For creating a good mood board to work as a guidance book, you will need to start from the defined purpose for each area and the style that you choose, and consider the next important steps:

• Flooring: The right flooring can transform the space. Consider weather-resistant options like tiles, wooden decking (teak), or artificial grass for a comfortable and stylish foundation.

• Furniture Selection: Select weather-resistant furniture that matches your style and intended use. If space allows, consider dividing in several zones, like a dining area with a table and chairs, a lounge area with comfortable seating, and perhaps a small bar or coffee table area.

• Lighting: Good lighting can make your terrace magical at night. Consider a mix of functional and ambient lighting, such as wall lights, string lights, solar-powered lights, and candles for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Plants and Greenery: Plants are essential for bringing vibrancy and life to your terrace. Choose a mix of potted plants, hanging plants, and perhaps climbers or trellises for green walls. Consider the climate, the amount of sunlight your terrace receives, and how much maintenance you're willing to do (some species require daily watery, others once a month).

• Decor and Accessories: Add personal touches with decorative items such as outdoor rugs, cushions, throws, and art pieces that are weather-repellent. These elements can add color and texture, making the space feel cozy and personal.

• Privacy and Shelter: Depending on your location, you might need to add some elements for creating intimacy, like using outdoor curtains, retractable awnings, pergolas, or privacy screens.

• Entertainment Features: If you enjoy entertaining, consider adding a BBQ grill, an outdoor kitchenette, or a fire pit for chilly evenings. A sound system for music can also enhance the ambiance.

Last, but not least, in our modern times the focus is always oriented toward sustainability and ecology, so think about incorporating sustainable practices, like using solar-powered lights, installing a rainwater collection system for watering your plants, and choosing eco-friendly materials. Opt for materials and plants that are low maintenance, especially if you have a busy lifestyle or the terrace has harsh weather conditions to contend with.

Now let’s focus on SMALL TERRACES, where is required thoughtful planning to maximize space without sacrificing style or functionality. Here are some recommendations tailored for small terraces:

1. Scale and Functionality: Choose furniture that fits the scale of your terrace. Multi-functional furniture, like storage benches or foldable chairs and tables, can save space and serve dual purposes.
2. Vertical Space: Utilize vertical space for greenery and decor. Wall-mounted planters, vertical gardens, and hanging pots can add lushness without taking up floor space.
3. Lighting Choices: Choose wall-mounted lights or string lights to enhance the ambiance without cluttering the space. Solar-powered lights can be a great option to avoid cords.
4. Color Scheme: Lighter colors can make the space feel larger and more open. Consider using a monochromatic color scheme or complementary light shades to create a sense of expansiveness.
5. Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can visually expand the space by reflecting light and the surrounding views.
6. Flooring: Use outdoor rugs to define areas and add warmth. Choose a pattern or color that complements your decor and makes the space feel cohesive.
7. Privacy Solutions: If privacy is a concern, opt for tall, slender plants, or a decorative screen that doesn’t overwhelm the space. These solutions can offer privacy without sacrificing precious square footage.
8. Declutter: Keep decor items to a minimum to avoid a crowded feel. Choose a few statement pieces that reflect your style and the intended use of the space.

Remember, the key to decorating a small terrace is to prioritize what's most important to you, whether that's dining, lounging, or cultivating a small garden, and then design the space around that purpose with space-saving solutions in mind.

While decorating a LARGE TERRACE offers the opportunity to create distinct zones and incorporate a variety of elements. Here’s how to plan and decorate a large terrace for the best outcome:

