Open design
There is one widely used design option for an open veranda, which involves the use of vertically mounted wooden supports, on top of which ergonomic horizontal handrails are fixed.
An abundance of light and empty space are the main advantages of the design. This should guide you when creating a suitable design for an open veranda.
The main colors of the extension are: white, beige, coffee, terracotta, blue, brown, pink, blue, burgundy, red, lemon, purple. These include pastel delicate shades derived from them.
The interior will be appropriate if you adhere to traditional design options: it is recommended to plant climbing plants around the perimeter and decorate the area itself with wicker furniture.
Attention! The interior of an open veranda should not contain high-tech or modern furnishings, since the design is completely inconsistent with the given room.
When the veranda is without a roof, it is important to take care of providing shade on a hot day using special portable devices. It is important to think in advance about the purpose of the room, options for accommodating family and guests on a summer or rainy day. Ensuring maximum comfort occurs after the preliminary development of an appropriate design project.
It is important if the landscape design of the area adjacent to the house matches the style of the veranda. The garden should contain similar plants as the terrace. The move will combine two unique zones.
Fencing
A popular material for fencing a veranda is wood. It is advisable to choose a practical, wear-resistant type of wood that will last for many years. Among the expensive species that do not rot and are characterized by high hardness are oak, ash, and beech. Other popular wood species:
- birch;
- nut;
- pine;
- larch.
Regarding the design of fences, you should use a wooden lattice. There are several types of decorative decoration:
- crosswise (strips of wood are arranged in the following directions: horizontally, vertically, diagonally);
- shape of a rectangle, semicircle, square; use of different distances between sections.
Floor
When choosing environmentally friendly flooring materials for an unglazed space, you need to take one nuance into account: the operating conditions of the future floor are radically different from those in a closed room.
A material that is resistant to temperature changes, precipitation, and direct sunlight is suitable.
Since the floor of the veranda and terrace will probably be made of wood, it is important to remember what level of exposure it will be exposed to. Usually they get here from the street, therefore, the tree must be characterized by maximum strength, durability, and hardness.
In addition to classic wood, which is used to make the veranda floor, you can use the following materials: tiles, rubber, linoleum.
The style of the floor must also correspond to the overall concept and fit correctly so that the interior is considered impeccable. Designing a veranda at the dacha is a difficult process that requires serious responsibility.
Furniture items
The most appropriate design for an open veranda of a country house includes garden furniture made of willow, rattan, and abacus. Rattan is considered synonymous with comfort, so furniture made from it looks impressive on the site in front of the dacha. The material is flexible; chairs, armchairs, and tables of unusual fancy shapes are woven from it.
Attention! Since the open space is exposed to negative environmental influences, it is more practical to use furniture made of artificial rattan.
The design of a veranda for a summer residence involves the use of rattan, forged, stone, plastic, and wooden furniture.
Wicker furniture is the undisputed leader in designing a unique interior imbued with comfort.
Among the advantages are the following: a combination of lightness, classics, high strength, resistance to various climatic conditions. Such items for arranging an open veranda will last a long time, delighting with excellent quality.
- It is made exclusively by hand - the creation method makes it possible to create an original design.
- Furniture helps to decorate the interior in an interesting way, using any style. It goes well with various artificial and natural materials (glass, wood, plastic, natural, synthetic fabrics).
- A variety of selection of interior items for an open veranda (lampshades, tables, chairs, armchairs, sofas, flower pots).
Plants
To enliven this room, it is necessary to diversify the design with living plants. It is important to take the choice with particular seriousness so that they emphasize the advantages and style of the site.
Since the veranda is considered a place of rest and relaxation, it is important to think through its design to the smallest detail. Complete unity with nature is possible through landscaping the area. It is necessary to surround this place with a large number of plants - trees, flowers.
If desired, it is possible to place flower pots around the entire perimeter of the room and build small flower beds from flowerpots.
