Having a deck allows you to bring the comfort of the indoors outside. Whether you are looking for a space for entertaining friends and family, or only want a space for you and your partner to enjoy a lovely evening outside, a deck may be the way to achieve this.
A deck can be an extension of the home, and nowhere is it written how it has to look. Your dream deck can be altered to fit your space and make it the most functional for you and your family.
Whether you only have room for a small deck that is big enough for a single loveseat, or have room for a basketball court on your deck, here are some ideas to make it great.
Decks in an urban area serve distinct purposes. They bring the living space outdoors and help you and your family to live healthier and happier lives. An urban deck may be smaller than one in the countryside, but it has just as much to offer.
Keep it simple:
Your deck does not have to have a built-in barbecue or massive wood-burning fireplace for it to be useful to you. Spending time outdoors is essential for healthy living, and any size deck can help accomplish that goal.
Before you start, figure out for what purpose you want a deck. Is it to host family get-togethers? Or sit outside with a book or magazine a few times a week? This will greatly determine the size of deck you will need.
A deck works perfectly at one level as it does at 3, so start small and give yourself the chance to add to it later if you have the space. This way, you can see how often you actually use the deck and can get more use out of it.
Add a Fireplace:
As was mentioned before, a wood-burning fireplace is not required, but it adds to the outdoor experience. A small gas fire pit or portable fire feature will add dimension and literal warmth to the space.
Gas fire pits that are portable allow for a customizable experience every time you use your deck. You can roast marshmallows over the fire or warm your hands on a cold night. There are endless designs, and you can find one that fits your space.
Color Palettes Define the Mood:
Color has a prominent place in design as it contributes greatly to the mood of the space. Light colors brighten up the space but can feel bland if everything is one color. If you are going for a beachy vibe on your deck, use earth tones and different shades of greens and blues to bring the waves to your deck.
For a more cozy feel, use darker tones in the furniture on your deck and your general decor. The dark colors will create an elegant ambiance to the deck and your evening.
Cozy Seating:
While wooden chairs may look beautiful in the golden evening light, they aren’t comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. A couch meant for outdoors, and a few cozy chairs will bring comfort and make you want to spend more time outside.
If you have large parties or gatherings often, consider getting some portable seating that can be used as an end table or ottoman when the event is over. Finding more ways to use the same pieces will make your deck more versatile.
All-Weather Options:
Many decks go unused during the summer months when they should be most enjoyable because of the lack of shade or protection from the weather. Building an awning or shade for your deck will give you added coziness and protect you from the beating sun.
If you live in an area that is warm at night but tends to have a lot of bugs around, you should invest in a removable netting that can encircle your space. This will make you much more likely to use your deck year-round and not be a mosquito’s next meal.
The Deck Itself:
This goes along with the color palette section above. The color of wood you use for your deck sets the mood and can complement your furniture and decorations. A warmer toned deck will be grounding and be welcoming, but you should ensure that you have enough lighting available to brighten up the space when you want a more casual vibe.
Lighter colored wood will once again bring the beachy atmosphere to your deck and make you feel as if you were on an island getaway. You can complete the look with beachy furniture or go for a look between formal and casual.
Increase Your Living Space:
A deck is an extension of your home, and where it is placed relative to your home is essential for the purpose you want it to serve. A backyard barbecue held right outside the back door is perfect for family events.
Decks can also connect two structures on your property, between the house and the shed, or draw you out into the backyard. By placing a deck away from the home, it encourages you, and your guests, to explore when they see a seating area in the distance.
Conclusion:
No two decks are the same or serve the same purpose. Whether you are hosting parties every weekend or enjoy a casual evening by the fire with a book, a deck could be the solution for you. Urban decks are often smaller than those in the countryside with more space, but there are many opportunities to let your space work for you.
These are only a few ways you can use to make your deck function exactly how you want it. If you have some extra space on your deck, consider adding a dining area for those large gatherings. This is a small consideration that can make a huge impact when you have people over to eat.
A jacuzzi is a welcome addition to many backyard decks, and you can enjoy a warm soak in the hot tub any time you want. Remember to think about for what purpose you want to use your deck before designing it, and it will pay you back in kind.
References:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2015/05/19/13-clever-deck-designs-to-consider/#77fef5c47b8b
https://atlantadecking.com/cool-urban-chic-ideas-porches-decks/
https://www.decks.com/pictures