1. Define Zones: Use your space wisely by creating different areas for dining, lounging, and possibly even an outdoor kitchen or bar. Area rugs, planters, and different flooring materials can help delineate these zones.
2. Choose Substantial Furniture: Larger spaces allow for bigger, more substantial furniture pieces. Consider a full outdoor sofa set, large dining table, and comfortable loungers. Make sure the furniture style is consistent to maintain a cohesive look.
3. Landscaping and Greenery: With more space, you can explore larger plants, trees in pots, or even a small garden bed. Consider creating a green border around the terrace to add privacy and a lush feel.
4. Outdoor Rugs and Textiles: Large rugs can anchor each zone and add warmth and texture. Use outdoor pillows and throws for comfort and splashes of color.
5. Lighting: A mix of lighting options can enhance the ambiance of a large terrace. Consider string lights, standing lamps, wall-mounted lights, and even a fire pit for warmth and light.
6. Art and Decor: Large terraces can handle bigger art pieces, sculptures, or water features. Choose bold items that reflect your personal style and add character to the space.
7. Shade Solutions: To ensure the terrace can be used throughout the day, include solutions for sun protection such as large umbrellas, a pergola, or a retractable awning.
8. Entertainment Features: If space allows, consider adding entertainment features like an outdoor projector for movie nights, a sound system for music, or games like a bocce ball court or a ping pong table.
9. Flow and Accessibility: Ensure there’s a clear path between different areas and that the space flows well from one zone to another. Keep access points unobstructed for easy movement.
10. Seasonal Flexibility: If you live in an area with changing seasons, consider how the space can be adapted or used year-round. This might include portable heaters, a covered area, or seasonal decor changes.

When decorating a large terrace, it's important to balance creating cozy, intimate areas while taking advantage of the expansive space. Always start with a plan that reflects how you most enjoy spending your outdoor time, ensuring every choice adds to the overall function and aesthetic appeal of your terrace.

Moreover, if you have an INTEGRATED SWIMMING POOL on your terrace, it can transform your outdoor space into a luxurious retreat.

Here's how to organize and enhance the area around a swimming pool for maximum enjoyment and functionality:

• Safety First: Ensure there's a clear and secure perimeter around the pool. This might include fencing or barriers that meet local safety codes, without obstructing the view if possible.
• Poolside Lounging Area: Create a comfortable lounging area with sun loungers, daybeds, or cabanas. Consider materials and fabrics that are water-resistant and UV-protected for durability.
• Create Shadow Retreats: Incorporate umbrellas, a pergola, or a retractable awning to provide shaded areas for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without direct sunlight.
• Outdoor Dining and Bar: If space allows, include an outdoor dining area or a poolside bar. This can be a fantastic addition for entertaining guests and enjoying meals outdoors.
• Lighting: Enhance the pool area with lighting to ensure it can be enjoyed both day and night. LED pool lights, waterproof floating lights, and landscape lighting can create a magical atmosphere.
• Landscaping: Soften the edges of the pool with landscaping. Use non-deciduous plants to minimize maintenance, and consider plants that can add privacy and a tropical feel.
• Outdoor Showers: An outdoor shower can be a practical and stylish addition, allowing swimmers to rinse off before and after using the pool.
• Decor and Accents: Add decorative touches that complement the overall design of your terrace and pool area. This could include outdoor rugs, waterproof cushions, and decorative objects.
• Sound System: Consider installing an outdoor sound system for music that can enhance the ambiance without being disruptive to neighbors.
• Integrate a SPA: You may increase the luxurious experience by combining the swimming experience with the relaxation provided by a customized hydromassage area, a sauna or hammam box, seam systems, and more.
• Storage Solutions: Include storage for pool toys, towels, and maintenance equipment. A stylish deck box or a built-in storage bench can keep the area tidy and organized.

When organizing a space around a swimming pool, it's important to balance aesthetics with functionality. The design should cater to relaxation, entertainment, and safety, creating a seamless transition between the pool and other areas of the terrace. Tailor the layout and features to suit your lifestyle, ensuring the pool area becomes a cherished part of your home.

All the furniture pieces you may choose for outdoor spaces must withstand weather conditions while still being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips to orient yourself at best when ordering:

1. Materials

• Teak is a premium wood, highly durable and resistant to rot, that can last for decades with proper maintenance. It weathers to a beautiful silver-gray if left untreated.
• Aluminum is lightweight, rust-proof, and low maintenance, aluminum furniture is available in a wide range of styles, and it can be powder-coated.
• Wrought iron is known for its strength and durability, ideal for windy locations. However, it requires maintenance to prevent rust.
• Synthetic Resin if high-quality is UV-resistant, doesn't fade, and is highly durable. It mimics the look of wicker but is more resilient to the elements.
• Polypropylene and Plastic – both are lightweight, affordable, and come in various designs. High-quality versions can be very durable and easy to clean.

