I've alluded to the fact that we have a project going on and it's time to spill the beans. Wes has been working on a deck in our backyard for the last 3 (four?) weekends. I've helped a little, but admittedly, not very much. It should be wrapped up in the next few weekends and I've been gathering inspiration for furnishing it. I haven't come up with much! Wood decks are apparently not often photographed. But if you saw the steep grade of our yard you'd know why it's a deck for us instead of a pretty brick patio. So, dear blogland, have any great ideas for making a deck feel a little less, well, deck-like?
Happy Weekend!
18 comments:
Can't wait to see it. love this image. love it so much I want to move into it.
We rebuilt our wood deck about a year or so ago and I find that a few potted plants and some outdoor furniture, like a couch with ottomans, makes it feel less deck-like. Maybe some outdoor lighting too. We put rope lighting under the railings and it looks really nice at night.
Oooo I can't wait to see it finished. That is next on our list too! I actually like the look of decks. I think "in the woods surrounded by trees and animal" when I think of decks. I agree. Maybe some big ol urns of potted hydrangea. Sometimes you can find large urns at SAMS or Costco for a good price. Maybe Maddie would leave them alone. Mr. Ray??? Probably not! That's why our backyard looks like crap :)
I can't wait to see your deck! We need to replace our deck this year...it's 14 years old. I too wish there were more inspiration photos of cool decks. Please give us all the details!
Can't wait to see the end product! Love your blog! We are going to start building on to our deck late this spring. Bringing in plant life and furniture always make a deck more inviting, but a dash of paint couldn't hurt either. Just an idea! A post from one of my favorites-http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/04/how-to-paint-a-wood-deck-or-front-porch/
Plants, plants, plants! Lattice work below if it is a raised deck to hide the posts (and any tools/hoses), etc, which you could then plant a viney bloom on. Are you painting or staining? Outdoor furniture that looks more like indoor furniture and fun fabric for pillows!
All great ideas!
Amanda -- there aren't really any plants (except trees) in the yard now so I have no idea what Maddie will do to them. Kind of makes me nervous :) Maybe some super-big pots!
Adriene -- I love the idea of painting the deck. Maybe in an over-scale checkerboard pattern? May not happen this year, but definitely an idea for the future!
Anon -- flowering blooms, yes! Fingers crossed a certain border collie with leave the plants alone!
I did some of the Italian pottery (deep yellow as well as deep green)with large holly or boxwoods in them, very Provence/Tuscany like. As well as some galvanized tin tubs with flowers, for a more homey look. I have long been awaiting a French style table and chairs-the wooden and metal kind with the slats, and want to put out several large lanterns, instead of a basic outdoor table set...hope that makes sense.
Have fun decorating!
Very cool, outdoor spaces are the best, I like the picture you found...just remember your outdoor space is supposed to feel like a room so add layers: rugs, lights, tables, chairs, linens, potted plants etc...
I have a wood deck too and last year I bought a "mad mat". Its a great outdoor rug and adds so much color. That and some pillows on the chairs totally transformed my deck. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.
Laura
http://www.outdoorrugsonly.com/mad_mats.asp?s=ggl&c=E-mad-mats&gclid=CLTLhIyCxqACFQQNDQodulGPZg
I love your photo inspiration. The lanterns are great, and I love that they painted the sides white and added pillars. That does a lot for the look.
For us, it's not too fancy. But, I'm hoping we can get it stained and add some more decorating elements - like a big outdoor rug and some other small touches. I think the little things make a big difference.
Southern Living's gardening issue had a few things to say about "Outdoor Rooms" that you might check out!
I love to see a string of lights...you know like in an old Italian patio? The ones with the big bulbs? Like on this blog: http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2009/09/this-little-light-of-mine.html
I love them! Hope that helps
I agree with everyone, plants!
Maybe a great outdoor rug and great planters?
Could you create an outdoor "room" with furniture and rugs (all designed for the obviously) and plantings and hammocks and -- a deck sounds LOVELY!
Kelly
Good luck on your project. I have just started a project as well. I am adding a 3-tier Italian fountain on my back patio. Last year we installed a flagstone patio and purchased patio furniture, so now we are added the much needed sound of water. Check out my blog!http://deborahsfindydigs.blogspot.com/
And...I enjoyed reading the scripture you posted on Haven and Home.
I say a fountain. We have a deck and we hung one on our brick wall and everyone says the sound of water sounds so relaxing. We purchased it on sale at the now defunct Smith & Hawkin. We also have Restoration coushes and I put throw pillows that I purchased from Sears. It feels very comfortable. If you do buy plants and are on a budget - buy perennials and plant them after the Summer is over. Good luck and can;t want to see.
Post a Comment