Most homeowners, whether they own a home or a vacation rental, probably dream of having such a beautiful outdoor space: extending their living space outdoors.
Simply placing garden furniture doesn’t always create a warm and cozy atmosphere; perhaps some decorative elements or details are missing. I sought inspiration and examples from interior designer Evelina Aleliūnienė. Evelina runs the blog e-interjeras.lt and completes projects remotely. I told her the dimensions of my terrace and let her create freely; she provided me with specific suggestions for creating a comfortable terrace. The following text and images are provided by Evelina; you can see the final result at the end of the article!
1. LIGHTING
It is one of the most important elements of the evening. There is nothing more welcoming than the soft and discreet light created by wall lamps or a string of lights. Don’t forget that the lamps must be resistant to humidity, so it is advisable to choose those with a humidity protection class of at least IP60 (if the terrace is open).
Candles in lanterns or candlesticks will create a particularly romantic atmosphere when the weather is not bad with rain or strong wind.
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2. PLANTS FOR TERRACES
I think it’s not even worth proving: plants create coziness in any environment. I am not a plant expert, so it is better to consult specialists and choose those plants that are not afraid of the wind and other unpleasant external conditions.
If necessary, you can temporarily move the plants from the room to the terrace. In this case, a family dinner, a gathering of relatives or a party of friends will acquire a more welcoming atmosphere and, when everything is over, you will bring the plants back
Artificial plants are a good way to not worry about plant maintenance and always see green. It is not acceptable to everyone and some people experience the opposite of comfort. Choose according to your feelings.
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Pillows, tablecloths, blankets and even light curtains – things that will definitely help create coziness. It is not necessary to always keep everything on the terrace: have a dedicated space in the house and take it outside when necessary.
4. BOXES, BAGS
Sometimes it’s worth building them just for their beauty. However, you can always use the boxes and baskets according to their purpose: to put blankets, magazines or other things you will need on the terrace.
5. FURNITURE
The situation with furniture is complicated. If your outdoor furniture looks nice, it’s likely made of wood and will wear out faster. If you want them to be extremely durable, purchase metal, plastic, or other weather-resistant furniture. Unfortunately, they do not look as cozy as wooden ones, but with the help of textiles the image can be corrected.
Don’t forget the ottomans either. Once guests have gathered, they will be able to sit down more easily
If your terrace is not very large, it would be a mistake to choose massive outdoor furniture. They will seem disproportionate to the entire house and there will be no room for anything else. Massive piece of furniture suitable for very spacious terraces. Most Lithuanian homes are not that big, so I would suggest choosing lighter furniture.
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The outdoor terrace can always be partially covered from rain, wind or the gazes of neighbors.
With a covered roof you can hang a swing, hammock, rocking chair, plant garland, lights or bulbs. Does it look welcoming? Yes!
It also allows the use of furniture that is less resistant to moisture. An extremely popular solution for furniture is to make it yourself from euro pallets, so if you cover it a little and soak it properly, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful wood for longer.
After having covered at least one side of the terrace with a wooden (or other) wall, you can plant it with plants, plants, nests, you can attach lamps and you can create a welcoming relaxation area there.
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Do not overload the terrace. Group things together and leave room for aisles. For example, I grouped this terrace into two larger parts: the dining area and the sitting area. I also grouped the plants: one group above and near the stairs, another group partially covers the dining area. For overall completeness, a larger plant in the corner of the lounge area.
We thank Evelina da e-interjeras.lt for inspiring tips. If you also need a professional look, contact her: the most interesting thing is that Evelina designs remotely, so she can help anyone, even those who live far away.
Conclusion
Creating a terrace that feels like a natural part of your indoor space takes much more than just some tables and chairs. Although furniture matters, what really turns a basic outdoor area into a cozy and private living space is the careful mix of details, materials, and mood. The hope of many homeowners—a warm, balanced, and unique terrace—can only be achieved through thoughtful design, not random setup.
Working with a designer like Evelina Aleliūnienė shows how even a tiny outdoor area can be improved with planning and imagination. The designer thoughtfully examines the terrace’s size, sunlight, nearby surroundings, and the homeowner’s way of living to create ideas that balance comfort and beauty. The end result is not just decoration, but a carefully made environment where every piece has its role.
The privacy of an outdoor area often comes from small details: soft fabrics, well-placed lights, plants, decorative touches, and smart separation of functional zones. These aspects build a secure and welcoming atmosphere, making the terrace feel like a true «room,» lit by stars. The area no longer seems empty or dull, but instead shines with its own character and balance. Even minor changes—like adding plant pots, outdoor mats, or soft lighting—greatly improve the overall vibe.
The most exciting aspect of this process lies in the principles of trust and creative freedom. By clearly defining the terrace’s dimensions and granting the designer ample creative freedom, the final product is a project based on expertise and rich imagination. Witnessing this gradual transformation reveals that excellent design is not accidental, but rather stems from thoughtful decision-making and meticulous planning.
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