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Much like indoor rooms, outdoor spaces can start to feel a little bland over time. When you’re interested in interior design, it’s only natural to crave changing a space every now and then. Though, that doesn’t mean you have the time and money to invest in major adjustments to a deck or patio. That’s perfectly fine—there are numerous options out there for updating a deck that are easy, but succeed in making a visual impact.
While there is really no best time to make small-scale updates to a deck, the changing of seasons is pretty close. As the weather and expected activities transition, it’s a good time for reconfiguring an outdoor space’s layout and replacing the furniture, accents and color palettes gracing your deck. After breaking out the autumnal garlands or springtime trinkets indoors, head outside and see what adjustments can be made. In colder months, try adding durable throw blankets and pillows. When spring and summer arrive, bring in a stylish umbrella or change out the tabletop decor.
10 Easy Deck Updates to Try at Home
Try these different deck updates that won’t take up too much time, but will certainly refresh your space.
1. Work in a Rug
Lacy Hughes of Julian Design
In many people’s minds, textiles and outdoor elements do not mix, so it’s easy to forget that there are plenty of weatherproof options out there. As with indoor rooms, an accent rug, like the one shown here, can instantly change the look of an area. The addition of a rug can also soften the surface underfoot and make it a more comfortable space to hang out in, especially when the weather is chillier.
2. Add Tabletop Decor
Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions
Updating a deck to the extent that you can an indoor space is difficult, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo decor altogether. Tabletops and storage unit surfaces are perfect spots for adding touches of your preferred design style. Like in this example from Interior Impressions, Opt for lanterns, trays, pottery or even a water-resistant lazy Susan to give a table more personality, rather than having it serve as simply a functional element.
3. Get Creative with the Layout
Georgia Zikas of Georgia Zikas Design / Photography: Jane Beiles
An “outdoor room” may be somewhat of an oxymoron, but the right layout and furniture configuration, as seen here, can really make it feel like an extension of your home. Don’t be afraid to move things around and create a comfortable gathering space. Objects you’d typically find indoors will work wonders outside too, such as poufs or ottomans, coffee tables and lounge chairs.
4. Include a Variety of Seating Options
Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions
Sun loungers are fabulous in the summer, but when autumn and winter hit, they might not be a suitable chair choice for spending time outside. Provide a range of options on your deck so you can make the most of your outdoor area year-round. Cushioned chairs and a couch are ideal for meals outside when the weather is nice, or for staying warm around a small fire while also enjoying the great outdoors.
5. Make It Cozy
Judy Pickett of Design Lines Signature / Photography: Betsy Hood
Your deck can be a comfy, cozy space, too. It’s just a matter of picking out textiles that can handle being battered with dirt, wind, rain, snow and sun, like these ones from Design Lines Signature. “Pillow inserts with polyester filling, covered in Sunbrella or other indoor/outdoor fabric will keep your pillows from fading to a dull color or getting waterlogged,”says principal interior designer Kristin Bartone of Bartone Interiors. “Bright, vibrant colors work best outdoors because they provide a contrast with their natural surroundings.” In the case of deck decorating, find weatherproof materials then zero in on your style.
6. Choose a Statement Piece
Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions
Select a decorative item or piece of furniture that really catches your eye and work it into your deck or patio. A unique shape (like this coffee table provides) or a flashy hue might be all that’s needed to dress up a blasé outdoor area, especially since so much of the furniture out there is produced in the same shapes and neutral colors.
7. Build Out a Decorative Corner
Ashleigh Clark of Ashleigh Clark Interior Design Group / Photography: Kamron Kahn Photography
Wind and rain can make you wary of adding decor to an outdoor area, but with the right weatherproof picks, it’s a brilliant way of updating your deck. Plus, decor can be changed out for each season. “Accessories are another design aspect that is often left to the indoors,” says Ashleigh Clark, CEO of Ashleigh Clark Interiors. “Battery operated candles in outdoor safe vessels or lanterns, outdoor safe vases and bowls can be added to freshen the decor.” She also notes that art shouldn’t be forgotten either and can have a place outside, too.
8. Create Changeable Palettes and Layers
Ashleigh Clark of Ashleigh Clark Interior Design Group / Photography: Kamron Kahn Photography
Nothing affects the look of an area (outdoor or indoor) quite like color, according to Clark. “Bright, bold colors will bring a fun and energetic feeling, [while] neutrals and soft colors create a calm energy,” she explains. “Switching your planters and pillows is sometimes all it takes.” Other ideas could include changing the rug or even creating an accent wall.
9. Go for Transitional
Insert Design / Photography: Molly Rose Photography
Furniture doesn’t need to be permanently affixed to your deck. Items that are transitional and easily movable make for simple swaps throughout the year. “In this house, during the winter when the furniture isn’t used often and is stored away, the folding doors connect the interior living room to the open courtyard outside,” says principal interior designer Majid Maleki of Insert Design. “This allows the owners and guests to enjoy the garden air and views from the comfort of the interior living space.”
This deck and patio area is also a great example of how an accent color can change the look. Try painting the door or window frames for another relatively low-lift design tweak.
10. Swap Out Seasonal Flowers and Plants
Bartone Interiors / Photography: Lissa Gotwalls Photography
Even if your deck furniture remains the same, try changing out the floral arrangements and plants featured outside. This is a great way to complement the seasons and change the tone, but goes beyond that. “Add ornamental vases that are filled with live, flowering plants to create a visual barrier to unwanted scenery and provide a lovely backdrop to create a secluded, private ‘outdoor entrance,’” says Kristin Bartone of Bartone Interiors.