Dream Spaces: 8 Incredible Terrace Designs
Turn your rooftop into a breathtaking terrace you won't mind climbing the stairs for
Living in the inner city has plenty of advantages – it’s usually a vibrant place to live that’s close to the heart of the action, and commuting can be a breeze – but what urban living often lacks is open space. These dream spaces prove that the sky’s the limit and may even provide a trick or two that you can steal for your own rooftop.
Inspiration from afar
Whether Morocco, Mexico or an island in the Mediterranean, lounging about tends to be an art. Pile on the colourful cushions, add some curtains or an umbrella, and get into guilt-free relaxation mode – it just might make you live longer.
Whether Morocco, Mexico or an island in the Mediterranean, lounging about tends to be an art. Pile on the colourful cushions, add some curtains or an umbrella, and get into guilt-free relaxation mode – it just might make you live longer.
Sun soaker
Most of us live such busy lives that there’s little time to sit and recharge. This swoon-worthy rooftop terrace invites you to kick back and get some Vitamin D by day, and to get social by night. The solid walls provide shelter from the wind, so consider this if you live by the water’s edge.
Most of us live such busy lives that there’s little time to sit and recharge. This swoon-worthy rooftop terrace invites you to kick back and get some Vitamin D by day, and to get social by night. The solid walls provide shelter from the wind, so consider this if you live by the water’s edge.
Green roof
These easy-care gardens are a welcoming sight in the fast-paced inner city, where concrete and bright lights tend to dominate our every day. Raised garden beds and timber decking give you the chance to get back to nature any time you feel like it.
These easy-care gardens are a welcoming sight in the fast-paced inner city, where concrete and bright lights tend to dominate our every day. Raised garden beds and timber decking give you the chance to get back to nature any time you feel like it.
Client facing
This slick rooftop terrace is so chic, I’d be tempted to work from here at every opportunity. What client wouldn’t be impressed having a meeting in such a stylish room with a view? Go for standout, modern furnishings to complete the look.
This slick rooftop terrace is so chic, I’d be tempted to work from here at every opportunity. What client wouldn’t be impressed having a meeting in such a stylish room with a view? Go for standout, modern furnishings to complete the look.
Postcard pretty
A rooftop nook like this one is achievable on just about any rooftop. The first step is to designate a seating area by laying timber decking over the existing surface. Snap-together deck tiles could be just the thing. Add an outdoor corner suite and some garden chairs, and all that’s left to do is pop in plenty of flowering pot plants. This area is as perfect for curling up with a good book and a cup of tea as it is for gathering with friends late into the night. Candles or fairy lights will create an even more magical atmosphere when the sun goes down.
A rooftop nook like this one is achievable on just about any rooftop. The first step is to designate a seating area by laying timber decking over the existing surface. Snap-together deck tiles could be just the thing. Add an outdoor corner suite and some garden chairs, and all that’s left to do is pop in plenty of flowering pot plants. This area is as perfect for curling up with a good book and a cup of tea as it is for gathering with friends late into the night. Candles or fairy lights will create an even more magical atmosphere when the sun goes down.
Mind the maintenance
This outdoor terrace has a beautiful outlook, but when the homeowners had it designed, they made it clear that it had to be low maintenance. If you’re short on time, keep maintenance needs in mind for your own rooftop terrace. Choosing easy-care plants is a good start. The plants on this terrace can tolerate fierce sun and strong winds, but also manage to soften the area nicely. The simple colour palette – green and natural timber – is a soothing one.
This outdoor terrace has a beautiful outlook, but when the homeowners had it designed, they made it clear that it had to be low maintenance. If you’re short on time, keep maintenance needs in mind for your own rooftop terrace. Choosing easy-care plants is a good start. The plants on this terrace can tolerate fierce sun and strong winds, but also manage to soften the area nicely. The simple colour palette – green and natural timber – is a soothing one.
Do look down
This simple terrace is not only a private, sunny spot to share a meal, it also works to deliver natural sunlight into the flat below. Could your rooftop terrace handle skylights?
Read more:
10 Ideas for a Terrace Makeover
How to Grow a Blooming Balcony Garden
Find a designer to design your home
Tell us:
Which rooftop terrace would you love to recreate at your place? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This simple terrace is not only a private, sunny spot to share a meal, it also works to deliver natural sunlight into the flat below. Could your rooftop terrace handle skylights?
Read more:
10 Ideas for a Terrace Makeover
How to Grow a Blooming Balcony Garden
Find a designer to design your home
Tell us:
Which rooftop terrace would you love to recreate at your place? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
With a view this spectacular, opting for anything other than a glass barrier to separate you from the view would be a crime. Add some comfortable seating in neutral colours (who needs colour with that glorious blue harbour before you?), and invite your friends over for a sundowner or two.