Sunset Terrace Design Plan

Last week I shared with y’all the design plan for our family room, so this week I’m following up with a look at the design plan for the sunset terrace. As a reminder, this patio space sits directly off our family room and faces west (hence… sunset terrace). We get some pretty decent hill country views from out there, not to mention sunsets, so I prioritized getting it furnished quickly. No point in having a view if you’ve got nowhere to sit and enjoy it!

Sunset Terrace: the bare bones. Click here for the before.

Above is a wide angle shot of how the terrace looks now. Complete with camping chairs, a squeegee, and a beach towel serving as a floor mat. 😂 As a reminder, we painted the stucco a fresh shade of white, re-stained the ceiling (which FYI isn’t as dark in person as in this picture), and updated the lighting. To see how the patio looked when we purchased the home, click here.

Below are the “vibes” I sent over the ladies at Heather Scott Home & Design. I knew I wanted warm wood tones (specifically, teak) mixed with wicker (obsessed with those dining chairs), light-colored cushions, dual seating zones, and plenty of terracotta pots for some Mediterranean flair. Comfortable and laid back was what I wanted, and I think we achieved it!

Design inspiration.

Before we dive into the selections, let’s first take a peek at the layout. We’ve got two zones - one for eating (I foresee lots of spritzes and charcuterie boards in this table’s future!) + one for lounging. I love that the space is really maximized and used to it’s fullest potential. Everything should fill out quite nicely, scale-wise. One note: we did make one slight adjustment to the layout below. Instead of a rectangular table, we opted for a smaller round one. We didn’t think a table for six was necessary, plus it would have been a tad tight along the left railing. Switching to round saved us a bit of money as well, since it meant we only needed four chairs versus six.

Layout.

Grounding the seating area on the right is a simple, textural, and easy-to-clean outdoor rug. It has a subtle plaid design for some interest, and we ordered it in the wheat colorway to keep it cohesive with all the neutral tones going on. We also replaced the existing ceiling fan with this super sleek black fan. It’s a splurge, but let me tell you… I have lots of experience with outdoor ceiling fans! One thing I’ve learned is here in Texas, fans get beaten down by the elements and always end up weathering quickly (drooping, fading, discoloring). Even though it’s pricey, I know this fan will stand the test of time since it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum.

One more thing re: the fixture selection. I was very tempted to do a statement-making chandelier out here. Very. But ultimately, I’m glad I kept it practical with a ceiling fan. We are in Texas, after all! Sometimes you just have to be practical.

Now for the seating area. The designers chose this modern teak sofa and accompanying ottoman (gotta have a place to kick my feet up!) from Pottery Barn. The teak will develop a silvery patina over time. The round, cast stone coffee table is also from Pottery Barn, and I definitely think it lends itself to the Mediterranean vibe with its plaster-look. It’s earthy, textural, and organic. Love. Finally, the pillows add even more texture plus infuse some color into the otherwise neutral design. Adding some pops of green will help tie in the patio to the family room inside.

These two rattan chairs will sit directly across from the sofa to round out the seating area. I like that they’re rattan yet don’t lean too “boho” in their aesthetic. Personally, I think rattan does that sometimes, and while that’s a beautiful look… it just isn’t in line with my personal style. Next to these chairs will be a black, floral garden stool that we’ll use as a side table. Sorry I don’t have a source!

Last but not least, the dining table! These fabulous chairs are the only piece I told my designer I had to have in the space. They’ve been calling my name! They’re so fabulous and sexy. I’m pretty sure I first saw them on Amber Lewis’ Instagram. I love the combination of the natural wicker with the teak pedestal table. Such a nice juxtaposition!

The only thing left to do now is source some Italian terracotta pots around town. I’ve been on the hunt and have purchased a couple, but I’m not done yet. Once again, they’ll give me that Mediterranean edge I’m hoping to accomplish. I just have to find the right pots!

Above you can see how it all comes together. I can’t wait to put the camping chairs away and plop myself down on a proper seat with a nice glass of red wine! Everything should be delivered sometime in September, and obviously I’ll keep y’all updated via Instagram.

XOXO,

Liz

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Rattan Lounge Chair (I also like this similar style)