I was looking for a way to 'zone' my small terrace for summer hosting – Anne Hathaway's NY pied-à-terre provides an intelligent blueprint

Living in a tiny apartment, I had made peace with the fact that outdoor hosting would come with its challenges – particularly when it came to eating, socializing, and relaxing in the exact same space. Just as I would prefer to keep my dining table separate from my sofa indoors, it just didn't seem possible to keep them apart on my terrace, until Anne Hathaway provided the solution.

The actress, along with her husband, jewelry designer Adam Shulman, and Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design, intelligently zoned their former balcony garden using pergolas. Despite its NYC zip code (meaning space is at a premium), the team managed to break up their open-plan terrace and create distinct 'zones' – one for dining at a table, and another for enjoying conversations on comfortable seating.

To me, Anne's terrace idea evokes the feeling of two separate rooms outside: a dining room and a living room, both of which coexist while somehow feeling apart on this city balcony.

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Anne's terrace is the first time I've seen such zoning take place in an urban space. However, as experts explain, you can recreate her method on any terrace or patio. Start with a shaded pergola (as she has done), then choose your furniture from there.

'The modern pergola has seen a surge in popularity over recent years, propelled by its innovative features, sleek designs, and the ability to extend your living space into the garden,' comments Reilly Gray, the co-founder at Suns Lifestyle.

'Not only do they allow you to create zones in the garden that can be used all-year-round if freestanding, but they are a practical alternative to bi-fold blinds if fitted to your property, helping to regulate heat and glare in the summer months without affecting the light indoors during winter.'

When it comes to finding the right structure for your outdoor space, there are a few key considerations to take into account, starting with finding the material that will withstand your environment, and tap into your desired aesthetic in the process.

'For instance, a decorative wood frame will add a more traditional feel (and require more maintenance) whereas one in 100% aluminium will have a contemporary finish whilst being more robust, low maintenance, rust-proof and suitable for use all-year-round,' Reilly says.

'Aluminium will also last a lot longer than wood, and the problem with wooden pergolas is once the wood gets wet, it can drip sap on the furniture below, which can ruin furniture. The powder-coated aluminium will never fade and will look the same forever, the wood will change almost instantly after it has been installed.'

If you want to introduce wood to your space, it can still look beautiful, but you'll just need to expect it to change. In my case, though, I'm sticking to Anne's example and opting for a black aluminium option that will withstand the elements and solve my hosting woes in the process.