Climbing plants are most preferable for an open veranda, as they are able to create shade on a sunny day and protect from the cool wind. Spectacular hedges can bring you as close as possible to nature.
Plants must be selected taking into account the main climatic features.
Curtains
Since open veranda designs have become very popular, curtains for them are no less in demand. When choosing, it is important to consider not only the style of the room, but also the climatic conditions.
- They serve as a special effect for the extension, protection from adverse effects
- atmospheric precipitation. High-quality curtains can protect from rain, snow, hurricanes, wind, and scorching sun.
They are:
- fabric;
- metal;
- plastic;
- roller shutters;
- bamboo;
- awning.
When choosing, you should focus on the following indicators:
- Reliability level. If the building is well protected from strong gusts of wind and adverse events, then this selection criterion will become irrelevant.
- Seasonality of use. In summer, light fabric curtains are quite enough, serving as an aesthetic component of the interior. If the owners plan to use the room in winter, spring, autumn, then it is better to give preference to durable plastic models.
- Open veranda design. Curtains must fit correctly and correspond to the overall design style.
Lighting
The light of a given room depends on many factors, such as the choice of lamps, shades, good location of lamps, and the presence of protection from precipitation. To create the most successful lighting for this room, you need to follow a few tips:
Particular attention should be paid to the lighting of the stairs at the entrance to the terrace of the house.
If desired, you can use a universal LED strip on railings and steps. For supporters of the classic style, the best option is to choose wall, floor, and ceiling lighting fixtures.
It is advisable if there are several light sources near the stairs. Because steps cast shadows, it can make it difficult to perceive their size, which can lead to injury. It is more correct to place lighting fixtures on both sides of the stairs.
The design and choice of lamps for an open veranda directly depends on which interior style is predominant (main).
We must not forget about ergonomic lighting of all the main zones into which the room is divided. This is important for those who like to read a book in the evening. A professional designer should calculate the number of lamps. Only he knows how many lux are needed to illuminate a certain area.
Terrace in a private house: what technology should it be made using?
A terrace is a necessary element of every private home. This is a place for relaxation and friendly meetings, children play on it, so you should make sure that it is beautiful and functional. The terrace technology should be selected so that it meets all user requirements.
Composite terraces
Composite boards are made from a material that is a mixture of natural wood and plastic. Thus, the boards resemble real wood. This is important when you want to give your terrace a natural look. Plastic guarantees higher strength than in the case of natural wood. Composite boards are resistant to:
- exposure to moisture;
- low temperature;
- solar radiation.
They create unfavorable conditions for the development of fungi and mold. This way, the terrace will look perfect for many years.
Composite boards require neither painting nor impregnation, which is their most important advantage. They are not subject to additional processing because they are colored in the mass during production. They are purchased with a kit for self-assembly, which is essentially very simple. The surface of the board is corrugated to give the material not only a unique design, but also anti-slip characteristics. This is of great importance if the terrace will be used by elderly people and children. Due to the fact that the material is non-slip, you can move freely even on wet boards without the risk of falling.
Concrete terraces
Most often, concrete terraces are built when the surface is going to be covered with ceramic tiles or stones. The structure usually consists of a wall of poured concrete or blocks. Concrete decks are durable and fairly inexpensive, although they can be difficult to install initially. The construction of such an extension cannot be done in winter because concrete or masonry work must be done. These terraces are the most common type, especially in the so-called old buildings in the countryside.
Closed design
The design of a closed veranda or terrace can be an effective addition to the entire house. This option is much more practical, since it is not afraid of snowstorms and heat. There is an opportunity to enjoy the scenery here. You no longer have to be afraid of getting caught in the rain or freezing.
Attention! Before starting work on the construction of this extension, it is imperative to develop a design project, since the quality, practicality, and convenience of the future premises depend on it.
It is necessary to determine specifically for what purpose the structure is planned to be erected, and whether it is planned to be used in winter.
It is advisable to locate this room on the side of the house where it is completely closed from prying eyes.
