Whether your deck is large or small, simple or elaborate, new or already established, use these 7 deck decorating ideas to create a deck perfectly tailored to your taste and to your needs.
My back deck is a bit of an odd shape, is one blank space and is boring, boring, boring. Honestly? I quite simply am stumped as to what to do with it!
My friend Nancy has a beautiful home which I’ve featured here several times, so I’ve decided to use her gorgeous deck for inspiration!
My outside deck doesn’t have the architectural details that her deck does, but when it comes to my own deck design, I can still look to hers for inspiration.
EXAMINE YOUR SPACE & TAKE STOCK
Before you rush into anything, closely examine your deck space and take stock of what you already own.
- Do any repairs need to be made?
- What function(s) to you want the deck to serve?
- How many people would you like to be able to accommodate?
- What do you already own that you can continue to use or repurpose?
SELECT A COLOR & A DESIGN THEME
This is an important step to avoid having your deck become a hodgepodge of random stuff. A color and design theme will set the tone for your entire outdoor space!
If you aren’t sure where to begin, there are multiple places you can look for deck decorating ideas:
- the landscape and/or flowers around you
- an outdoor throw pillow or area rug
- mimic the theme on the interior of your home
- often times your favorite vacation destinations, such as the beach, can become the inspiration for a theme.
Creating a design board for your deck is the best secret to creating a cohesive design and bringing your vision to life!
ADD ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
If your deck is feeling a bit too plain no matter what you do, consider adding architectural details. You can make those details as elaborate or as simple as you’d like!
Here’s just a few ways you can do that:
- use pieces of wood to wrap the top or bottom of posts
- use lattice to create a privacy panel at one or both ends of the deck
- add decorative caps to the top of posts
CREATE ZONES & DECIDE ON A LAYOUT
This goes back to determining the functions that you want your back deck to serve.
- Do you need a dining area?
- Do you need an area for cooking?
- Do you want a fireplace or firepit area?
- Do you want an area to watch an outdoor tv or outdoor movies?
Once you’ve created the zones you need, use pretty rugs and furniture groupings to define them.
TAKE NOTE OF THE SUN
Pay attention to where the sun falls on your deck throughout the day. Depending upon what time of day you want to use your deck, you may need to add an umbrella, canopy or pergola.
ADD LIFE
Add life to your deck and connect it to its surroundings by adding containers of plants and flowers. Select the same plants that you’ve used for landscaping in your yard for a truly cohesive look in the outdoor space.
TREAT THE DECK LIKE A SECOND LIVING ROOM
Now comes the really fun part of deck decorating by bringing some of your indoor touches outside! Be sure to look for decor items that can withstand the outdoor elements.
In addition to potted plants, try adding outdoor lanterns and trays, decorative outdoor pillows, and outdoor cushions and poufs.
Now for the amazing before and after of Nancy’s deck! After doing lots of research, Nancy completely designed the new deck herself!
BEFORE
AFTER
Simply stunning outdoor space, don’t you agree?
Sherry says
What an amazing before and after. Absolutely beautiful!!!
Kathy Menold says
We have a small deck off our kitchen and it serves it purpose as an area to eat lunch or have our morning coffee. I have several planters and window boxes but I have never seemed to put it all together It is bordered on one side by a noisy a.c unit and I have often thought of someway to block it . Don’t think lattice would be enough. Any ideas?
Suzy says
Are you trying to cover up the noise or the view of the a/c? If it’s the noise, there really isn’t a way to completely block that, but you could try adding a fountain that might distract you from it. If it’s the view you’re trying to improve, Google “how to hide air conditioner unit outside” and you’ll get quite a few ideas.
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Oh, I am so jealous of that wonderful outside area. Her before even looks better than what we have. I hope someday we can have something done to ours. Hubby just doesn’t get it because he doesn’t ever use the deck. Ours gets way too hot in mid summer. I love the dark flooring they used on this one.
Judy Wilkers says
This is beautiful but what about those of us who have a small, simple, uncovered deck or patio? Can you use rugs etc when decks are uncovered? Please help us!!!
Suzy says
Yes – you absolutely can use rugs on an uncovered area. Just make sure they’re outdoor rugs and you should be fine. You might also like this post: https://www.worthingcourtblog.com/small-porch-decorating-ideas/
Susan says
Oh Nancy has a beautiful deck! I love how she decorated with all the turquoise accents! Absolutely gorgeous!
Maria Elena says
Absolutely stunning!!! Now, that is a deck! Love it all and the floors are just magnificent!
Melanie says
That is a beautiful deck! I love the pergolas, and the colors she used.
Suzy says
I totally agree with you, Melanie! She did a fabulous job.
Olga Zariopi says
Absolutely stunning! This is probably one of the best transformations ever! Hats off to you!
Jenny says
Wow! What a difference! It’s like the entire back of the house was brought to life when you compare the before and after. Awesome!!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Suzy….you were right when you said we were in for a treat….That deck is magnificent…and all of the furniture and gorgeous touches are just wonderful….Thanks so much for sharing Nancy’s deck…stunning!
Cynthia says
This is a stunning new deck. I love alw the work they did it is just beautiful. What a great use of space and I am sure they will get a lot of use out of the deck.
Cynthia
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Suzy, this is just beautiful! Nancy is one great designer! All of her outdoor spaces are so inviting and beautifully decorated. What a perfect space for entertaining and relaxation.
