Types of terraces
By type of arrangement there are:
- Attached terraces. They are built on the same foundation as the house.
- Built-in terraces. They can be built on a separate foundation or without it.
Based on the type of design there are:
- Open terraces. There is no glazing; they are used as recreation areas in the warm season. It is recommended to bring furniture from summer terraces into the house for the winter.
- Closed terraces. They are completely glazed and represent a full-fledged room.
2. Types of verandas
Depending on their purpose, verandas come in two types: open and closed.
Open verandas
Most country houses become inhabitable only with the beginning of warm days. If this is your case, then the optimal solution would be an open veranda. Firstly, it is not advisable to spend money on glazing or erecting blank brick walls if you simply will not use it. Secondly, if we are talking about independently adding a veranda to the house, then the open structure is erected much faster and requires lower costs for building materials.
Enclosed verandas
There are such comfortable country houses that they can rather be called country houses. You can stay in them comfortably both in winter and during heavy rainy seasons. In this case, it is more advisable to consider a closed type of veranda. It can be used as an additional full room for receiving guests, as a home library, dining room, games room, as a greenhouse or winter garden. So that nothing prevents you from enjoying the first snow or the sound of autumn rain, use frameless glazing. This option has been very popular lately.
The appearance of such a veranda is simply incomparable. Being inside, it seems as if the walls do not exist at all. In addition, it is possible to choose double-glazed windows with sound-proofing or heat-insulating properties. Such a room will be warm and comfortable. And if you take care of having a small fireplace, it will not only add comfort, but will also act as an additional source of heat.
Please note that the glazing option is not the only one available. If your house is built of brick, you can build a veranda using the same material. The option of wooden verandas attached to a wooden house is not excluded. You just need to make sure there are window openings. Perhaps it will be one, but a large panoramic window.
Based on the above, it is clear that the type of veranda is used depending on the seasonality of visiting a country house.
Construction materials
To build a terrace you can use:
- Brick. Allows you to quickly and quite simply create a reliable building.
- Tree. Makes it easy to create a beautiful modern terrace.
- Metal. It is used for the frame and sheathed with other materials.
- Foam blocks. Ideal for a warm covered terrace for a summer residence.
- Glass. Can be used not only for windows, but also for walls.
- Polycarbonate. Used to build a non-standard fully or partially transparent terrace.
Veranda interior decoration
One of the most successful solutions for the design of a veranda will be its landscaping with the help of climbing plants. They are not particularly expensive in terms of money, are easy to care for and will delight you throughout the year. Use the principle of vertical gardening, which will help avoid bright sun and create minimal shade and comfort.
A classic option for landscaping a veranda is a vineyard, which will not only look beautiful, but you can also enjoy its delicious fruits.
Selecting curtains
Beautiful curtains will be an excellent addition to the interior of the veranda. Here are some recommendations for choosing them:
- Transparent curtains are well suited for this room; they will create the impression of lightness and airiness.
- You can use outdoor curtains, which are mainly made of acrylic. This is a fairly rigid fabric that has a Teflon microcoating. It repels dust, water and dirt, while looking beautiful in interior design.
- Protective curtains made from PVC film. This option is not particularly aesthetic in terms of appearance, but is practical to use.
- Bamboo or canvas curtains, which are not afraid of either wind or bright sun.
- As an option, you can also use roller blinds for gazebos.
Veranda location
When determining the location of the terrace, you should carefully consider everything. It should not cover attractive parts of the façade. The following options for placing a terrace are available:
- in front of the house;
- on the side of the house;
- near two adjacent walls at once.
Experts recommend placing the terrace on the east side of the house.
How to arrange a terrace: choosing a style
To harmoniously design a terrace in a country house, you should remember the basic rules:
- Minimum number of items;
- Maintaining maximum free space;
- Compact and reliable furniture;
- The right style.
