Having a small deck doesn’t mean it can’t have a huge dose of personality injected into it. With these simple small deck decorating ideas, your backyard will quickly become your own personal oasis.
Thank you for joining me as part of the Easy Summer Styling Blog Hop, hosted by Kelly of The Tattered Pew. If you’ve been following the hop and are joining me from The Design Twins, then welcome! Julie & Jodie always share the best design tips, right?! By the way, you can read more about me and why I started this blog here (if you’re interested!).
On to our deck. It wasn’t lookin’ so hot after a rough New England winter…
The deck paint was chipped and worn. And some of the wood was beginning to splinter.
I revived it with a coat of Behr’s Deck Over product, which sealed the wood as well as any paint chips and splinters, making it almost look brand new again!
Once we put all our furniture back, along with a new rug and some accessories, it quickly became a true backyard oasis.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Just because it’s a small deck, doesn’t mean it can’t be a beautiful, functional space. Not only did we fit a 4 person sectional out here but the overhead string lights mean that we can use this space well into the night. If you’re going to use your outdoor space, it needs to be comfortable. So having furniture you will use as well as appropriate lighting is essential.
The ottoman in the center serves a dual purpose – foot rest and coffee table. Depending on what we need, the tray stays or goes.
A three-wick citronella candle is essential to keep the bugs at bay in the evenings, although the string lights also seem to act as a natural barrier.
Do you remember these blue planters from my Instagram Stories? I shared some tips for summer planters a few weeks ago and look how big they’ve grown since! I have the same blue planters on my front steps, too, and I just love how the pink and green pops so nicely against the blue planters.
Simple touches like layering the planters with other objects like the lanterns and varying the height and texture, go a long way to making the space feel special. Don’t be afraid to bring in lots of greenery. It really helps to add color in an organic way. We are lucky that we are surrounded by beautiful, green mature trees and adding these natural elements to the deck helps make it feel cohesive with the surroundings.
I dragged my faux fiddle leaf fig out here just for these photos (it’s not UV rated and so lightweight that it would just keep falling over) but you could achieve the same look by purchasing a young tree (a palm would be awesome!) and placing it in a large planter. The navy blue garden stools were purchased at Target last year and are no longer sold, but I’ve linked similar ones above.
I think my favorite tip for an outdoor space like this, especially a deck, is to add an outdoor rug. It instantly makes it feel cozier and it feels really nice underfoot. They are not difficult to keep clean. I just sweep mine every few days and it stays in great shape, despite the fact that it’s got off-white stripes, plus it dries really quickly after rain (the water just pools and then evaporates). Also, let’s take a minute to just stare at those stunning blue striped pillows from Annie Selke. Unfortunately, I do not get to keep them as they will be the prize for my next giveaway. I’m very jealous of whoever ends up with them. They work so perfectly with my rug!
And because I know you’ll ask – we have these deck boxes behind our deck where we store our couch cushions every night. Inevitably if you leave them outside, the cushions will get mildew or be damp. This has been the best solution for us – ain’t nobody got time to be dragging a million cushions inside the house! And they have stayed perfectly clean for 3 years. In fact, we haven’t clean them even once! We also have a third deck box that we use exclusively for the boys’ outdoor toys.
Now, with all that said. When the sun begins to set, the magic really happens out here…
A small deck with string lights, is a pretty deck any day, right? Everything gets bathed in a wonderful warm glow. The fact that we can use our deck all day and now all-night, too is a huge bonus. We’ve already had so many wonderful evenings out here with family and friends, it truly is our little suburban oasis!
I will share a full tutorial on using the Behr Deck Over product as well as how we hung our string lights soon, so keep an eye out for those!
Now, it’s time to continue the Summer Styling Home Tours and hop on over to the wonderful Brendt of She Gave it a Go for tips on how to get the red white & blue look this summer.