2. Fabrics

• Sunbrella®: This is a popular fabric for outdoor cushions, umbrellas, and awnings. It's fade-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Sunbrella fabrics are made from solution-dyed acrylic, which means the color goes all the way through the fiber, ensuring the fabric retains its color even when exposed to the sun for extended periods.
• Polyester: When treated for outdoor use, it can resist UV rays and moisture. It's often used for outdoor cushions and pillows, and can come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
• Olefin (Polypropylene): Olefin is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight, fade-resistant, and comfortable. It's also water-resistant, making it a great choice for poolside furniture and cushions. It is appreciated for its ability to wick moisture and dry quickly.
• Acrylic: Acrylic fabrics are synthetic materials known for their water and UV resistance. They're soft to the touch, making them comfortable for outdoor use. It is also resistant to mildew and fading, making it a good choice for sunny and humid environments.
• Marine Vinyl: This is a waterproof and durable material that's often used for boat upholstery but is also excellent for outdoor furniture in wet environments. It's resistant to UV rays, mildew, and fading. It is easy to clean and maintain.
• Textilene: Made from polyester yarns coated with PVC, it is a mesh fabric that's incredibly durable and resistant to UV rays, mildew, and fading. It's often used for outdoor furniture sling chairs due to its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

When choosing fabrics for outdoor use, consider factors such as exposure to sunlight, moisture, and the local climate. Opting for fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use ensures longevity, ease of maintenance, and continued aesthetics of your outdoor furniture and accessories.

Today we can find a rich selection of great producers for every category of products! Here below I suggest some of the top European manufacturers, starting from floor coverings to lighting, furnishings, and decorative items:

FLEXFORM (www.flexform.it) – A leader from the industry of design, creating recognizable pieces of furniture with delightful elegance, designed for everyday life and always easy to use. One of my absolute favorites!

ATMOSPHERA (www.atmospheraitaly.com) – The Italian brand has been a reference point for the international market for over 20 years, providing style and refinement through their products dedicated to commercial and public spaces: living rooms, contemplative places, dining rooms, and workplaces, a roundup of scenes and atmospheres, rather than objects.

B&B ITALIA OUTDOOR (www.bebitalia.com) – A leader from the industry of design, this Italian company aims to create the most innovative, iconic and timeless pieces of design furniture in order to inspire people around the globe through the power of the best creative minds, industrial know-how and “Made in Italy” quality.

ARPER (www.arper.com) - Outdoor spaces encourage healthy behaviors, improve the physical and mental wellbeing, and the products designed by this company completely embodies such a philosophy.

TALENTI (www.talentispa.com) – This company designs and produces outdoor furniture: chairs, tables and accessories; they craft furnishings with attention to detail and carefully choose materials and finishes, offering to its public creative and practical collections.

GERVASONI (www.gervasoni1882.com) – It is a family business that offer an informal, elegant and contemporary language, finding its most complete expression in the harmonious combinations between natural elements and artisanal work, and as a result, turning into beautiful collections with meticulous attention to details and the use of materials worked with great skill.

MANUTTI (www.manutti.com) – An expressive synergy between city life and nature, they design collections from urban to rustic, for poolside to seaside, makes you feel emerged in nature. Love their collections!

ROBERTI RATTAN (www.robertirattan.com) – One of the best outdoor furniture manufacturers from Italy, making high-quality accessible design. Roberti pays special attention to the environmental impact of its products; in fact, most part of materials used in the outdoor collections, suitably divided, can be recycled.

RODA (www.rodaonline.com) – Their collections create inviting spaces to envelop relaxation and happiness, a contemporary dimension of living that goes beyond the borders of the house.

NARDI (www.nardioutdoor.com) – This brand is an ambassador of Italian style across the globe, promoting an easygoing lifestyle through colorful collections and simple shapes.

EMU GROUP (www.emu.it) – Their products express comfort, conviviality, and relaxation, an authentic Made-in-Italy outdoor environment.

SANT’AGOSTINO CERAMICS (www.ceramicasantagostino.it) – An Italian manufacturer of great quality floor tiles using cutting-edge technological solutions, always in balance between quality, innovation and aesthetics, offering different sizing slabs of many effects, from concrete, to wood, marble, metal, stone, fabric or a décor.

EFFE (www.effe.it) – Brings SPA at your home with the widest selection of sauna, hammam box, seam systems, and more.

Happy decorating and enjoy your beautiful terraces!

Best wishes,

Nadiya

MetropolitanMe Blogger