To understand how to design your site, you need to figure out which side of the house it is located on. If it is east or north facing, then it is best to consider a colonial style. It necessarily includes rattan wicker furniture and a rocking chair. You can add a lot of coziness by installing a fireplace. It will be able to play a large role in design, but also on the practical side. If you place it in a closed veranda, then after the onset of cold weather you can relax near it yourself or with friends, enjoying the warmth that it will create. In such a room, you should remember about the only load-bearing wall, which should not be left empty. It can be decorated with shelves, lamps, flower holders and other elements. And in order for the surface to be combined with the overall style, it is painted in the predominant shade or finished with suitable natural materials.
If the recreation area is located on the south or east side of the house, then it will receive plenty of sunlight. For this terrace, the Provence style is suitable, which is distinguished by light natural furniture, ceiling beams and translucent curtains in light colors. Provençal style includes a wide variety of its substyles. This can be a rural type, prim, formal and sophisticated.
The terrace design can also be done in vintage style. This style remains in demand at any time and is distinguished by the content of elements from different styles, careful processing and subtle calculations that are hidden behind deliberate negligence.
Terrace decoration is sometimes done in a style that became popular not so long ago, but is already loved by many designers and home owners. This finishing method is called loft. Here disadvantages turn into advantages. It lacks perfect lines and uniformity. If the veranda is closed, then its wall does not need to be leveled or plastered, but rather its flaws, bricks, and unevenness can be highlighted. In order not to spoil the terrace, it is better to practice finishing on some unnecessary piece of material or on the wall of a barn or other not so important building.
If none of the styles listed or known to you is to your liking, you can independently design the terrace so that it matches the general background of the site and the house, combining elements from different styles.
Stages of building a terrace
Before you start building a terrace, you should consider its size, design, shape and materials used.
Polycarbonate is ideal for decorating semicircular terraces.
We propose to consider the main stages of building a closed wooden terrace.
Design solutions for a glazed veranda
Separately, I would like to talk about this type of extension. The presence of glass walls and roof is suitable not only for constructing a winter garden. In principle, this is a choice for any room. And don’t forget about saving on electricity, especially in the summer season.
But the design in this case is demanding. A rustic or antique style would simply not be appropriate. Glass implies a certain hi-tech. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to modernism or minimalism. You can combine glass with Provence, it looks very nice and really French.
Now, having looked at many photo examples of how to decorate a veranda or terrace in a house with finishing, it becomes clear that this is not an easy small addition to your cottage. There is room for imagination, a lot of variations in design, functions and purpose. Theoretically, absolutely any idea can be realized on such a bridgehead.
Construction of the frame
From 10*10 beams the following is performed sequentially:
- bottom trim;
- installation of vertical supports;
- securing horizontal bars at the locations of windows and doors;
- installation of the top trim.
For additional fixation of the upper trim directly to the house, anchors are used.
Veranda lighting
Decorating a veranda is not complete without lighting. For open verandas, lamps that belong to the “street” class are used. They have increased protection against water and higher impact resistance. The protection class of such lighting equipment cannot be lower than IP44. It is indicated on a sticker on the back of the lamp or in the passport. Devices with lower protection can be used in a closed glazed veranda; outdoors, the numbers should be at least 44 (another 45, 55 is possible).
After clarifying the technical details, we will find out where lighting fixtures can be installed on the veranda. Traditional place is the ceiling. You can use flat ceiling lights. This is necessary if your ceiling is lined with something and its height is about 2-2.5 meters. At a higher height, it is possible to install hanging lighting fixtures, but there are not many of them with the required degree of protection.
Ceiling lamps for outdoor use. They don't look very good in daylight, but not bad at night
With the advent of LED recessed ceiling lamps, lighting verandas has become much easier, while it is brighter, more expressive, and consumes less electricity. Their only drawback: the relatively high cost, since a lot of small-sized lamps are required.
They can have different scattering angles: create a directed stream of light or a diffuse one. They are available in different colors and sizes. During the day they are practically invisible, they do not decorate the interior in any way, but they do not spoil it either. But at night everything changes.
