For many of us, a back garden can become overgrown and barebones as summer comes to a close. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of letting your garden and outdoor deck become a ghost town as the seasons begin to change. The generic patio furniture looks and feels dull, and meals and activities become confined to the indoors.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With a little planning and a touch of creativity, any deck can become a modern lounge space that can be enjoyed even when summer is long gone.
Why DIY?
Hiring professionals to install new panels or design your space isn’t always feasible, especially if your budget is limited. Our cash is often spread thin with the Christmas season coming up fast. That’s why, for many, DIY-ing a deck is a great cost-effective option to vamp up the back garden. Consider these design tips for your next deck design project:
Plan a design that works for you
Design your deck in a way that serves you and allows you to make the most of a beautiful back garden space.
Why not add in your favourite elements of a modern design? Use sleek geometric patio furniture or combine materials and textures like stone, wood, and wicker. Once you map out what design elements you like, you’ll know how to lay your foundation.
Consider the decking you choose
The decking materials you use are crucial, as they are a cornerstone for a solid and safe deck.
One of the most popular and effective options for decking is composite decking, engineered to combine wood fibres and recycled plastic for durable, low-maintenance lumber. This decking is UV and slip-resistant and still has beautiful finishes that look like natural wood.
A trusted retailer like MGM Timber can provide you with quality composite decking in a variety of colours and styles that fit your garden’s layout and design.
Pick furniture that is flexible
Furniture made of aluminium, iron, teak, or wood is ideal for year-round outdoor use. Using pieces made from these materials lets you layer textures and colours in your space that showcase both practicality and style. It’s also an important investment for your furniture’s longevity.
Do some research on caring for and maintaining your furniture through dropping temperatures to ensure the quality of these pieces stays intact in even the most extreme weather conditions.
Use an outdoor heat source
To comfortably enjoy your deck, you’ll need to provide a heat source for your space. There are a number of ways you can style your heating element into your deck design plan.
Could you utilise a firepit barbecue as a centrepiece or invest in a table with a built-in fire element? A patio heater may even be the best option for your space. There are many heating elements to choose from, including standing heaters, hanging heaters, and even infra-red heaters, perfect to safely keep a gazebo warm and well-lit.
Accessorise generously
This is the fun part. Get plenty of fluffy pillows, knitted throws and warm blankets to have on hand for your outdoor space.
Get creative with colours and themes. Go for a vintage garden aesthetic with wooden deckchairs or folding metal chairs. Keep things light and airy with soft pastel cushions, weatherproof wicker, and some delicate winter-themed wind chimes.
As the sun sets earlier, proper lighting becomes a big focus for using your outdoor space. Try battery-powered stair lights or stunning hanging fairy lights for a whimsical look. Install weatherproof solar deck lights for an energy-efficient and sustainable way to keep your deck lit.
Have access to your deck all year round
You can easily design your deck’s space in a cosy and elevated way without sacrificing practicality as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop.
The colder months are a beautiful time of year for an outdoor morning tea, a late-lunch family picnic in the garden, or a cosy twilight cocktail hour beneath the gazebo with family and friends.
Make the most of your outdoor space by styling your deck to serve you regardless of the season.
Want to check out more design tips? Take a look at our home styling blog posts here!
This is a collaborative post