Thus, you can be sure that everything that happens in the house will not become public knowledge. It must have a door to the main building.
Dining room
You can make a dining room out of a veranda or terrace into a closed or open type of structure. This is the most common use of the room. The design of a closed veranda will suit all criteria, since this type of construction allows the room to be used for its intended purpose all year round.
As for the room where there are no walls, it is more appropriate for summer activities.
Here you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, enjoying the surrounding beauty. The singing of birds will help brighten up the solitude in a narrow family circle. Proper design will make the interior weightless and light.
The center of the dining room is a table made of durable, wear-resistant material. It is preferable if the furniture of such a veranda-dining room is painted in bright rich colors. The area of the room should contain flowerpots with flowers, making it more cozy.
Appropriate decor items for the dining room are various pieces of art: paintings, sculptures, souvenirs. It can be decorated with spectacular colorful textile elements.
Living room
If you have enough space on the open or closed veranda, you can make an entire recreation room. This option of using precious square meters of the house is also very popular among nature lovers.
The right design will help you equip a room for reading books, communicating, drinking tea, and receiving guests. It is important to choose the right style so that all components of the interior fit perfectly together.
It is possible to create a comfortable living room with high-quality upholstered furniture that helps you relax after a hard day. Don’t forget about textile elements, bright interior accents that enliven the space.
Light sources should be placed correctly to create sufficient illumination necessary for reading and a comfortable time at night.
In terms of creating a living room on the veranda, a closed structure is much simpler because it does not need to be closed from the wind, since there are double-glazed windows. The summer version of the terrace needs to take into account the likelihood of cool evenings and insect attacks. An awning instead of curtains will help protect against the latter.
Plastic curtains can act as a barrier from the wind. The open version of the veranda is suitable for hot climates.
Cabinet
Few people realize that this practical room can be ideal for setting up a workplace. The desk of a writer, student, or schoolchild could easily fit here. For a closed building, this is the most preferable option for using free space.
If desired, you can complement this room with a comfortable sofa and other furnishings. The main advantage of placing an office on square meters of veranda is that in conditions of intense mental activity, the owner feels not in a cramped room, but in nature.
It is better for a closed terrace or veranda if the walls look like French windows.
The office of a country house is a curiosity; it is much wiser to make just such a useful space out of the veranda. Everyone can find solitude in it, which is likely to prompt him to interesting thoughts or creative ideas.
To make the room less official, you need to correctly place bright accents and accessories around its entire perimeter.
Children's playroom
If you take a serious approach to the task of equipping a closed veranda in a playroom for kids, you can get an ideal room that will become a real delight for them and their parents.
What could be considered better when a child plays in a separate room?
- Thanks to the room, which has everything necessary for the baby’s daily pastime, you can find time for personal matters. If you design it correctly with imagination, it can become your child’s favorite room. Moreover, the main role is played by furniture, toys, and entertainment areas.
- When equipping a veranda as a games room, it is important to ensure that it is very warm in winter. This will allow you not to worry about your child accidentally catching a cold. When designing, you should pay attention to the style and age of the baby. This is necessary so that the planned entertainment is suitable for his age category.
- For small children, instead of pieces of furniture, soft pillows on the floor are suitable. This eliminates the possibility of injury from sharp corners of tables and chairs. Older children, who are over seven years old, will have to be provided with special furniture that has a high degree of safety.
- One important point: it is better to move the main play area away from other furnishings, doors, windows, so that the child does not accidentally get injured. You should consider the idea of windows. It is advisable that the walls of the closed veranda be a barrier to a child who has a desire to get out.
Winter Garden
People who are interested in growing plants need to equip a veranda for a winter garden. All walls of the extension must be hidden. This action will create a comfortable microclimate for plants.
Among the advantages of a veranda or terrace is that, thanks to large windows, the room always has a lot of light, even in winter.
And this is an important point for all plants. If the space has a large number of plants, then you should not forget about daily ventilation, since they need fresh air. Therefore, it is important to take care in advance to include the ability to open windows in the project.
