If you want to re-do the terrace, use tiles in natural stone colours. Pick furniture in durable material
Priya Jagat: While building a new house or renovating an existing one, the emphasis is always on the interiors. After the furniture is set, lighting done, carpets rolled out, walls decorated, it is time to do up open spaces — lawns and terrace. Usually, terrace gets a facelift at the end. It is conveniently used for storage of left-over building material and discarded household stuff. However, if you utilise the space well, it can be used to host evening parties and get-togethers. Here are some suggestions on how to go about it. Space wiseMost of us don’t even count terrace as a utility space. But if you consider it one, rooftop can promise a great view, besides greenery, plenty of sun and privacy. Do it up aesthetically and it can work as a great get away from the house, yet within the house. A terrace is used for installing water tanks, solar panels, generators and air-conditioning and outdoor units. Plan installation of these in advance and allocate the right space to transform your terrace into a garden. Well-arranged utilities ensure that only a part of the terrace is occupied, leaving the rest for good use. Natural delightTerrace can be an ideal spot for a garden. With professional waterproofing, grass can be planted on rooftops. Add to that in-built flowerbeds, potted plants, creepers and the rooftop garden is ready. All of these require careful planning and implementation. Waterproofing is very important, otherwise rooftop garden can turn into a nightmare with leaking roofs. A more manageable option would be synthetic astro-turf. It’s so similar to real grass that one can’t even tell the difference. Flowering plants, baskets, a pergola further add to the impact. If you have more space at your disposal, experiment with a vegetable patch and a herb garden on the terrace. By doing this, you will be able to increase the lawn area on the ground floor. Stay entertainedA great haven for spending pleasant evenings with family and friends, terrace gardens can also serve as a party venue. For a bash with a small gathering, set-up an outdoor fireplace in winter, a barbeque and an outdoor bar, which can be put to use even in summer. Also, get some electric sockets installed to play music or a projector for an event. The terrace can serve as your canvas, where you can let your creativity flow. The setting can be changed according to the weather. Be flooredPrefer the flooring material that is easy to maintain. Try options in natural stone. In case, you want to re-do the terrace, use tiles in natural stone colours. These make for excellent substitute. Add borders to enhance the effect of flooring. Choose the colour scheme carefully — earthy colours render a more natural look as compared to cream or white tiles. Avoid marble and granite, as these get slippery when wet and won’t be as functional during the rainy season. Lighting is a very important part of setting up a terrace garden. High wattage lights take away the charm of the terrace garden, while dim lighting makes it unsafe for guests. Try using LED spotlights on plants and foliage that highlight the area subtly. Garden pole lights is a favourite décor element among interior decorators. Furniture basicsOutdoor, durable and light furniture is appropriate for a terrace garden. Come hail, rain or storm — the furniture should be weather proof and strong. Extremely light-weight chairs can fly off on a windy day, thus weight is a vital consideration while buying terrace furniture. Avoid natural cane furniture, as it tends to crack after long exposure to the sun. Synthetic cane makes for an ideal substitute and is far more durable. Do add a swing or a hammock and a sun umbrella for those perfect winter afternoons and cooler summer evenings. A terrace can be used effectively to create more space within a home. A space that is private and pretty. It’s time to clean the terrace and reclaim space. The writer is a Chandigarh-based interior consultant. Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/