A place in the sun Smart changes turn a multi-level terrace into an inviting space

WITH PLENTY OF SPACE FOR ENTERTAINING AMID POCKETS OF LUSH GREENERY, THIS SUNKISSED TERRACE EPITOMISES OUTDOOR LIVING

Renovating a home often provides a welcome opportunity for homeowners to turn their attention to an outdoor area that could work harder for them. For Lone and her husband Kern, extending their home in Copenhagen, Denmark, where they live with their two children, gave them the chance to transform their multilevel outdoor terrace into a more functional space for entertaining or simply relaxing as a family. “Our previous terrace had several levels, which certainly had its charms, but this also made it impractical and hard to furnish,” says Lone. “Whenever we had lots of visitors, the party had to split.” Not only did this make seating arrangements tricky, it also meant it was more difficult for people to mingle. “A one-level terrace has given us much more flexibility,” says Lone.

Lush greenery dotted around the timber terrace helps to soften the minimalist furniture, and many of the plants – such as geranium and lavender – evoke summer holidays in southern Europe. While the temperatures in Denmark are never going to match the Mediterranean, the couple plans to extend their outdoor entertaining season by building a roof over the dining area. “We’d like to be able to use the terrace more, and also during spring and early autumn,” says Lone. “Roofing part of this area will create a cosy room to sit, sheltered with outdoor heaters on, until late in the evening.” For Lone and her family, holidaying at home has never been more inviting.

A SPOT FOR EVERYONE

The couple has created a number of ‘rooms’ using raised garden beds and furniture to mark out various zones. In the lounge area there are plenty of spots to relax, whether that’s on the hammock (above right), daybed, outdoor sofa or in the timber seating area. “Since we had to use space for a stairway anyway ... we built it with wide and deep steps that provide additional seating,” explains Lone, who loves the extra versatility the revamped area now offers. In the dining area (above left & opposite), a cosy corner has been created with a raised garden bed planted with pampas grass* sitting adjacent to a wall that will soon be covered in a vine.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Timber is used on the terrace to create a gradual transition between the contemporary home and the lush garden beyond. “We clearly have a penchant for tight lines and clear surfaces, but we also wanted to make room for some comfort and cosiness, which is why we chose a wooden terrace,” says Lone, who chose pine not only for the flooring but also for the covering of both the raised beds and the shed. The wall behind the barbecue has vertical timber slats that add texture to the space and Kern added the timber slats under the grill and painted them black to tie in with the dining table and chairs.

“BEING ABLE TO SIT HERE IN THE SUN WITH A PILLOW AT YOUR BACK AND A CUP OF COFFEE IN YOUR HAND IS JUST WONDERFUL”

~ LONE, HOMEOWNER

An outdoor sofa with throw cushions makes this inviting nook the perfect spot to relax with a cup of tea.

The organic shapes and tones of the plants beautifully offset hardscaping on the terrace. DOUBLE DUTY MULTIPURPOSE ELEMENTS DEFINE THE SPACE. THE TIMBER SEATING IS ALSO A STAIRWAY THAT PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO THE KITCHEN AND DINING AREAS INSIDE, WHILE THE RAISED BED PLANTED OUT WITH LAVENDER SEPARATES ZONES WITHOUT OBSCURING THE VIEW OR BLOCKING OUT THE SUN. >

Colourful pottery Lone picked up at flea markets deliver Mediterranean flair to the outdoor dining area. The hammock (for similar, try Temple & Webster) is a dreamy spot to sway the afternoon away.

One corner is a lush oasis with a grass wind break, a vine and potted chives and parsley within easy reach beside the barbecue. >

“We wanted it to have extra functionality,” says Lone (pictured) of the wide and deep stairway that doubles as seating.

1. Lexi Lighting ‘Snow Egg’ indoor/outdoor colour-changing LED table lamp with handle, $65.95/14cm x 29cm, Living Styles. 2. ‘Botero’ outdoor chair, $295, Coco Republic. 3. Deck Outdoor Concepts ‘Zen’ concrete outdoor dining table, $899/120cm x 75cm, Remarkable Outdoor Living. 4. ‘Pacific Splash’ plate, $27.95/28.5cm, Royal Doulton. 5. Home Republic ‘Monaco’ rattan tray, $69.99/40cm x 9cm, Adairs.