Deck Decorating Ideas + A Simply Stunning New Deck – Before And After
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?
What an amazing before and after. Absolutely beautiful!!!
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?
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.
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.
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!!!
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/
Oh Nancy has a beautiful deck! I love how she decorated with all the turquoise accents! Absolutely gorgeous!
Absolutely stunning!!! Now, that is a deck! Love it all and the floors are just magnificent!
That is a beautiful deck! I love the pergolas, and the colors she used.
I totally agree with you, Melanie! She did a fabulous job.
Absolutely stunning! This is probably one of the best transformations ever! Hats off to you!
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!!
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!
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
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.
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.
Beautiful Nancy! Thanks for sharing Suzy!!! I love the before, but the after is absolutely stunning 🙂
What an absolutely gorgeous relaxing area! She did a wonderful job of planning and pulling it all together. Beautiful!
WOW!!
Drop dead grogeous!
Hugs,
Debbie
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!
This looks beautiful! That is so awesome that she designed this masterpiece herself.
xoxo,
Amanda
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!
I ordered it from Lee Valley Tools. It’s called an accordion style drying rack. It’s really sturdy and well made!
Gorgeous in every way, I love it! XO ~Liz
Suzy, This is so beautiful. It was like adding another entire house. Fabulous, sorry I am so late. Just life. Hugs and Blessings, Ginger
This is just stunning indeed! I love the decks and the beautiful stone walls with patio too!
Just WOW! She has SOME style. Thanks for taking us on the tour!
Liz