Shanee @ LivingLifeSouthernStyle says
Wow, this is beautiful! Lucky you to be able to enjoy Nancy’s deck 🙂 Feel free to introduce me to Nancy I would love to hang out in this space! lol Thanks for sharing.
Angela Gordon says
Beautiful Nancy! Thanks for sharing Suzy!!! I love the before, but the after is absolutely stunning 🙂
A Hint of Home says
What an absolutely gorgeous relaxing area! She did a wonderful job of planning and pulling it all together. Beautiful!
Debbie@Debbie-Dabble and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas says
WOW!!
Drop dead grogeous!
Hugs,
Debbie
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
I am so very impressed! They did an amazing job. And I love Nancy’s design. What an amazing place to relax or entertain! Thanks for sharing this with us!
AB HOME Interiors says
This looks beautiful! That is so awesome that she designed this masterpiece herself.
xoxo,
Amanda
A Hint of Home says
Hi Suzy,
When I commented above I forgot to ask, if you don’t mind sharing, where did you get that nifty drying rack in your laundry room?
Thanks!
Suzy says
I ordered it from Lee Valley Tools. It’s called an accordion style drying rack. It’s really sturdy and well made!
Savvy Seasons says
Gorgeous in every way, I love it! XO ~Liz
SavannahGranny says
Suzy, This is so beautiful. It was like adding another entire house. Fabulous, sorry I am so late. Just life. Hugs and Blessings, Ginger
The Decorative Dreamer says
This is just stunning indeed! I love the decks and the beautiful stone walls with patio too!
~ Liz ~ says
Just WOW! She has SOME style. Thanks for taking us on the tour!
Liz
Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says
I would love to just take a nap on this deck! beautiful!
Liz says
Wow, just one word: GREAT!!!
A Walk in the Countryside says
It is absolutely stunning! I’m a new follower!
Terry Moore says
Truly stunning!
gena says
Wow, wow, wow… that is just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
gena
Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says
Absolutely stunning! A magazine will surely come calling!
Connie says
Isn’t is amazing what white paint can do! Beautiful.
Erika@BeBookBound says
Pardon me while I wipe the drool from my chin! Give your friend a High-5 for me (and my name in case she ever feels like moving)!
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
WOW this is just stunning, I would never leave 🙂
Thanks for linking up!
XO
Christy says
Love it! Thanks for sharing. Stopping by from Kristin’s linkup.
~Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane
Lori@thestonybrookhouse says
OMG! Stunning!! Amazing! Gorgeous! I need this!
fiona anderson says
Nancy’s design is amazing, she’s so clever. I would love to have a beautiful garden and deck like that !
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
STUNNING!!!
Cristina Garay says
Wow! Amazing! I can only dream of having one like that! Great ideas!
Judy Bigg says
Such a beautiful deck, love the white color to match the white house. I would love to sit on the deck and enjoy the lovely yard.
Cindy says
Oh it’s absolutely Grand! It really is stunning! Pinning this!
Mrs. Handyverger says
Oh, my goodness, I am so jealous! That is one heck of a deck! Beautifully built, and beautifully styled. Someday, I tell myself – someday! 🙂
Stopping by from DIY by Design’s Sizzle into Summer party. 🙂
Crystelle says
Wow! This yard is spectacular! Nancy is VERY talented!
Anonymous says
O.M.G.
Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says
How absolutely beautiful!!!
My latest post: Feathered Nest Friday
Designs By Pinky says
To me, this is BREATHTAKING!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! The outdoor furniture is beautiful and her vignettes and special touches are fabulous. I am wearing green right now and that is fitting because I am TOTALLY jealous:):) XO, Pinky
Becolorful says
Haha. My hubby just walked by so I had to show him this. We are still about ten years away from retirement but we are thinking about what next and looking at places for a winter home. He and I drooled over this and he said see, that’s what you can have if we move south. I’m packing my bags. 😀
Love this. Absolutely gorgeous.
pr
Sophia's says
I would seriously never leave this deck!!! I’m going to show my mom this one since she’s in the house-building process. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Cocalores says
Now that is what I call a deck! I’d love to be sharing it too – not at a linky party, but with a cocktail in my hand =) I love that they made the effort to save the maple! Just too many people cut down existing natural structures to accommodate gianormous things, but with them, the new deck looks so much prettier!
Lucy Designs says
beautiful! thanks for sharing
Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says
You’ve been featured at cowgirl up this week, go grab a featured button if you like.
Judy says
That is absolutely gorgeous. I will be featuring it tonight at my Fall into Fall party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks.
FortyDoors Gray says
Every accent is captivating!! Gorgeous, just simply inviting, not outrageous, just warm & inviting!
FortyDoors Gray says
Captivating, simply inviting & tastefully done!! I luv how she has every little touch just finished off including the stone chimney with vines. Colour blasts everywhere!
Lorrie says
Beautiful deck and great ideas. Ours is a screened lanai, not real roof overhead. Nothing to keep it the rain off. I have a tough time trying to figure out how to decorate with things I don’t have to keep pulling in and out of the house.
Suzy says
Are you referring to moving non-weatherproof pieces back into the house? If so, the struggle is real. 😀 For myself, I have a few pieces that aren’t weatherproof that I sprayed with a few coats of waterproof sealer, which seems to work well, especially if you spray them again each year.
Mary Elizabeth Wilson says
Gorgeous!!!! Where can I buy the outdoor living room furniture?
Suzy says
I believe it came from Casual Furniture World.