15 Terrace Design Ideas For A Rooftop That Reflects You

Have a terrace with close proximity to other homes? Create your own little bohemian sanctuary by installing faux walls using local materials like cane and wicker. You could also use collapsible and portable wall partitions that you can store away after you're done using the space. Install outdoor friendly furniture, throw on some plush cushions and you have yourself a nifty corner for some alone time or catching up with friends. 

Pro Tip: This guide will help you maintain your wicker furniture. 

A jacuzzi can be installed in pretty much any washroom in your home, but, if you're pressed for space downstairs, you could always get one on the rooftop if you're someone who has ample space on all sides of your home to avoid peekers! There's nothing more relaxing than looking at the stars soaking in a warm bath. 

Blooms and creepers grow quickly and are best grown on the terrace since they have direct access to sunlight. You could also start a little patch to grow herbs and other veggies that are consumed regularly at home. The direct sunlight does wonders to plants and makes them grow quicker. Throw the blooming creepers over the wall, and they create a pretty canopy too. 

Pro-tip: Check out 11 beautiful terrace garden ideas for your home.

You can do so much in an outdoor space when it comes to lighting. Layer your lights with LED strips that light up the walkway - place them along the garden so you're not stepping on your plants in the evenings. Have wall fixtures by the entryway as some of the primary sources of light. For special occasions, there's always a reliable fairy light canopy that looks gorgeous for any occasion.

Pro Tip: Check out best lighting ideas for your terrace!

Teakwood overhead planks are the perfect way to shield parts of the open terrace from the sun, for that not so sun kissed vibe. It also creates a dappled shade and is a beautiful way to maintain privacy when living in a crowded street. They also help in maintaining a cool interior and look amazing when paired with antique interior decor like carpets with traditional prints and cushions and weaved ottomans. 

Let's be honest, WFH becomes boring in the traditional table chair setup. However much you may love work, when you have a terrace with a view it is only wise to capitalise on it, especially for work because while it can still be stressful, a pretty view makes up for most tiring meetings. Make your terrace your workspace by furnishing with wicker chairs or a hammock. You can also choose a bean bag or a couch and make it more calming by planting some greenery around. Furnishing it with your favourite colour will also help and add a photo wall to a corner to calm those spiraling thoughts at work with some soothing nostalgia. 

Having a rooftop bar has been one of my many dreams for a long time now, since the day I felt the soothing pleasure of having a cocktail with a view. Imagine the cool air serenading your curls as you sip on your favourite choice of poison. However, installing a rooftop bar is an investment, one that needs money, time and a proper foundation. If your terrace does not have a flat floorboard or does not have enough space, it would not be a good idea to have a rooftop bar, but you can always furnish it with a coffee table, some plants, a lamp and throw in a bucket of champagne for a perfect evening of unwinding. 

Pro Tip: If you are looking at having an in-house bar, this guide will help you. 

1. How do I plan my terrace designs? 

A lot of people do the mistake of jumping right in and buy every terrace accessory they can. (We are talking bean bags, hanging swings and tables). But, the basic step to planning your terrace designs is to measure the space. The more accurate your measurements, the more spatial planning you can do to buy and fit accessories accordingly. No overcrowding, no underwhelming. Just right. 

2. How do I maintain uniformity in my terrace designs?

Coming from an enthu cutlet herself, it can be quite easy to get carried away by the flairs of terrace designing. But, it helps to decorate in a certain way so your terrace doesn't look like the interiors of a store. One of the best ways to do that is to pick a theme. It could be topical, based on the month (from Valentine's day to Christmas) or even a colour scheme that you wish to follow (pastels or solid). 

3. What are the best materials to use in terrace designs?

Since the basic idea of a terrace is to provide a slice of outdoors to your interiors, the materials you use to furnish it need to be waterproof and suitable to the changing weather, from monsoon to sunny days, to windy ones, snowstorms and more. Most people prefer waterproof, fire resistant furniture. If you are a student or living alone, choosing materials that are also cheaper on your bills may help (like LED fairy lights to lessen the electricity spend). 

4. How do I ensure my terrace designs are both aesthetic and functional?

Major amount of time used in researching terrace designs goes in overthinking the functionality of it. A simple solution is to install accessories that also have a use, like hanging swings that are comfy to sit on, benches to lay on, bean bags to swoon into and green planters that are pleasant to have around. 

5. What is the main question I should ask before designing my terrace?

One of the major questions you should ask yourself before you click 'add to cart' on every terrace accessory is what exactly is your functionality for your terrace: will you be dining here? will you be reading here? will you just sit here when guests come over? Or is it a combination of all? Knowing the answer to this can help you narrow down the things you want to invest in, on your terrace. 

Now that you have the terrace of your dreams, enhance your living room with this decor guide.