Winter Outdoor Spaces: Rooftop & Terrace Tips

It’s true that the winters in Palm Beach don’t send people indoors. The region is well known for its warm and sunny climate, even during the winter months. In fact, the cooler months are when humidity is lower, and temperatures are more comfortable. This encourages residents to spend time on their condo rooftops and terraces at properties like The Berkley Palm Beach. 

In the winter months, you can make your outdoor space more appealing by following a few rooftop and terrace tips. With our insights, you can make a few smart adjustments to make your outdoor area more useful and potentially even the best seat in the house. 

This may be a bold claim given the opulence of luxury condos like those at The Berkeley Palm Beach, but it’s still worth exploring. With a few heating tips, simple decor updates, and the right plant choices, you’ll turn your rooftop or terrace into a modern-day outdoor oasis. 

Warmth Where It’s Needed: Heating That Fits Outdoor Spaces

Even in Florida, the winters can get nippy. This is especially true if you’re up high in a condo, but there is a simple solution, and that is outdoor heating. 

However, you must be selective in the heating you choose. You don’t want solutions that block views, narrow walkways, or turn your space into a maze of equipment. This is especially true for well-designed residences like The Berkeley Palm Beach. So, keep your terrace or rooftop layout in mind when planning how you’ll keep everyone warm. 

Types Of Heating That Work Well Outdoors

It can be challenging to keep luxury condo terraces in winter warm, but it’s not an unsolvable problem. Below are a few of the best heating solutions you can try while keeping your layout in mind: 

  • Residential use electric heaters. 
  • Portable outdoor heaters that you can maneuver as seating needs change. 
  • Fire features, if permitted. 
  • Wall or ceiling-mounted heaters that can keep floors clear. 

Which of the above heating solutions you choose will depend on your space. However, we want to remind you that the key is choosing a heating source that supports your comfort and that doesn’t become a focal source. 

Layering Comfort: Decor That Makes Outdoor Areas Inviting

Your outdoor decor for your terrace or rooftop doesn’t need to be overly flashy. But it should suit your style and add to the comfort of your space, especially in winter. If you’re planning to add decor in the near future, it’s best to choose a few well-chosen pieces. You’ll want to do this rather than overcrowding your terrace or rooftop with unnecessary items. 

To do this, consider what will make your space feel like a place you want to stay in. So, picture what decor you want to be surrounded with when the evenings are chilly, or while you’re sipping a hot coffee as you watch the sun rise, or while entertaining with friends and family. 

When you have a better understanding of how you’ll use the space and what will make you comfortable during the winter months, you can select decor pieces. In most cases, choosing soft textures helps. It allows you to create a calm and soothing environment (no fake grass here). What also helps add to the cozy comfort are throws tossed over the arms of chairs, cushions that actually support your back, and lanterns that offer a warm glow. 

You could also consider adding wood or woven materials to make the space feel more earthy. And a rug is always a good idea to anchor your seating area. However, if your terrace is small, you’ll need even less decor. The trick is to add enough to make the space feel plush and cozy without overdoing it. 

Usually, if something doesn’t serve a purpose or make your terrace or rooftop a winter escape, it doesn’t need to be there. And if you decorate the right way, your decor should seamlessly transition into spring with minimal need to replace items. 

Winter Planting Ideas For Condo Living

If you’re someone who loves their plants, you don’t have to put your green thumb on the back burner if you live in a luxury condo. However, you want to be cautious about how you apply your talents to greenery and growth. 

For example, wind matters up high, and so does sun exposure on terraces and roofs. This means you can’t treat the plants you choose to grow like you would in a backyard garden. Compact evergreens are also a good choice, as they tend to maintain their shape well through the winter. 

In addition, you could also grow ornamental grasses that move with the wind instead of fighting against it. These plants don’t require constant attention, and that’s the point. With these types of plants, you won’t need to repot or replant every other month. You should also consider using maneuverable containers or planters. This will allow you to shift your plants during the winter months based on the weather. 

