Inpiration to make my deck more of a place to relax and enjoy rather b

Raksha Lakhan
by Raksha Lakhan
Hi Guys
I need inspiration on how to jazz up my deck. I am not a creative person but believe can work really well with directions and have a limited budget. Would love some ideas
  10 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Sep 11, 2013
    Containers, container, containers! A great way to add some color, and they are portable so you can regroup them as the seasons change to keep things looking fresh. I would stick with one color family for the pots so things don't get too hodge-podgy and then plant one thing per pot, be that herbs, veggies, an annual, whatever. You'll want something tall and upright to hide that AC unit. See this post for a video that should be inspiring: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/a-radical-idea-for-container-gardens-1651902
  • Raksha Lakhan Raksha Lakhan on Sep 11, 2013
    Thanks Douglas the video was definitely inspiring and gives me some idea on where to start
  • Carole Carole on Sep 12, 2013
    Stripes on the decking, paint the rails in similar colour to stripes - a daybed with pretty cushions - disguise the air con unit if you can by building something around it - may be make a frame around it where you can use the top of the frame as a table or at least a surface to put down a book or drink? A couple of large planters - go bold with a sculptural no fuss type of plant if you can - some of the strappy leaved plants( that you buy for the foliage rather than the flowers) come in some good colours, like pinks and chocolates. Too many small pots would look messy and cluttered.
  • BeazerBea BeazerBea on Sep 12, 2013
    I see a lovely setting by using some dark brown paint/stain, the same color as your window sill. Using a bit of lighter color on the railing. Take some lattice and make a frame around the commercial unit. Include a sweet shelf atop,and use a serving table. The openings on the railing look very unsafe- could just be photo. Add Tall, Thin Potts - Flowers, Veges, Plants mix have fun- then enjoy...... Oh Wait.....downstairs that cement pad,remove the dead taller bushes- and stain the cement- same color as deck,along with more potted flowers-o.k., now you can enjoy......but you will sore and achey tomorrow................good luck.
  • BeazerBea BeazerBea on Sep 12, 2013
    Wow...I just realized you live in New Zealand.............Looks like such a LOVELY peaceful place to live, Would love to move there and raise flowers, Alpacas and vegetables- and breath fresh clean air. Is it like that in New Zealand???
  • Deborah G. Deborah G. on Sep 12, 2013
    Raksha, after looking at the pics, I think that you might like more muted tones. I did a google search for Bali colors and found this. I this any, but the browns would look good on your deck. 'I suggest you paint it a soft avocado green, which will tie in nicely with your brick, trim, and driveway. I would suggest accent colors in puple, like in the pic below. Some color, but not too much. I think it would blend well with your beautiful county side, but still catch the eye....in a pleasing manner. Hope you like this idea......
  • Jean DeSavage Jean DeSavage on Sep 12, 2013
    Raksha, it appears to be winter in your pictures, since there are a lot of plants without their leaves. This makes it a bit confusing as to what you normally see the rest of the year. Is there a lot of color, or just mostly green? Are you wanting the deck to help you feel energized when outside or to feel tranquil and calm? The feeling you want could make all the difference in how you would redecorate the deck. If you want to feel energized, I would go with bright strips or florals for the cushions of your seating. Do you plan to replace the set you have? If not you could always paint it a brighter color. I agree with Doug to use containers that are all the same color. Try to use the largest pots you can afford, fewer large pots look better than a lot of little pots, that just make the place feel cluttered. Paint is always the first and cheapest way to totally change a space. Do you have small children? if so, you might want to put lattice on the railings, which would also give you another spot for more color. If you are going for more of a zen look, go monochromatic, using various shades of the same color, your favorite color!
  • Mikell Paulson Mikell Paulson on Sep 13, 2013
    I would build a box out of lattice ti hide your air conditioner! That way it won't be as visible and yet the air can still move. Rustolium Restore comes in many colors and would give your deck a fresh new look! An then Flower, Flowers and more Flowers!! Maybe some rail planters! It would be beautiful!!
  • Kim L Kim L on Apr 15, 2014
    I would also consider adding a 'flag' canopy for a bit of shade, some comfy lounge chairs, a few container plants, veggies & patio trees for that outdoor feel and definitely add some color - perhaps a Bali Blue and a tan! Also perhaps a small patio table for dining outdoors and a very small flowing table fountain for that quiet white sound in the background!