Also, when creating a winter garden, you should make a glass roof, which will provide indoor trees and flowers with a sufficient amount of light. If it doesn’t work out as planned, you’ll have to think about an alternative option - good ventilation.
For tropical plants, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of at least 22C all year round, so heating should be provided in this room. One of the most economical options for ensuring a comfortable temperature regime is the “warm floor” system.
Before installation, you should check whether all plants tolerate lower heat well.
Workshop
As you can understand from this article, the space is easy to equip in your own way. For most owners, it remains undervalued: it is a warehouse for garden tools, unnecessary things, and old furniture.
If desired, it can be turned into one of the most favorite rooms in the house. You need to use your own imagination and use the most interesting ideas.
Creative people can use the free space on the veranda to set up their own workshop. A room for creating masterpieces of an artist, sculptor, inventor, designer, fashion designer, seamstress or even a potter can be designed. A great place where there is an opportunity to realize bold ideas.
The main thing is to approach the task of furnishing a room creatively and use your most unusual ideas.
To make the interior more interesting, you should place your own pieces of art.
In addition to placing the basic attributes necessary for creating your own objects of art, embodying ideas, it is necessary to make the room comfortable and pleasant. It is important to take care of a thoughtful design that reflects the owner’s hobbies.
The room is equipped with suitable tools, auxiliary items, and a convenient place to work. Light is practical because the master needs to see the process.
The room intended for the artist is equipped as follows:
- An easel near the window, a work chair.
- Storage for paints, brushes, paper, solvents, canvases.
- Shelves containing space for drawings, sketches, paintings.
Glazed veranda design
There is nothing better than placing your relaxation space next to natural scenery. The described location is good for health and mood. Many owners of private houses try to equip a comfortable, spacious, off-season veranda next to their mansion.
Veranda is a platform that is equipped on the ground. Is something mediocre between home and nature. The premises provide a unique opportunity to be under the roof of a country mansion, at the same time in the fresh air.
In a climate zone famous for its harsh winters and cool summers, it is much preferable to create a glazed veranda that reliably protects from bad weather. Listed above are the most popular ideas for decorating a similar room.
An interesting option for equipping a closed terrace is to create a real library out of it. This will give her some mystery. In addition to shelves with books, you can place a comfortable sofa and coffee table. It is wise to place appropriate accessories around the room that match the style. You need to pay special attention to the style of the room.
It is desirable that this closed veranda be a kind of continuation of the interior of the entire house.
Fireplace
Any interior style will fit perfectly with a fireplace. It’s an amazing sight if you have a fairly spacious room with French windows, where logs crackle in the fireplace in winter, and outside the window there is a picturesque snow-covered landscape and twilight lighting.
It is wonderful to regularly contemplate the beauty of nature through glass walls.
Natural stones and bricks can be used as materials for such a stove. It all depends on the chosen style direction and imagination. It makes sense to try to equip a room in the loft style direction.
The most important thing when designing this room is not to overload it with unnecessary details. In the case when it has modest dimensions, the fireplace should have small dimensions.
If the design of the room is designed in a modern style using similar materials, the fireplace should be modern. It is not permissible to use a classic oven. The latter allows for the most daring interior solutions. It is allowed to take parts of different styles and connect them together. The result of the mixture is bold interiors.
The object itself is decorated with candles, small accessories, souvenirs, flowers, photo frames, herbarium, and favorite things.
Decor items
You can place bright accents based on the purpose and style of the room. An interesting decoration of the room are paintings and art objects. The bright spots of the interior are curtains, rugs, carpets, pillows, and some other textile elements.
The latter should be selected especially carefully - the interior must look complete.
