Tips for decorating your deck.
Use your Imagination, have Fun, be Creative! There are NO RULES!
PLANTS, PLANTS, PLANTS!
Yes, I'll say it again. Plants do wonders for warming up a deck. Even if you don't want to add flowers, just the greenery alone will warm up the deck and soften the space. Also collecting large branches that have fallen can make a modern display by simply "planting" them into large colorful or neutral pots. If you don't have a lot of side tables or plant stands then hang them off the railing.
Recently I purchased 3 deck rail planters in a terra cotta color and added pretty colorful pansies. This has done wonders for adding warmth and color. These are particularly useful on a small deck where you may not have room for a large pot.
OUTDOOR ART
Yes, ART! You can purchase these "paintings" or make them yourself. Hang them on your house just as you would on your walls inside your home. There are also metal medalions etc that you can hang. Even an outdoor clock or mirror. Be creative here. Just about anything can be art as long as you like it. I plan on buying a bunch of wicker baskets in various sizes and shapes, spray paint them with a good outdoor type paint and hang in a grouping.
MOSQUITO NETTING
If your deck is covered, run a line of wire to each beam to use as your curtain rod. You can leave the netting to flow freely, tie them back, or close them for privacy or bug control. Be sure to weight each panel with drapery weights.
If you're lucky enough to have a pergola, gazebo or an arbor you can also add netting to soften the lines of the structure.
NIC NACS
Think color. Think decorative. Think outside the box. Your outdoor decor does not have to be statues of squirrels, owls and frogs (but if that's what you like then go for it). Anything used indoors can be used outdoors provided they will stand up to to the elements. Statues, bowls, pretty plates, etc. Check out any garden center for ideas.
LAMPS
Who would've thought there are outdoor lamps that you can buy! Adding a lamp to your conversation area will give you that cozy livingroom feel and at night give off a warm and inviting glow.
UMBRELLAS AND AWNINGS
Of course you will need some sort of covering for your deck if you don't have something already to protect you from the hot sun. When choosing an umbrella or a retractable awning you can choose a bright or dramatic color to add a strong punch of color or something more neutral that will go with anything.
Think about the cost of changing an item like this when you tire of it or it no longer goes with the other colors you choose as accents. Just like in your home you tend to go with more neutral colors on the larger ticket items and bring color in with the more affordable and easily changed items like pillows, accessories, and throw rugs, it may be wise to follow this same guideline outdoors as well.
Yes, I'll say it again. Plants do wonders for warming up a deck. Even if you don't want to add flowers, just the greenery alone will warm up the deck and soften the space. Also collecting large branches that have fallen can make a modern display by simply "planting" them into large colorful or neutral pots. If you don't have a lot of side tables or plant stands then hang them off the railing.
Recently I purchased 3 deck rail planters in a terra cotta color and added pretty colorful pansies. This has done wonders for adding warmth and color. These are particularly useful on a small deck where you may not have room for a large pot.
OUTDOOR ART
Yes, ART! You can purchase these "paintings" or make them yourself. Hang them on your house just as you would on your walls inside your home. There are also metal medalions etc that you can hang. Even an outdoor clock or mirror. Be creative here. Just about anything can be art as long as you like it. I plan on buying a bunch of wicker baskets in various sizes and shapes, spray paint them with a good outdoor type paint and hang in a grouping.
MOSQUITO NETTING
If your deck is covered, run a line of wire to each beam to use as your curtain rod. You can leave the netting to flow freely, tie them back, or close them for privacy or bug control. Be sure to weight each panel with drapery weights.
If you're lucky enough to have a pergola, gazebo or an arbor you can also add netting to soften the lines of the structure.
NIC NACS
Think color. Think decorative. Think outside the box. Your outdoor decor does not have to be statues of squirrels, owls and frogs (but if that's what you like then go for it). Anything used indoors can be used outdoors provided they will stand up to to the elements. Statues, bowls, pretty plates, etc. Check out any garden center for ideas.
LAMPS
Who would've thought there are outdoor lamps that you can buy! Adding a lamp to your conversation area will give you that cozy livingroom feel and at night give off a warm and inviting glow.
UMBRELLAS AND AWNINGS
Of course you will need some sort of covering for your deck if you don't have something already to protect you from the hot sun. When choosing an umbrella or a retractable awning you can choose a bright or dramatic color to add a strong punch of color or something more neutral that will go with anything.
Think about the cost of changing an item like this when you tire of it or it no longer goes with the other colors you choose as accents. Just like in your home you tend to go with more neutral colors on the larger ticket items and bring color in with the more affordable and easily changed items like pillows, accessories, and throw rugs, it may be wise to follow this same guideline outdoors as well.
Get Glowing
Magical!
SOLAR LIGHTS
These are truly one of my favorite things. There are all types of solar lights to choose from and the best part is that they are a "green" product, which saves energy and money. As you can see from my photo I bought solar light caps which give off such a pretty glow at night. During the day they give the posts a nice polished look and protect the wood as well.
You can buy spots, lights that clamp to your deck, riser lighting for your stairs, etc. Purely decorative solar lights that perhaps change colors, or are shaped like flowers or butterflies are a great way to add a little "glow" to different parts of you deck. "Plant" them in your large flower pots among your plants to add a touch of color, light and whimsy.
I can't say enought about lighting! Function of course is one of the main reasons to add lighting.
Ambiance is nearly as important however. The feeling that washes over me when I walk out onto this deck at night is truly magical.
These are truly one of my favorite things. There are all types of solar lights to choose from and the best part is that they are a "green" product, which saves energy and money. As you can see from my photo I bought solar light caps which give off such a pretty glow at night. During the day they give the posts a nice polished look and protect the wood as well.
You can buy spots, lights that clamp to your deck, riser lighting for your stairs, etc. Purely decorative solar lights that perhaps change colors, or are shaped like flowers or butterflies are a great way to add a little "glow" to different parts of you deck. "Plant" them in your large flower pots among your plants to add a touch of color, light and whimsy.
I can't say enought about lighting! Function of course is one of the main reasons to add lighting.
Ambiance is nearly as important however. The feeling that washes over me when I walk out onto this deck at night is truly magical.
For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.squidoo.com/dressyourdeck
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