The lamps are hidden behind a decorative panel. The effect of such a simple solution is amazing.
Lighting of an open veranda is often done on the railing. Here you can install both lamps with conventional or energy-saving lamps, as well as LED ones. Craftsmen can even install LED lighting into the railings themselves.
When lighting an open veranda, it is logical to place the lamps on the railings of the fence
Lamps for the veranda are often mounted on the wall of the house. This is convenient: you don’t need to pull the wiring far and there are usually no problems with installation. To make the lighting more uniform, several pieces in the same style can be installed on columns or on the ceiling. In the area that needs better lighting. This is the table in the photo below. Above it, in addition to the wall ones, ceiling light sources were added.
Lamps chosen in the same style as the home’s decoration decorate it not only at night
An interesting effect is created by lamps on columns directed inward. They seem to cut off the darkness outside the illuminated area, creating a feeling of privacy. This kind of veranda lighting is easy to do: install directional spotlights or other similar lighting devices.
Lamps on columns - smart and beautiful, easy to install
Choosing a glazing method
If the terrace is planned to be used only in the summer, it is not required to be glazed.
If you plan to arrange a full-fledged room, it is worth installing windows. Frames can be made of aluminum profiles, wood, or none at all.
Flowers in the interior of the terrace
To decorate the veranda, you can use live plants and flowers, planting them in pots or hanging them like flowerpots. Although there are many plants in summer, their presence indoors or on the open terrace will only add beauty. When choosing plant varieties, the container in which they will grow also plays an important role. It is important that it matches the overall mood.
On a closed veranda you can combine plants from home flowers, street flowers and edible greens. Some owners create a whole garden of berry and vegetable plants inside the room, but there are no decorative species.
There is such a type of design as a mobile landscape made of swamp-type plants. To implement this idea, you need to have a large table on which to create a living installation.
If there is no time and opportunity to care for a large amount of greenery, then flowers such as geranium and petunia will be suitable. Due to their fragrant nature and bright color, they can easily enliven the area, both on the terrace and inside the veranda. Provided that there is no time at all, you can think about using artificial greenery. It can be laid out like a lawn or used in the form of balls that can decorate the area and do not require careful care all year round.
One of the types of gardens that can be recreated in a recreation area is a Japanese garden. The main distinguishing feature is the feeling that everything inside it was not laid out by the hand of a person. This solution can be implemented in two ways - directly on the recreation area and near it. For the first case, select one of the corners of the site or, conversely, the center of the room, and then use pebbles, mini-figurines, low plants and stones to build a Japanese garden. For the second case, there should be a larger area for green decorations. Moreover, the garden should be located in such a way that the furniture faces it. Apart from this, there is no need to create any other decor.
Styles for decorating verandas
There are a huge number of design possibilities, so everyone can find a suitable terrace project for themselves.
Country style
Looks perfect next to a wooden house.
This terrace is covered with wood. The windows are framed with wooden frames with carved finials. The interior decoration is also made of wood. Complement this style with rough wooden furniture. Antique candlesticks, carpet, and rugs will help complement the interior.
Shelves with appropriate decor will harmoniously fit into the interior. Let us emphasize this style by installing a stove that can be used for cooking.
Veranda-dining room design
We will not give examples of the design of unreal verandas of country houses, where unprecedented open spaces prevail, and stunning views open from the windows. You can find a great many similar photographic examples on the Internet. But such a scale is not always appropriate within a small country house on a plot of ten acres. And the view that many will see is a garden or lawn with ornamental plants, created with their own hands. Our design proposals will be practical, no less attractive and more affordable. Let's start with the simplest.
Country houses usually contain 2-3 rooms, one of which is located in the attic. For a large family or a crowded company, such a space may feel cramped. It may not always be possible to even sit down at the dinner table all together. In order not to huddle in a small room, we suggest setting up a dining room on the veranda. In the fresh air you can breathe easier and have a better appetite. Moreover, the dining room can be organized both in a closed and on an open veranda. It’s great if you took care of arranging a barbecue and a small sink next to it.
