacquer choices. Available from Knoll, it looks great when paired with contrasting metal chairs.

Image sourced via Dedon

To light up your terrace in a less than traditional way, the Dedon lighting by Flos, designed by Philippe Starck certainly marries the best of the inside with the outside. A handmade woven shade combines with a metal base and arm to provide a contemporary addition to your roof top lighting.

Image sourced via Masiero

Or for true glamour, why not invest in this outdoor chandelier from Masiero. Created specifically for the outdoor elements, this wonderful chandelier exudes opulence.

Image sourced via Dedon

Accessories to your roof terrace will also add to the indoor room feel of the space. Ceramic pots have come a long way from traditional terracotta types, which are synonymous with outdoor terraces. I love these Babylon versions from Dedon, made from a special ceramic; they add a more unusual, quirky touch to an outdoor scheme.

Image sourced via Savills

If you prefer a good amount of greenery on your terrace, introducing a few different types of plants and growing them in pots keeps it well ordered and they can then be used to define different areas on the terrace.

Image sourced via Cupersia

Alternatively, keep your greenery vertical and install a green wall. This provides interest and is especially good if you are trying to keep the area private.

Image sourced via Archinspire

For the final touch and to set the mood on your roof terrace, add some outdoor candles. I like theDiptyque indoor and outdoor candles, which come in handmade earthenware pots designed by French porcelain artists.

Not only an extension of your living space, a roof terrace can provide a unique place to entertain and relax. With the addition of exceptional views and stylish settings it can become a day to night destination with all the comforts of a home such as heat, light and luxurious furniture.

Written by SF

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