Also Sharing Their Homes Today…
Monday
She Gave It a Go // Aratari At Home // Grace in My Space // Midcounty Journal
Little Nest of 4 // The Tattered Pew // The Design Twins // Jenna Kate at Home
And sharing tomorrow…
Tuesday
CityGirl Meets FarmBoy // The Turquoise Home // Crisp Collective // Adventures In Decorating
Designs by Karan // My 100 Year Old Home // Bless This Nest // Dreaming of Homemaking
Mary says
July 15, 2018 at 8:38 pmWow! Your space looks beautiful!! I am now inspired to see what I can accomplish with our deck. I’m eagerly awaiting to hear more about the deck product you used and the lights.
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
June 26, 2018 at 5:07 pmWOW! This space is amazing! I’m so inspired to tackle my own outdoor space. I love the fresh colors and planters. I think I would spend all of my time in this space! Thank you for sharing!
littlenestof4 says
June 25, 2018 at 9:31 pmWOW! What an amazing transformation!! I am in awe! I love that furniture and the colors you chose to highlight! Perfect for summer and those BBQ’s! Great job girl!!
Bethany Crisp says
June 25, 2018 at 5:08 pmWow! What a beautiful transformation! You did an amazing job and I love your planter tips! Thank you for sharing!
Jodie and Julie says
June 25, 2018 at 1:25 pmJenna,
Wow, what a stunning transformation! Jodie and I are truly star struck by your talent and beautiful deck restyling for summer! This is making us eager to get busy on our own outdoor spaces!! So excited to be on this tour with you sweet friend!
XO ~ Jodie & Julie
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 2:44 pmWow! Thank you so much, Jodie & Julie! That is truly the ultimate compliment coming from the both of you :-)
citygirlmeetsfarmboy says
June 25, 2018 at 1:11 pmOh how I love this patio! I wish I could come visit you!! Love this post!
Lindsay Aratari says
June 25, 2018 at 11:20 amI would love to hang on your deck! It is beautiful and such an oasis! Love all the blues! Perfect compliment to the deck color. Love doing this tour with you <3
Kelly says
June 25, 2018 at 10:21 amJenna your space is just beautiful! I too am a blue girl and I have to say you nailed it! I will be on the look out for your giveaway because I want those pillows too! SO glad you were able to join me on this lovely summer tour!
Carissa Brown says
June 25, 2018 at 9:30 amWow! What a transformation! Beautiful job my friend! I am exciting to be on this tour with you!
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 9:42 amThanks so much, Carissa! <3
designsbykaran says
June 25, 2018 at 7:53 amWow! What a transformation!!! Your deck turned out amazing and I love the colours you chose! Thanks for the tour!
Karan
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 9:43 amThank you, Karan! I’m very happy about how it all turned out!
Amanda says
June 25, 2018 at 7:35 amWhat an amazing transformation! Being able to enjoy outside spaces is what summer’s all about and you nailed it! I could just curl up on this sofa with a cup or coffee or a glass of wine! Beautifully done friend!
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 9:43 amYes – we’ve already spent a lot of time curled up out here and it’s so nice to be able to enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by, Amanda!
Becca says
June 25, 2018 at 7:14 amAhhhh, such a gorgeous outdoor retreat, Jenna Kate … from the comfy sectional … the fabulous rug and pillows … and beautiful flowers (love the pop of hot pink)! And, you anchored it all with the perfect choice of stain. Love your inspiring tips, too! I’m sure you and your friends/family will enjoy many Summer evenings here. So glad to be a part of this blog hop with you!
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 9:44 amThanks so much, Becca! I’m a sucker for a pop of color :-)
Grace In My Space says
June 25, 2018 at 6:54 amThis looks absolutely stunning! I adore how cozy it is. You haven’t missed a finishing touch! I especially love the twinkle lights. They always set such a cozy mood. Well done my friend!
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 9:44 amTwinkle lights for the win, every time!!
Brendt Blanks says
June 25, 2018 at 6:49 amJenna,
Your deck makeover is simply stunning! I love your transformation, from the gorgeous rug and planters to your cozy lights and sofa. Thank you for the inspiration here. It’s an honor to be on this tour with you! ~ Brendt xoxo
Jenna says
June 25, 2018 at 9:44 amThank you so much, Brendt! xo