Outdoor space of any size can provide you with additional living space and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor world. These 10 small terraces show how to achieve stylish design for outdoor living in a variety of spaces.
1. Modern Farmhouse Fireplace
This small courtyard has a brick fireplace in front and is the perfect place to relax with family, friends, and neighbors on chilly nights. It is conveniently located around the corner from the front entrance of the Los Angeles residence. The combination of traditional brick and vertical siding with modern square concrete pavers and horizontal wood trim creates a timeless appeal.
2. Townhouse Retreat
The ground floor courtyard of this Chicago townhouse is lush with greenery, reflecting the classical style of the home. Black wrought iron staircases and balustrades and a small table add a touch of mood to the courtyard, and the painted lattices on the side walls repeat this dark color. Moorish-style gray, white, and brown floor tiles reflect light, which, along with the white table tops and chair cushions, brightens the space.
3. Get Away from the Hustle and Bustle of the City
This terrace near Greenwich Village in New York City offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The trees that grow above the painted brick walls form a dense canopy that shades the space and helps filter sounds. Additional plants are scattered along the walls, softening the edges. An oversized, raised planter at the far end provides a home for stepped seating and more greenery.
4. Italian Flair
Stone walls, spiral staircases, and sleek paving stones bring an old-world Tuscan style to this small courtyard in Littleton, Colorado. Modern fire bowls and chairs add a pleasant contrast and allow homeowners to relax and enjoy the distant mountain views.
5. Tables for Two
This cozy patio corner in Toronto’s yard is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon refreshment. The tall tables and contrasting bar-high chairs help break up the wide space of the high fence they sit on without requiring much space.
6. Medieval Modern Update
Tropical design, tiki style, and mid-century modern style are the inspiration for this Orange County, California home. The entrance terrace, located to the left of the front door, connects to the living room and blends palm trees and tropical plants with vintage chaise longone, setting the tone for the space.
7. Townhouse Terraces
This townhouse in Sussex, England, has a narrow outdoor space filled with a variety of styles and functions. A mirror on a bright blue wall at one end serves as a striking focal point, visually expanding the space. The built-in L-shaped bench provides ample seating, and the appearance is softened by lush vegetation on the walls on either side.
Final touches include a checkerboard floor with diagonal tiles, and a small fountain that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.
Note: If birds frequented your yard, avoid hanging mirrors outside, as reflective surfaces may distract them and pose a danger to them.
8. French Rural Influences
Walking into the backyard of Franklin, Tennessee, feels like stepping back in time to the French countryside. A thick layer of large gray pebbles, reminiscent of something from a European gravel garden, surrounds a central fire pit and radial gray concrete paving stones. The stone walls of the space add to the ambiance. The final touches are planted loosely throughout the courtyard to create a rustic casual look.
9. Cozy Corners
Nestled between the two wings of a house in Lake Oswego, Oregon, this patio and fireplace setting transforms a potentially forgotten area into a major backyard destination. A large fireplace encourages people to hang out on cool evenings, while four comfortable swivel chairs invite people to sit and chat. A large outdoor rug softens the stone pavement and adds a splash of bright color.
10. Coastal Perch
This circular courtyard is ideally located for taking in the sights and sounds of the Massachusetts coast. The round stone design is large enough to accommodate six chairs and a fire pit. The space is easily accessible from the deck and yard thanks to paver access on both sides.