It’s also worth considering the color, style, size, and shape of your planters as these can enhance the overall look of your terrace or rooftop. It’s usually recommended to use planters of varying heights and to opt for simpler shapes in neutral tones. These tend to age better than what’s currently trendy. If done right, you can give your space structure without things looking messy and unbecoming to the eye.

Furniture, Lighting, And Layout: Making Spaces Livable

Unfortunately, if there’s one season where comfort isn’t optional in outdoor spaces, it’s winter, even in Palm Beach. You need a well-lit terrace or rooftop that is cozy, comfortably furnished, and well-planned. To achieve this, it’s best to have:

  • Cushions that carry some weight. The last thing you want is for your cushions to shift, lift, or even…fly away.  You should also have heavy throws or pillows on the chairs. However, you also want them to be soft and warm to extend the time you’ll actually spend outside instead of heading back in when the temperatures dip a little. 
  • Lighting that feels residential but ambient. At luxury condos like The Berkeley Palm Beach, lanterns and low-profile fixtures are best since they won’t compete with your spectacular view. You also don’t want anything too bright or attention-seeking. In winter, the goal is to achieve a soft glow that encourages you to stay out after dark and enjoy the evening, not a bright floodlight that lights up your rooftop or terrace like a parking lot.
  • A layout that dictates how much time you’ll spend in your outdoor space during the winter. Typically, it’s best to place seating where it’s protected against the wind. It’s also a good idea to arrange furniture to promote conversation so nothing feels forced. Additionally, keeping pathways open so that terraces don’t feel cramped is also recommended. If you keep these layout tips in mind, you’ll have a flexible space year-round, not just in the winter months. 

Entertaining In Cold Weather: Tips For Florida Condo Owners

You don’t have to reinvent your entire space if you want to entertain during the winter months out on your terrace or rooftop. If you’ve set things up correctly and followed our advice above, your space is already ready. Phew right? 

Now all you need to do is keep in mind a few tips for entertaining in cold weather to really cinch in the right vibe. So with this in mind, here are a few of the best tips to follow as a Floridian condo owner preparing to enjoy your time outdoors as the weather gets cooler: 

  • Try to host in the evenings, as in Florida, winter nighttime temperatures drop into a comfortable range. 
  • Ensure you’ve created outdoor seating that is inviting to guests so they actually want to be outside enjoying the evening breeze, just as you do. 
  • If you have a small terrace, it’s best not to cram too many people into a small area. Instead, consider creating an indoor-outdoor setup if the weather is favorable when hosting an event. 
  • It’s a good idea to match your home’s interior decor with the exterior terrace or rooftop if you want a cohesive look. This will help these outdoor spaces feel like extensions of your home rather than a separate event space that you have to transform every time you want to put together a shin dig with friends and family. 

Ultimately, winters in Palm Beach are when your outdoor space proves its worth. That’s why you need to set up your terrace or rooftop for use, not just for aesthetics. So, keep these tips in mind for your winter hosting.

Key Takeaways for Luxury Condo Terraces in Winter

There is much you can do with your luxury condo terrace or roof in winter; you just need a little guidance. We hope you now have a better idea of how to tackle decorating, arranging a layout, and placing the right lighting and heating solutions. 

However, if you don’t quite have a condo yet to apply these tips and tricks, you may want to speak with one of our sales representatives at The Berkeley Palm Beach. We offer a wide range of luxury condos with varying floor plans that could suit your needs. So contact us here and let’s see how we can help you before the cold settles in and winter is fully underway. 

DOWNLOAD UPLIN HEALTH BROCHURE

The Berkeley offers the largest balconies in West Palm Beach with unobstructed waterfront views from every residence, paired with unmatched amenities and curated experiences..

DOWNLOAD DIGITAL BROCHURE

The Berkeley offers the largest balconies in West Palm Beach with unobstructed waterfront views from every residence, paired with unmatched amenities and curated experiences..