Twelve Innovative Arrangements for Year-Round Residential Accommodation
Crank up your backyard game by constructing a deck that extends your livable space and turns your outdoor area into an enchanting getaway. Match the design to your home's aesthetics to ensure a smooth transition from indoor rooms to your garden haven. Since living in the South means depending on Mother Nature year-round, select smart choices to keep the summer heat, winter chill, and bothersome bugs at bay, so you can enjoy every season in comfort. With our easy-to-follow guide for deck maintenance, you'll have a spotless outdoor oasis for years to come.
Dreamy Coastal Vibes
This coastal abode boasts a gray deck that complements the slate blue shake siding. White railings matching the window trims contribute to a cohesive look. A fire pit gathers a cozy grouping of wicker armchairs, perfect for bundling up during chilly evenings. Thoughtfully placed umbrellas offer shade when needed or can be folded up for sunbathing.
Cozy Conversation Corner
Four club chairs surround a cocktail table for a seating area accessible via French doors. Durable outdoor cushions invite guests to linger for leisurely conversations over cool drinks. Placing multiple tables nearby ensures everyone has a spot to rest their beverage.
Modern Masterpiece
A double-decker deck sets the stage for an unforgettable backyard party. Choosing a horizontal cable railing maximizes views, creating an open, airy feel.
Flexibility is Key
Foldable tables and chairs let you set up an intimate outdoor dining space or a lounge area for relaxing in the sun. Don't feel compelled to follow the rules – mixing materials and finishes adds intrigue. An assortment of plants in containers adds a touch of greenery that can be repositioned for optimal sunlight.
Stay Aloft
Set your deck high above the water to avoid obstructing breathtaking scenery. Adjustable lounge chairs offer the perfect vantage point for watching sunsets.
Harmonize Interior and Exterior
Take your style preferences from inside to outside by carrying your color scheme into the garden. Here, a blue-and-white chinoiserie porcelain theme sets the tone. Lattice panels act as walls, while a wooden chandelier forms the ceiling, casting a warm glow in the evening. Painting the boards in a striped pattern creates a cozy rug effect.
Embrace the Scenery
A lakeside deck serves as a picturesque spot for an alfresco meal. Minimizing tabletop decorations ensures a clear view of the surroundings. Here, transparent glass lanterns and low succulent bowls keep the focus on the woods and water.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
Large folding glass doors slide open on pleasant days, melding the outdoor dining room with the interior of the home. Wooded landscapes enclose the deck on the other sides, creating a private retreat.
Perfect Perch
Small decks can still offer big relaxation rewards! This petite spot features two Adirondack chairs and a tiny table for lounging and enjoying beverages or snacks. An awning shields from the sun's rays.
Refreshing Shade
A vine-covered wooden pergola provides shelter from the midday sun. It's also the perfect spot for hanging a bed swing adorned with pillows, making napping an irresistible proposition.
Gourmet Grilling
This waterside deck boasts a covered outdoor kitchen, perfect for spending the entire day in the great outdoors without needing to step foot indoors. The kitchen features a built-in grill, vintage refrigerator, and ample storage for dishes and cookware. Multiple overhead fans keep the cook cool and ward off pesky insects. White-painted diagonal-cross balustrades wrap the deck, connecting it to the kitchen area for a harmonious design.
Simple Elegance
When your home's exterior is understated, opt for neutral-toned outdoor furniture that blends with the surroundings. This layout mimics a living room, complete with a sofa, coffee table, and side chairs, all material-wise and designed for durability. Protect your pieces by covering them when not in use. Plentiful foliage plants in various shades of green add splashes of color.
Add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space with these inspiring ideas:
- Weather-Resistant Materials:
- Composite Decking: A low-maintenance solution made from recycled materials, resisting moisture and insects found in warmer climates[3].
- Hardwoods: Although requiring more maintenance, hardwoods like ipe are highly durable but should consistently be sealed to protect them[3].
- Unobstructed Views:
- Cable or Glass Railings: Maintaining an open feel and not obstructing scenic views, particularly beneficial in coastal homes[2].
- Multi-Level Decks:
- Ideal for inclined properties, offering multiple perspectives and designed to optimize sunlight and shade[2].
- Shaded Areas:
- Integrate pergolas or retractable awnings to manage sun exposure, ensuring comfort in warmer months[1][4].
- Plant quick-growing trees or vines for natural shade[4].
- Fire Features:
- Install firepits or fire tables for warmth and ambiance during cooler evenings, allowing year-round enjoyment[1][4].
- Smart Lighting:
- Utilize recessed LED lights or solar-powered post caps to enhance ambiance and safety at night without extensive electrical installation[2][4].
- Seating and Layout:
- Design a comfortable seating area with weather-resistant furniture. Arrange it to maximize scenic views and accessibility[1][4].
- Include foldable tables and chairs to easily reconfigure spaces or store items during inclement weather[1].
- Climate Considerations:
- Install fans in covered outdoor spaces to keep the area cool and deter insects[1].
- Maintenance and Protection:
- Clean and protect the deck regularly to ensure longevity[1][2].
- Investigate creative landscaping ideas and garden design techniques to harmonize your backyard's ambience with the coastal vibes of a Southern Living magazine-inspired abode.
- To elevate your backyard experience, consider smart choices like selecting weather-resistant materials for your deck, such as composite decking or hardwoods, to cater to the Southern climate's warmth, humidity, and weather fluctuations.
- For optimal enjoyment, incorporate deck maintenance ideas to keep your outdoor oasis spotless and beautiful, ensuring you can stay there comfortably year-round.
- Take inspiration from modern masterpieces that make the most of a backyard's potential by using design elements like cable railings, multi-level decks, and shaded areas for a delightful and functional outdoor space.
