Taking the makeovers outside

This time, there will be no makeover in four walls. And why is that? Because there will be a makeover of a room with just one wall! We are taking our makeover outside and renovating a summerhouse terrace for a young family. Look and see for yourself how an improvised living area outside turns into a functional haven for the warmer months of the year.

There is no such thing as too much cosiness
The terrace is made up with as much love to detail as possible, with dried flower crowns on the wall and comfy easy chairs for sunbathing or an occasional moment of rest. The hosts admit having more enthusiasm than skill. The floor of the terrace is not even and has quite a few gaps that tend to swallow up things bigger and smaller. Lighting is another sore point for the couple as it is much too bright for creating the right atmosphere. The choice is between light-as-day and pitch-dark. And let's not even start about the lack of storage furniture!

When one becomes two
The fact that the terrace has no walls allows the Interior Designer more liberty in planning. Why not use the adjacent area to create another hub for activities? This can be done by setting up a parasol and grouping some outdoor furniture under it. The parasol and setting in a circle or similar will create a sense of privacy. Here, Elīna has created an area for relaxing on the lawn and  a more "active" interior on the terrace closer to the house, with storage, a large table for many guests and a corner for children.

Outdoor and interior textiles: a match not made in heaven?
It is a known fact that textiles are the fastest way to make a room feel cosy and welcoming. But what about using them outside? Does that not scream – "mould!"? Interior Designer Elīna says no. If you choose wisely and use only outside-grade textiles, they will be a fuss-free addition to your summer residence and your outdoor area. Choose a carpet that does not absorb humidity and curtains that are dry in no time. Such accessories not only add to cosiness, they are also smart solutions as a carpet covers gaps in the floor and the curtains can protect you from insects.

Bring the romance out in the open
The hosts are a young couple soon to celebrate their 5th anniversary and they always use every opportunity not to be just parents but also to spend some precious moments together as a couple. Elīna has created a thoughtful combination of functional lighting (wall lamps) and mood lighting (lighting chains). The wall lamps can be turned on when more light is needed and lighting chains can turn into a starry summer night sky for a nice evening outside. Cosiness is created also by plants with their vibrant green. Interior Designer suggests to consider using artificial plants that are very easy to care for and can last for many seasons.

A place for everything
When the space under the roof is limited, smart and flexible storage solutions are a must. Here, just looking at the warm wooden colours in a subtle yet expressive contrast to the cool grey of the wall one feels welcome to a hearty meal with friends and family. The elegant side leaf of the table is actually an extension that allows to invite even more guests! White curtains act as a repellent for insects and small raindrops and accents the role of the terrace as an extra room. As the children are not always that keen to share a table with the grown-ups, here they have a corner for some real fun tea parties of their own!

Show what you love, hide what you need
Wood is a great material for creating cosy interiors but what about wind and rain that never hesitate to attack evarything in reach? Elīna reminds that wooden outdoor furniture has to be stained at least once a year to keep it as good as new. However, to protect not only furniture but also chair pads, pillows and other accessories from a sudden downpour, the best is to have some waterproof covers that can be quickly pulled over everything to keep it safe. As such covers tend to be bulky, Elīna suggests stashing them away in a bench with storage. Easy, functional and just a great solution!

Storage, storage...
It can be challenging to find the right place for everything. IKEA Interior Designer says it is always best to plan with multifunctional furniture, as it can be moved and swapped at will. For example, some trolleys are great when you need to store things that are just needed at the table sometimes, like tableware. When setting the table, pull the trolley over, otherwise it can be kept somewhere away of the most active areas. For people who love to invite friends and family, some foldable chairs are essential as those take up almost no space when folded.