Transforming a compact terrace for summer soirées: Insights from Anne Hathaway's Manhattan apartment secondary residence
From dwelling in a cramped apartment to yearning for some semblance of indoor spatial separation in the outdoors, I found myself constantly battling the constraints of hosting and entertaining in a small terrace. That is, until Anne Hathaway graced us with an ingenious solution.
Partnering with her husband, jewelry designer Adam Shulman, and Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design, the actress cleverly segmented their former balcony garden into distinct 'zones' – one for dining and another for socializing. Despite the reduced space of their NYC hideaway, they devised a clever arrangement using pergolas to separate these areas without encroaching on each other.
This tactic conjured up the image of having two separate rooms outside: a dining area and a living room—a remarkable achievement to pull off on a city balcony.
Dive Deeper
- Explore Anne's terrace idea by replicating her design using patio screens, curved chairs, and shaded pergolas that cater to smaller urban spaces.
For those eager to replicate her approach on their own terrace or patio, here's how:
- Assess Your Space: Measure the dimensions and consider the orientation of your balcony to determine the layout for different zones.
- Choose the Right Pergola: Opt for a functional and aesthetically pleasing pergola suitable for your balcony size and layout.
- Design Zones: Set up dining and social areas using compact and space-efficient furniture.
- Use Furniture Strategically: Incorporate foldable tables and chairs to maximize space, and add visual interest with plants or decorative elements without cluttering the area.
- Add Lighting and Decor: String lights or lanterns will create a warm ambiance, while hanging plants or vines will introduce greenery and fragrance.
Take note, if you want to combine the traditional with the contemporary, choose a decorative wood frame pergola for a rustic vibe but with increased maintenance requirements. If you're after low maintenance, durable, and rust-proof option that can be used all year round, opt for an aluminum pergola with a powder-coated finish that promises not to fade over time.
So there you have it: Anne Hathaway's zoned balcony garden—a refreshing take on urban outdoor entertaining spaces that's easily replicated for yourself. Embrace that sweet sense of separation in your own indoor-outdoor oasis, and you'll be savoring the spitefully delicious taste of victory over your miniature dwelling's limitations. (Just don't tell Anne I said that.)
Further Reading
- Suns Lifestyle offers a range of outdoor living space solutions, including modern pergolas, to help create zones in your garden.
By employing a similar design as Anne Hathaway, you can segment your small terrace or patio into distinct zones for dining and socializing, enhancing your outdoor living experience. To replicate Anne's design, measure your space, choose the right pergola, set up zones with compact furniture, use furniture strategically, add lighting and decor, and select a material that suits your maintenance needs. Whether you prefer a rustic wooden pergola or a contemporary aluminum one, you can create an ocean of space amidst your urban microcosm, breaking free from the confines of a cramped indoor-outdoor environment and embracing the lifestyle of luxurious outdoor living.
