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Substantial Terrace with Large Seating Area, Covered Pergola, Outdoor Kitchen, Dining Space and Retractable Awning 

  • Writer: Nick
    Nick
  • Oct 15
  • 2 min read

Updated: 7 days ago



Contemporary South West London terrace with outdoor kitchen, large seating area, pergola, dining space and retractable awning softly lit for evening entertaining.

Outdoor living is more popular than ever, with many homeowners seeking to maximise the use of their exterior spaces throughout the year. Clients now frequently request outdoor areas that offer comfort and functionality in every season. The continual development of outdoor kitchens, modern heating and lighting solutions, and pergolas with remote-controlled features have made all-season outdoor living a reality.


This large terrace in South West London was designed, not only to feel like a continuation of their wonderful home’s interior, but also to offer a year-round space in which to relax and entertain.


The garden terrace before transformation with original wooden pergola structure and classical paving and balustrade

Prior to the redesign, the property featured a smaller terrace (above) and a compact pergola, which provided valuable outdoor space during the Covid restrictions.


With the need to include the additional dining and kitchen area, we increased the depth of the terrace by nearly 3 meters, giving overall dimensions of 18m wide by 7m deep. This adjustment brought the proportions of the terrace more in line with the expansive garden and allowed for generously planted areas to be introduced right up to the house itself.


Modern patio with orange sofas under a pergola, a lit fireplace, and lush greenery. Evening setting with soft ambient lighting.

To define different zones within the space, Dutch paver ‘rugs’ were set into the limestone paving. The central paver ‘rug’ was laid in a distinctive pattern, drawing the eye when stepping out from the central French doors and providing a visual link to the broad steps and garden beyond.


Outdoor kitchen with a stainless steel grill, utensils, and a ceramic cooker. Black cabinets beneath. Greenery in the background.

The outdoor kitchen includes a fridge, a gas barbecue, a separate single burner, and a smoker for slow-cooked dishes. Generous storage beneath the worktops and built-in bin storage ensure that food preparation is convenient and tidy.


Modern patio covered with retractable awning with a dining table, chairs, and warm lighting. Orange-cushioned seating under the pergola can be seen in the rear, and greenery creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

The dining area is designed for flexibility, with a table that can be arranged lengthwise or width wise to suit the number of diners. It can easily be positioned under the retractable awning, which itself features integrated heating and lighting, ensuring comfort even during the colder months of the year.


Limestone steps with a herringbone brick pattern lead to a doorway, surrounded by green plants. The scene is outdoors and appears calm.

We have used natural limestone paving throughout the scheme, which works well with the darker Dutch pavers. The limestone is treated with a protective coating, ensuring the paving is stain resistant and low maintenance.


Lush green woodland plants in a low level bed along the limestone path

The planting was a vital element in the overall design. So often, terraces are devoid of planting, making the space feel much too hard and sterile. We were determined to take the planting right up to the house itself, ensuring our clients could always feel close to nature. With the terrace being in shade for a good part of the day, it allowed us to use a more ‘woodland’ style of planting, where the texture and form of the foliage provide year-round interest.


Lush green plants with various leaf patterns in a garden by a white wall and glass door; a black garden light stands nearby.




Modern patio with comfortable seating under a lit pergola. Wooden table and chairs, brick and glass house, lush greenery, relaxing ambiance.

So, if you are thinking of transforming your outside space, why not get in touch to see how we can help?

 

 
 
 

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