Small Deck Makeover: A Happy Retreat to Soothe the Mind
The small outdoor deck makeover that has been on my agenda for the past 8 weeks is finally coming to fruition. The last major deck refresh was a few years back when The Husband and I built a deck pergola. Sometime later I dressed the same area for a backyard soiree. Now, with the current global pandemic, strict social distancing rules, and protests on a world-wide scale, our small townhouse deck has become a much needed refuge.
There’s no doubt about it, having a calm, clean outdoor oasis means more now than it ever did before. And that has everyone clamoring for fresh deck and patio decorating ideas. If you’re searching for inspiration feel free to steal these budget friendly solutions for your outdoor space.
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Decking It Out
Normally I’d whip up our back deck in no time flat. Being at home more though allowed me time to be more intentional with my choices. After mulling over it for while I decided that I wanted - and needed -the new deck decor to include the following:
Happy colors
Moody night lighting
Easy to maintain deck plants and flowers
An herb & vegetable garden (‘cause I’m bored out of my mind sitting in this house)
High style with lots of texture
Privacy
A bold statement piece
Comfort with nothing too precious
Black and white outdoor rug // Boho striped pillow // Deck rail planter (similar deck planter here too) // Yellow and white swirl pillow // Chair cushions outdoor // Moroccan table (Purchased 2nd hand, but there are great alternatives here, here and here)
The above mood board is a very loose interpretation of what I had in my mind. Yellow is the happiest color I know. It’s also my favorite (I bet you thought it was pink, huh?). And the geometric statement rug, blended with the rough hewn coffee table and pillows speak to my need for bold, comfortable, layered textures.
Below is where we started. Brace yourself.
Mission Small Deck Refresh Accomplished
While I would have LOVED to have ripped up all these deck boards and started all over, it just wasn’t in the budget. Neither was a new deck sectional, so we opted for cushion covers. These are trying times, so we forced ourselves to practice shrewdness. After The Husband added two coats of deck paint I was ready to get to the fun stuff.
The first thing I purchased was a large white sun shade to shield us from the blazing sun AND to hide our neighbors’ hideous trampoline which they erected right next to our deck. Ugh, that’s townhome living at it’s finest folks!
Large black outdoor planter (one similar) // Striped outdoor lumbar pillow // Lanterns (similar ones) // Geometric yellow and white pillow covers // Gold garden side table (one similar) // Mohave lined black and white outdoor pillow // Rolled outdoor blankets (one similar) // coffee table (one similar) // Japanese style tatami cushion on coffee table (the price fluctuates dramatically on this one) // White raised garden planter // White sun shade for deck
Cherishing the Gift of Time
There is certainly something grand to be said about taking one’s time. For those who viewed this process in my instagram stories, the wait must have been grueling. Going at a slower pace with this makeover however, allowed me to enjoy the whole process without being under the gun.
With some careful planning, I was able to carve out a space for a raised planter that was scaled perfectly to compliment the deck railings and small deck furniture we already had. We had a comfy place for ourselvesI. And I even managed to upcycle the Moroccan ottoman/coffee table I purchased second hand several years ago, using only a floor cushion and some river rock.
The side chairs (also purchased second hand years ago) received a new coat of paint. And the garden stool from my office provided the perfect side table.
Zoning It All Out
There is an area for “all the things”: gardening, veggie and herb cultivation and lounging and conversation. I even managed to carve out a small area for eating, which still feels like it’s still part of the scene.
A huge THANK YOU to my Instagram audience for following along on this journey. I hope that I’ve inspired and at least made you laugh along the way. Now it’s YOUR turn to create a special space in your backyard that allows you heal, find your center and relax!
