Design a Mediterranean terrace - Mediterranean flair in just 4 steps

Get Mediterranean flair on your patio with plants and the right furniture. Our step-by-step instructions show you how.

Germany is longingly waiting for nice weather so that the garden and terrace can finally be enjoyed to the full again. For many, spring is also a kind of new beginning, at least as far as the exterior design is concerned. Similar to the living area, we sometimes wish for a new flair in the garden or in the house. A trend that almost never goes out of fashion is the Mediterranean design. The Mediterranean character is reminiscent of holidays and the sea and conveys calm and balance.

If you too have decided to give your terrace a touch of the Mediterranean, then the following tips will come in handy. If you are concerned that you will soon be sitting on a major construction site, I can reassure you. Even an existing terrace can be redesigned in a Mediterranean way.

Step 1: Make room for something new

Before the actual design of the Mediterranean terrace can begin, the basis for it must be created. That means everything that was previously on the terrace is cleared away. In the end, only the bare floor remains. A floor made of natural stone is laid for a new Mediterranean-style terrace. The reason for this is very simple: wood is scarce in the Mediterranean region and is therefore rarely used. Therefore, in southern countries, stone terraces and metal railings are predominantly seen. Instructions for the correct laying of natural stone slabs can be found at bauhaus.info. Personally, I think tearing out an existing wooden floor is overkill. The only important thing is that they are durable floorboards made of high-quality wood. At purnatur.com you can get free advice on this topic and find out about the differences between the individual floorboard types.

Step 2: Terrace railing yes or no?

You can only answer this question personally. Some like it a little more open, while others want to protect themselves from prying eyes. If you choose a patio railing, your main material is metal. A little we althierAlthough Mediterranean residents rely on lavish balustrades in white, this is also a question of the wallet in this country. Metal railings are cheaper and give your terrace the typical Mediterranean charm. In terms of color, you should also stick to the Mallorcan style and paint the railings in turquoise, yellow or sand. If that's too bright for you, use orange or terracotta tones.

Step 3: Mediterranean patio furniture - where can I get it?

Don't worry, you don't have to get on the plane and talk the Spanish fisherman about your belongings. The nice thing about the Mediterranean style is that it is kept very simple. Do you remember your last Mediterranean vacation? Here you can see simple chairs in red, blue and yellow again and again. This color combination alone conveys sun and relaxation. If you have a hodgepodge of individual chairs, use these. Spice up with a bit of colour, you can design your own Mediterranean patio furniture in no time at all. Here, too, there is an alternative for everyone who finds it too colourful: metal chairs, ornate tables and benches! No matter which shape you choose, you should definitely do without the typical hardware store cushions. They may be comfortable, but they don't fit on a Mediterranean patio at all.

Typically Mediterranean: Metal Furniture
© Aytuncoylum - Fotolia.com

Metal Seating Group
© Elena Kovaleva - Fotolia.com

Colourful Mediterranean Feeling
© Jürgen Fälchle - Fotolia.com

Wood And Metal In Combination
© schulzfoto - Fotolia.com

White meets natural stone
© Jenifoto - Fotolia.com

Simple Beauty With Mosaic
© Malgorzata Kistryn - Fotolia.com

Step 4: Plant and decorate in a Mediterranean style

The fourth and last part will certainly be the most beautiful for all terrace designers. It's time to decorate! Mediterranean design meansnot just setting up terracotta pots. If it is feasible for you, plant tall plants on walls and railings and use low-flowering cacti for contrast. Here are a few Mediterranean examples that are also available in Germany.

Agave
Grapevines
Lemon or Orange Tree
cycad
Curry herb
Evergreen Magnolia
Bamboo
Oleanders

Herbs fit perfectly on a Mediterranean terrace. They are not only eye-catchers, but can also be used in the kitchen. For example, plant thyme, sage, rosemary and oregano in terracotta pots that are typical of the Mediterranean style. But be careful when choosing where to sit, herbs need a lot of sun.

Mediterranean Combination
© D. Ott - Fotolia.com

Decoration objects complete the Mediterranean terrace

Once furniture and plants have been set up, you can realize your personal taste. How about, for example, small antique statues or a Mediterranean chain of lights, as can be seen on almost every finca or in taverns.

» Also read: Terrace lighting: 5 ideas for atmospheric moments