Outdoor spaces are fantastic areas to relax and unwind, entertain guests, reduce stress, and maximize your “stay-cation.” You don’t need an enormous yard to reap the benefits of decompressing outdoors. Craftmark Homes offers a variety of models with rooftop terraces or decks that you can customize into your own personal oasis.
Here are a few essential components you need in order to create a great rooftop terrace or deck:
Take A Seat
Quality outdoor furniture is a must. Work with the space you have and decide what the maximum seating capacity should be. Clever use of sectionals can let the area remain more open while providing ample seating. While looks are important (make sure to find one that fits your style), ensure your choice is comfortable as well. You aren’t going to want to relax outdoors if the furniture is awkward or too hard. Try something ergonomic or well-cushioned. Add in a few decorative throw pillows, and your setup will be terrific. Just a tip – try to avoid easily stainable colors like white. And add an extra layer of water protection by using a spray-on silicone-like Scotch Guard.
Complement Your Seating
You need somewhere to put your drink (or your cocktail) when you don’t feel like holding it! Small outdoor tables provide a handy spot to store your items, and they complement the seating. Chairs and couches without an accompanying table aren’t ideal – it can really be an inconvenience. If space is limited, consider a slightly larger central table in the seating area or, you can always stick a small end table in a corner that would otherwise be “wasted space.”
Set The Mood
You don’t need an extravagant light fixture on your terrace, but some nice mood lighting goes a long way. Consider adding enclosed candles (LED preferably) to your tables. If you add a pergola, high-quality LED string lights with tungsten color across the top are also a great choice. Whatever you decide, try to stay away from light bulbs with “daylight” or “bright white” light. You want warm, inviting light for your retreat at dusk, not harsh blue or fluorescent white.
Stay Comfortable in the Shade
The summer months are difficult to spend outside if you’re baking in the sun. Provide some shade to your terrace with the addition of a small pergola or awning. Even a well-grounded umbrella will suffice to help you escape from the sunshine during the dog days. These additions can also add to your space’s aesthetic – a simple umbrella can turn into a unique focal point if you find one with the colors and textures that match your outdoor design.
Add Something Green
Not every deck is suitable for a full, lavish garden, but you should add something green to liven up the area. You are outdoors, after all. Add a corner pot or hanging planter as an accent piece. Alternatively, consider a small herb garden. It doesn’t take up much space, and it makes for a fun hobby as well as something natural to look at. If that doesn’t convince you though, just imagine some guacamole with freshly grown cilantro – that’ll make the garden worthwhile.
Make your own perfect rooftop terrace with personal touches and aesthetic preferences. While you want to bear future guests in mind, you really want these areas to be – first and foremost – for you.
Craftmark Homes is a premier home builder in the Washington, D.C. area. With over a quarter-century of experience, you can be sure of expert craftsmanship and a stellar overall experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to go over your needs. We make dream homes a reality.