• Plank benches are perfect for rustic-style terraces.french guest house terrace image by Nicky Jacobs from Fotolia.com
  
  Terraces are a popular addition to many homes. People love to congregate in these peaceful areas overlooking the outdoors. Decorating ideas for terraces abound, and nearly any décor style can be accommodated. With imagination, nearly any style decor can be applied to a terrace--casual, elegant, luxury, rustic, and so on. The key is to match the new decor to the existing style of the patio, unless one is starting fresh and building the patio to match the anticipated style.
  
  

Rustic Retreat

• Create a rustic retreat. Utilize plank benches, chairs and tables for outdoor furniture, foregoing fussy seating cushions and tablecloths. Arrange greenery and flowers in outdoor planters, choosing wood or molded plastic. There are some molded plastics that are designed to resemble wood; these can be found in the gardening section of many stores. Ensure that every element of the terrace speaks to the rustic effect, and eliminate anything that does not. Additional rustic elements include accessories such as watering cans for flowerpots, lots of wood decor (shelves, if available, end tables made of reclaimed wood), and a wooden archway at the entrance of the patio.
  
  

Exotic Tranquility

• Choose exotic implements for a tranquil area. Utilize a bamboo-type rug to add extra tranquility. Place a low-slung couch and chairs on the terrace. Fill them with plush cushions for extra comfort. Add a short coffee table and decorate it with incense and votive candles. Arrange exotic decor such as paper lanterns and specialized garlands to emphasize the interaction between space and decor. Hang an arty lighting source, opting for the unusual over the mundane. These arty lights are often one of a kind, and can be found at specialty art shops and personal online shops. Look for lights that aren't run of the mill, as you want to strive for a look that not everyone has. Arrange bamboo and dried grasses in short, fat vases for an additional tropical feeling.
  
  

Classic Style

• Opt for a classic feeling on the terrace with wrought-iron furniture, including the couch, chairs and coffee table. Use functional, but not fussy, cushions on the couch and chairs. Choose arrangements of dried branches for added décor. Forego traditional lighting sources and select lamp-style lighting instead. Having a small fountain in the area creates a cooling effect.