For homeowners who have an existing deck, or for those considering building one, we have some creative and fun ideas for you! With people enjoying their homes more, taking “staycations,” and work-from-home scenarios, we’ve seen more families spending more time outside. A deck is the perfect way to appreciate fresh air, nature, and healthy sunlight.

We’ll check out some innovative designs for your deck. With the exception of a few of these, most of these upgrades or tweaks are easy to do. A couple of them are a little more involved. You will get more out of your recreational (and yes, calming) time outside on the deck.

Bringing Light to the Subject

We’ll shed some light on this idea! If you have one, illuminate your deck and surrounding patio with landscape lights. Also, Soffit lights are ideal and will help light up walkways, seating areas, and entry points. Hanging string lights will give you a romantic ambience, and up-facing spotlights will shine light on your trees, establishing a dramatic look. The lighting you choose for your deck will play an important part in ease of use and safety.

Color Us Impressed

Trending this year is bright and bold colors. A colorfully bright furniture layout is always welcome, but warm tones with a splash of “hot,” like crimson or magenta, are key this year. Additionally, mixing cool colors like blue, aqua, and a rich green brings a coastal feel to your deck. Throw pillows, a blanket for the brisk evenings, and an outdoor rug can tie this all together. Hang weather-sturdy outdoor drapes. These aren’t just stylish, they’re excellent for privacy.

How Does Your Garden Grow? 

Like the lyric, you could incorporate bells and shells into raised flower beds and/or a container garden. Plants are a beneficial way to decorate your deck. They’ll bring in oxygen and flowers and even attract butterflies. You could also install large planters around the borders of your deck or patio. Hang some plants on a pergola. A shelf with smaller plants or a potting table can make your deck a planter’s paradise.

Walls Can be Good 

A little privacy never hurt anyone. Don’t be afraid to cordon off a few areas of your deck. You might want a nook to read, an enclave to enjoy food, or even a space designated for sports. A privacy screen, fencing, a trellis, or a living wall can make an attractive barrier. Privacy walls and screens could be as ornate or as basic as you want. Living walls, also known as vertical gardens, cut down on noise and oxygenate the air with various biodiverse plants. They’re amazing for sustainability. Did you know that a living wall can actually reduce noise decibel levels up to 15 decibels?

Built-ins Rule! 

We all have seen those awesome decks – you know, the ones that have built-in seating. How cool is seeing a wrap-around deck with a bench incorporated into the railing? This design takes up so little additional space, leaving the deck free for a bistro table, barbecue, or chaise lounge. Don’t you want bench seating all the way around? Set up a ledge in the build. Building bench seating around your deck is generally the easiest upon initial construction.

On the Rails 

Speaking of railings, instead of a traditional railing with vertical balusters, consider horizontal cable wires. This gives your deck a contemporary look. There are many styles of railings that can complement your deck. One such type is glass. Tempered glass can be etched with different design patterns. Or you could invest in a farmhouse-style railing; these add a chic and open look.

Gimme Shelter

When we think of going outside and catching the sun’s rays, we might forget that we need some protection. A pergola or a gazebo are the go-to’s for most of our shade needs, but what about a few other options? There’s a lot of choices.

• Awning—An awning can be installed with a pergola. In fact, a retractable awning allows you to partially block out the sun while still allowing it to peek through the top a bit.
• Shade sails—These colorful and weather-durable sails are great for blocking out the sun and wind. They’re available in many styles and are easy to install.
• Trellis leading into a pergola – combine the best of both words. Use vertical trellises alongside a pergola to create more shade and privacy. Use climbing plants to grace the sides and top of the structure.
• Patio umbrella – this is probably one of the easiest shelter solutions and works well on a small deck. The large umbrella will protect you and your friends from harmful UV rays while you eat.

Steps and Stones

Another aspect of patios and decks is that they have several differing levels. A raised deck with an adjacent stone patio, a brick walkway leading up to a deck, or perhaps stunning flagstone stairs leading to another level of your deck are all eye-catching designs. They will be aesthetically pleasing to your guests (and you)! We love seeing mixed materials used for hardscaping. We also like that stone gives your backyard an earthy look and feel.

Turn on the Waterworks

Nope, we don’t mean crying! Only happy tears if you’re dreaming about a pool. In-ground or raised pools are a delightful way to upgrade your outdoor space. Depending on your desire and lifestyle, research the building cost, permits, upkeep, and the pluses of bringing a pool into your plan. If a pool is too much of a commitment, then possibly a water fountain or a koi pond may suffice.

Outdoor Cuisine Adventures 

The installation of an outdoor kitchen can be daunting, especially if you’re looking into the possibility of a larger kitchen. However, this addition makes entertaining much easier, prep more convenient, and grilling food becomes a way of life. Surprisingly, there are lots of foods you can put on a grill (especially if you’re “Epicurious”). So, to reiterate, an outdoor kitchen can range from a built-in cooktop with a grill, a refrigerator, bar, sink, and food prep area all the way down to a smaller refrigerator with a countertop for quick meal preparation.

Relax and Read

After all the cooking, you will need a place to rest. Create a cove on your deck where you can relax and meditate after a long day. A comfortable chair or an outdoor couch will help you rest. You could also get some outside speakers to listen to your favorite tunes (or books on tape) while you finish your evening under the stars. If you’re more into birdwatching or exploring nature around you, a few bird feeders and birdhouses will provide entertainment.

Music and Media 

Speaking of entertainment, a deck can be an ideal place to watch a game or movie. Make sure you safely set up any and all electronics so you can watch your big screen outside. Wire your outdoor speakers for surround sound, and set out the snacks! Bringing the family room outside is always a good time.

To Sum Up

The classic versus the modern deck and the active versus the somewhat subdued way of life are all magnificent matches for a deck. Why do we say this? No matter your preferences, you will find a way to enrich your life by having a deck. It’s not just something that will add value to your house, but you’ll find it worthwhile because of all the activities you can do while using it.