Spring is here, at least officially. It has not been noticed much, but that gives you valuable time to set up your terrace or patio. The “outdoor living” operation begins and with it many headaches. To make it easier for you to set up your private outdoor space, we give you tips that we always apply in our interior design projects when furnishing a terrace or patio. We hope you find them very useful.

• Be realistic with the space you have. If you have little space, you will not be able to place a large dining table and a chill-out with sofas and a coffee table. We know that both are super tasty, but having a few meters forces you to prioritize and choose. Try to put aside fashions and think objectively about what you are going to use more. When you are clear, jump for it.
• Adapt to space. Measure the terrace and draw a plan with dimensions. Visit physical stores and websites and take note of the furniture you like the most. Draw them on the plane with their real dimensions and assess the space left to pass. A good trick not to overdo it: do not put more furniture on the terrace than you would put in any other room in the house.
• Bet on versatile furniture that you can use both inside and outside. Chairs or the stools are ambivalent, and you can usually use them indoors and take them out on the terrace when the good weather arrives. Or vice versa.
• Don’t forget about storage. You will need space to store cushions, gardening tools (if you incorporate a plant) … If you have space in a closet at home, perfect. If not, think about where you are going to put all those things before launching to buy them.
• Minimizes the maintenance of the furniture. Furniture exposed to weather conditions can easily deteriorate. If you have a storage room or covered space to store them in winter, perfect. If not, think of materials that can withstand the elements well or are stackable, foldable, or easily removable.
• You will only use it if it is comfortable. Observe the space at different times of the day, and arrange the furniture according to how you are going to experience the terrace. If you are going to use it as a solarium in the afternoon, look for the west orientation for your hammocks. If you are going to use it for eating, try to protect the table from the sun with an awning or umbrella.
• Finishes are important, but sometimes they take a lot of the budget. You can start with the furniture and continue with the finishes the following year or opt for inexpensive solutions such as painting the floor or covering it with a vinyl carpet.
• If you are going to incorporate plants, you should install a few large ones than many small ones. When you go to choose them, discuss in your nursery the conditions to which they will be exposed, and they will help you select the species that best suits them.
• Do not neglect the accessories. You must have beautiful furniture and take care of the lighting, the textiles and even the dishes you use at the table.
• And to finish, don’t forget that you will see it all year round. Typically, these outdoor spaces are linked to the living room or bedroom. When you start making decisions, keep in mind that the result will be “your new views” for the rest of the year.

Even the smallest terrace can be used and become your favorite place in the house. Follow these tips, and success is assured.