A terrace is an area usually situated in the immediate vicinity of a building. In the history of architecture, it has been an integral part of the surroundings of a residence, a palace, and even public buildings. It serves as a natural extension of the most representative room, namely the living room, although in warmer regions of the world, terraces are also situated on the roofs of buildings. If we want to add prestige to our home or simply create a space dedicated to relaxing with friends and family during the summer months, it is certainly worth thinking about its proper design.
Inspired by nature
21st-century design is dominated by a modern style based on simple, minimalist solutions for living room design. The same applies to terraces, where simplicity, muted colours and a combination of uncomplicated forms with natural elements prevail. – When choosing a terrace surface, it should be adapted not only to the look of your living room but also to the immediate surroundings, namely the garden – says Wojciech Średniawa, Chief Designer at Polbruk S.A. In line with current trends, the terrace surface should feature geometric and symmetrical shapes and be kept in earthy tones. It may also resemble natural materials such as stone or wood in shape or appearance. However, concrete terrace slabs are most commonly used, as they combine an interesting design with durability and ease of maintenance.
If you wish to combine natural shapes with a touch of nonchalance, it is worth taking a look at the Polbruk Exa slab. It features a hexagonal shape, which is becoming increasingly popular and frequently used in contemporary architecture. This shape was recognised as ideal as far back as antiquity. Exa is a modern variation on this theme. The varying lengths of the slab’s edges lend it a slight irregularity, dynamism and a somewhat extravagant appearance. Exa is available in the colours taupe (a shade of beige) and nerino (shades of grey), measures 56.3×43.2 cm and has a smooth texture. This bionic shape will look incredibly inspiring on any terrace.
The other side of modernity
If we are not drawn to designs using materials that resemble natural raw materials or shapes, we can opt for classic modernism when designing our terrace, namely concrete and glass. In this case, it is worth considering rectangular concrete slabs in shades of grey, such as Lamell, Oland or Metrik. The former stand out for their large format. Their undoubted advantage is their geometric rectangular shape and 60x40 cm dimensions, which make the slabs extremely easy to lay. Thanks to their simple yet stylish appearance, they can be successfully used as decking slabs and serve as a natural extension of the living room. Lamell is available in two finishes – smooth and washed (slightly rough).
Another interesting option for designing terraces in a grey colour scheme is the ‘Oland’ slab. It is available in three sizes: 14x21 cm, 14x31 cm and 14x42 cm, as well as in cool and warm shades. The variety of sizes and shades offers many design possibilities. Individual colours can be arranged into cohesive mosaics, albeit with varied shades. A solution similar to Oland is Polbruk Metrik. It has a rectangular shape, the same shades of grey and a smooth texture. It is distinguished by its 7x28 cm size, which meets the expectations of those who prefer compositions made up of smaller elements. In addition to the classic alternating pattern, with or without a shift, it can also be laid in the ‘herringbone’ pattern, which is making a comeback.
Due to their colour, Polbruk Lamell, Oland and Metrik create the contrast with greenery so sought-after in modern designs. They look great surrounded by trendy technorattan patio furniture and decorative elements made of steel or glass. There are many possibilities for arranging terraces in modern homes, but let’s remember that our living room and terrace must be like two halves of an orange – a perfect match.