Furniture items are selected based on personal preferences. Simple wooden benches with soft cushions and wicker chairs can beat this. The main thing is that there are enough seats. To save space and be able to assemble furniture and send it for winter storage, we recommend choosing folding structures. To make meals or evening gatherings more intimate, you can arrange light curtains around the perimeter of the veranda. Can be combined with roller blinds or thick curtains. This way, you can close yourself from prying eyes from the right side.
To avoid running back and forth for dishes, install a small sideboard or chest of drawers on the veranda. In an enclosed gazebo, you can organize wall shelves, decorate them with decorative plates or pottery, allocate space for a small refrigerator and lay a runner on the floor.
Many experts argue that the design of the veranda should match the design of the entire house. You can follow similar tactics and really decorate all the rooms in the same style. But given that the veranda is a somewhat separate room, you can choose any direction for its design. Maybe the interior decoration of the house was dictated by certain circumstances, but on the veranda you can not deny yourself anything.
Modern
The main features of the style are simplicity and conciseness. The easiest way to implement it is on terraces made of polycarbonate or metal. It is worth choosing furniture in black or gray with clear lines.
The walls are made plain or a little patterns are added to them. Pillows in white, purple, yellow or green shades are placed on the sofa and armchairs.
What rooms can be made from a veranda?
The space on the veranda can be used in a variety of ways, setting up a kitchen, living room or workshop there. There are actually many ideas on how you can use space, and here are a few of them.
Dining room on the veranda
This is one of the most popular options that is often used nowadays. Such a dining room is best decorated in a minimalist style, where the main items will be a table with chairs, indoor plants and textile elements.
Veranda-living room
This is a common option in which the main task will be choosing the right size of furniture. An important point will be your preference in choosing a sofa, because a large sofa will look ugly on a small veranda, taking up all its space, just as a small sofa can simply get lost in the room.
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Veranda-office
Even on the smallest veranda there is always the opportunity to place a small desk and chair where you can do business, at the same time relax and enjoy the scenery outside the window.
Veranda as a playroom
Surely your children will like their own personal corner, which can be arranged on the veranda. It can be decorated thematically, for example, in the form of a pirate ship or a princess’s castle. It would be very helpful to build a small playground near the veranda where children can spend their leisure time.
Veranda in the form of a winter garden
If you're into green spaces, the porch can become a so-called "staging area" where you can grow plants before planting them outside.
Veranda-workshop
Another pretty good idea, because there you can create your own art studio where you can paint pictures. You can also put a sewing machine there and sew beautiful original things.
Antique
This type of country terrace design is very expensive. It will look harmonious next to a bright house with the same style, complemented by columns or antique decor.
This terrace is made open. The roof is supported by supports, between which railings are placed.
Such a terrace will be wonderfully complemented by installing a white sofa or armchairs, which will be brought into the house for the winter. The beauty of the terrace can be emphasized with the help of plants and delicate curtains.
Design options for a veranda in the house
There are many different options with which you can decorate the interior of the veranda. Here are some ideas that can help in this matter.
Veranda with glass roof
Even a small veranda with a transparent roof will look much more interesting and lighter. The big advantage will be that it will be light there almost all day, and you can feel lightness and simplicity in the room.
Related article: Detailed instructions on how to build a frame house with your own hands
In this option, combine the color of wicker furniture with wood trim, which will create a truly comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
If the veranda space is large enough, you will have the opportunity to place a dining and living area there.
The central element and highlight will be frosted glass with wooden beams. At the same time, it is good if the color of the beams echoes the overall interior.
Natural stone and wood
Stone is very often used to finish floors in the veranda area.
It also goes well with rough-hewn frames that might contain landscape paintings. Thus, it will seem that the person is in close proximity to all the beauty of nature.