The pastel colors of the room should not be diluted with bright colors. It is advisable to select those that are already present - the action will help achieve balance. You need to choose based on the style of the veranda, since each direction has its own specific colors:
Provence (lilac, lavender, lilac, soft green, blue, turquoise, blue, lemon, milky, white);
classics (white, brown, wine, chocolate);
minimalism (primary color - white, other unobtrusive halftones);
eclecticism (bright colors, identical unusual flashy shades);
baroque (red, wine, cherry, scarlet, gold, burgundy, yellow, brown, orange);
high-tech (steel, gray, white, black, cold blue-gray);
eco-style (natural colors: white, green, brown, straw, light green, gray, wet asphalt color, brown).
Unusual lampshades and lampshades are suitable here. A practical interior solution is a harmonious selection of accessories in a suitable style direction. The popular styles are: classic, baroque, Provence, modern, Mediterranean, colonial, Scandinavian styles, minimalism, eco-style, eclecticism, country, loft, hi-tech.
Country music is considered the most appropriate. It will decorate a wooden house, a pompous American colonial cottage. It is appropriate to complement the interior with a fireplace, wicker furniture, high-quality carpet runners, colorful accessories, and exquisite souvenirs - you will get a cozy place.
Styles
Often the interior of an extension veranda is made in the same style and from the same materials as the house itself, however, being still a separate room, you can safely arrange it to your taste, mixing textures.
Ethnic motifs close to nature are perfect for decorating a veranda at home. It is in them that the lion's share of the interiors of country verandas is made.
The general pastel palette, delicate floral and animal prints, the use of natural materials: linen, bamboo, wood, rattan - will organically resonate with the landscape of the backyard or garden and support the natural theme as a whole.
Any of the following styles are perfect for arranging the veranda of a private house.
Mediterranean
Ascetic but comfortable, this style is a fusion of 15 ethnic groups living on the Mediterranean coast - from the south of France to Morocco. White walls reflecting the sultry rays of the sun, light flowing textiles, a minimum of furniture and details, large windows and high doorways - all this will fit perfectly into the interior of the open veranda.
Country
This is primarily rustic comfort, charm and naivety. Homemade or hand-embroidered napkins, unenameled pots, patchwork quilts, a whitewashed ceiling and walls in a small floral pattern - this veranda will be a great place for quiet cozy gatherings.
Scandinavian
Laconic, devoid of pretentious luxury, the Scandinavian style is perfect for arranging a glazed veranda on the north or west side of the house. High practicality and functionality of furniture with Scandinavian style colors will appeal to calm and reserved natures.
Eco style
A country house is a dream for those who cannot live without nature. Eco-style is a dream for those who want to live in harmony with nature.
Natural materials with an emphasized natural texture, an abundance of plants - pots, tubs or even panels made of live loach or stabilized moss - as well as massive furniture made of rough boards or even driftwood and stumps will organically complement the interior of the veranda of a country house.
Colonial
Combining the best features of East and West, the colonial style coexists perfectly in the home of the most contradictory natures.
Originating in the 19th century on the territory of English colonies in different parts of the world, this style emerged as a result of the fusion of the traditional way of life of the islanders and borrowed characteristic features of the life of Old England.
This style is flexible, adaptable, uneven and rough, but nevertheless solid and respectable. The interior of a country house veranda, made in a colonial style, can be used in tandem with almost any other style.
Foundation of the building
The next step after preparing the area is pouring the foundation of the extension. At this stage, it is important to take into account all the characteristics of the building and make a foundation for them.
If the entire structure is large or heavy, and the soil is heaving, then there is a risk that the veranda will “move away” from the house or settle.
Also, to prevent the building from moving to the side, you need to place the veranda on a separate foundation that is not connected to the building.
There are different types of foundations: strip, columnar and others. In order to choose the appropriate type, you need to focus on the weight of the structure and the characteristics of the soil.
For example, for heavy and large verandas, a strip one is best suited, and for light or small ones - a columnar one.
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To glaze the veranda or not?
Open verandas have more light and air, they are cheaper and easier to build. As boundaries, it will be enough to install railings around the perimeter of the platform or even plant a climbing plant, which will gradually create a hedge on its own.