Veranda in bright colors
Using light colors will first of all allow you to visually expand the space of the veranda, and will also play an important role in the sensations, because when the room is decorated in light colors, a feeling of lightness and calm is created.
A veranda in white tones represents the design of such parts and elements as a window frame, ceiling, furniture, floor lamp, bedside lamps and other interior items.
Speaking of flooring, there are two options, both of which are absolutely win-win. You can make a contrasting style that combines light trim and dark flooring, or you can do everything in white shades.
Minimalism
Such a terrace should be designed using elements that have clear geometric shapes.
It is recommended to decorate furniture with plain pillows. You can place live plants or succulents on the shelves.
Furniture for the veranda
The veranda is a resting place. And rest presupposes the presence of armchairs and chairs. If you are decorating a country veranda, then it is not at all necessary to buy new ones. Such summer homes are good because you can put old chairs in them, just transform them: repaint them in an unusual color or sew covers. They transform instantly and give the room a cozy feel. What’s most attractive about this solution: it’s easy to change the color, and therefore the atmosphere in the room. Read how to redesign old furniture here.
The chairs were painted white, and covers with romantic ruffles were sewn onto the old chairs. The design is light, festive, absolutely not annoying
You can also transform old chairs and couches in the same way. But in addition to the new cover, you will have to make a lot of pillows. Nothing is more conducive to relaxation than a low, small sofa or a cozy armchair heaped with pillows.
The more pillows, the more comfortable your rest will be. And so that too bright pillowcases do not create dissonance, you can nail the same one into a frame and hang it on the wall
Separately, it is worth mentioning tables and tables. If you plan to eat on the veranda, you cannot do without a dining table, albeit a small one, as well as chairs or benches near it. If this is only a seating area with low couches (as in the photo above), then the table is placed low, the tabletop is on the same level as the seats.
Solid sofas are also installed, but the area must be appropriate. You remember that the room cannot be overloaded with furniture. And although light colors of upholstery can improve the situation a little, there should not be too much furniture: there are sofas, which means there are no chairs, maybe only one or two, or a rocking chair.
Sofas are placed in verandas in large areas. And even then other items are present to a minimum
Of traditional pieces of furniture, that's it. Shelves that are hung on the wall of the building can also be used. If there is a blank end wall, it can be turned into a shelf on which to place all the little things you need for your vacation.
A piece of wall turns into a shelf
You can read about making a small (and large) tabletop or floor fountain here.
Provence
Decorating a terrace in Provence style is very simple. External and internal walls are finished with light materials. Furniture should be light colors, such as blue, purple or light green.
As additional decor, it is recommended to use shelves or cabinets with fresh flowers and souvenirs. The windows are decorated with light curtains with delicate floral patterns.Before adding a terrace, you should carefully study all the features of this building. You can use budget or more expensive materials.
A large number of photos of terraces at the dacha will help you choose a design. This building will be an original recreation room for family and guests.
Accessories for the veranda
The choice of certain accessories will primarily depend on the chosen style. Of course, there are some universal things that will help you decorate your interior beautifully. These include:
- First of all, these will be pillows that will help create a beautiful bright accent in the interior decor.
- Covers for chairs, which will be made in the chosen theme and style of the direction in the design of the veranda.
- A beautiful tablecloth for the dining table, if there is one in the room.
- Be sure to create a small green corner that will have a very beneficial effect on the general atmosphere and psychological mood in particular.
- Alternatively, if the size of the veranda allows you, you can purchase beautiful wrought-iron racks for flower pots. Be careful, because with such items you need to be extremely careful so that the room does not feel overloaded.
- Night lights or scented candles will add a romantic atmosphere to the veranda.
- It would be appropriate to place beautiful paintings, panels or photographs on the wall.
- You can go further and make a small fireplace on the veranda that can heat the room (if it is closed).
Photos of terraces at the dacha
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Category: Gazebos and baths