However, polycarbonate or glazed verandas are not afraid of rain and wind; they can be used as a winter garden or an additional dining room from mid-spring to mid-autumn - in the absence of heating - or all year round.
In addition, glazing is often used as an additional design technique: huge French windows overlooking the garden, dormer windows built into the roof slope, shutter windows or sliding windows - all this creates additional three-dimensional lighting for your veranda, giving it comfort and a gentle glow .
Should I add plants?
In the summer in Russia it is incredibly hot, you can escape from this not only with curtains and curtains, but also by planting plants. Vertical gardening is an ideal option for an open veranda to close existing openings. Our climate is favorable for various climbing plants, so you can give your veranda an incredible appearance and at the same time escape from the sun without additional cash costs.
Vertical gardening can make the air more humid, reducing dust levels. If you want to give your extension an unusual look, you can purchase rare plants yourself, but you will have to spend a considerable amount of money. You can use the classic version: hedges serve as decoration. It is worth decorating the veranda not only inside, but also outside, planting coniferous trees and small shrubs nearby.
The veranda is built to become a great place where you can take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle, relax and forget about all your problems. On the contrary, you can turn it into a place to work with an ideal view.
Expert opinion
Alina Kvileva
Landscape designer
Hello, my name is Alina and I am a landscape designer, if you have any questions regarding landscape design, ask, I will be happy to answer them.
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How to use the veranda?
There are many options for using the veranda. At your discretion, you can place it here
- guest room,
- dining room or additional open summer kitchen,
- living room with fireplace, banquet table and comfortable armchairs,
- cozy workshop,
- winter Garden.
In any case, it should be remembered that the interior items must be proportionate to the area of the room, then the interior of even the smallest veranda will turn out to be harmonious, cozy and functional.
If you decide to turn the veranda into an additional summer kitchen, take care of sewerage, gas and water supply in advance, and do not forget about insulating the pipeline.
Choosing furniture
Choose garden furniture; it is made of durable materials and can withstand the effects of external sources. Such furniture is not afraid of moisture, cold or strong sunlight. It is enough to buy one large table and comfortable chairs. You can put a large sofa for the whole family to relax.
If you are creating a relaxation room, it would not be a bad idea to put a coffee table. If you are creating a full-fledged kitchen, buy cabinets; otherwise, they will be useless. A rocking chair and slides with various plants look great to create a relaxing atmosphere.
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How to arrange it?
Wicker furniture
Wicker furniture made of straw, branches, rattan, and wicker will fit ideally into the design of the veranda of a country house. It is lightweight and can be quickly removed in case of rain, it does not deform from moisture and dries quickly without molding.
Textile
A hammock will fit perfectly into the interior of an open veranda. By the way, it is textiles in all its manifestations that will domesticate and ennoble the interior of the veranda. Take care of the details: tablecloths, chair covers, fabric Roman blinds, pillows.
However, do not forget that a veranda, especially an open one, is more of an outdoor space than a home one, so it is better to store rugs, pillows, blankets and tablecloths, say, in a large chest-bench in the hallway.
Fireplace
Another strong argument in favor of country life and an excellent option for a summer veranda not connected to central heating is a fireplace. In addition to its direct function, it will fill the room with spiritual, metaphorical, warmth, comfort and peace.
The sight of fire and the crackling of coals create a romantic atmosphere and gives peace to you and your guests.
Decor
Also in the interior of a country house, tapestry or wooden panels on the walls and ceramic plates with ethnic designs, clay jugs and floor vases, figurines made of wood, stone and polymers will look great.
Plants
Regardless of the style and direction, plants will fit very organically into the design of the veranda - potted or garden, planted around the perimeter, entwining the walls with a natural wall.
You can create your own little jungle or limit yourself to one majestic ficus, you can surround the veranda platform with a wooden picket fence and allow the bindweed to freely draw its patterns on it, or you can grow mint, lemon balm, rosemary right in tubs.
Then the fragrant smells of fresh greenery will soar on your veranda.