Check out our deck-orating tips!

Looking for inspiration on how to add personality to your deck?

As we say goodbye to summer, many will be shutting the door on their decking for the season, covering over garden furniture and storing parasols until the sun returns.

But if the change in the weather is getting you down there’s no reason why you can’t start planning ahead to next year – after all, what better to do than decide how to spruce up your deck, ready to be revealed in the summer?

Whether you’re investing in brand new decking for your garden, or simply looking to spruce up your existing space, we have some suggestions to help you think ahead and make your deck the envy of the neighbourhood come summertime!

Furniture

New outdoor furniture can transform your garden, and you should look for styles that complement the colour of your decking and personality of your garden.

Smaller decks can be transformed into cosy nooks with outdoor string lights or lanterns, with comfy seating or even a cast iron bistro dining set to add to the boutique feel: think Parisian balcony, or perhaps a relaxed Brooklyn roof terrace.

Larger gardens offer more options, with the opportunity to use your deck as an extension of the indoor space. With creative use of furniture and lighting, you can create a striking space to relax, cook, eat and entertain.

Entertaining and unwinding

With a vast range of outdoor seating and eating choices available, you first need to consider what the main use of your decking will be. Is it for relaxing, or entertaining? If it’s the former, you should consider loungers, deck chairs or even a hammock to help you create a tranquil oasis of calm.

If you’re planning to host garden parties and barbecues galore, you would be better suited to a flexible arrangement of table and chairs – something versatile, such as rattan, would be ideal.

Whatever you choose, additional touches including cushions, parasols and blankets for those chillier nights all add colour and texture.

Deck tips – Greenery

Whether your deck is the main feature of your garden, or a smaller component in the larger design, including plants, flowers and even trees in your decking design adds an extra element of character.

Creative decking designs can include built-in flowerbeds, extending the garden, breaking up the design and adding scent and colour to the space.  You can even ask your designer to incorporate beautiful water features into the decking like a tranquil reflecting pool or babbling fountain.

However, once your deck is installed, you can still add touches of greenery, whether you want a riot of greenery or a more pared-back, minimalist look. Position planters around the decking to house flowers, ferns and herb gardens that will make your deck look and smell amazing.

Start your research now so that you’re ahead of the game once the planting season comes around – for example, bulbs such as daffodils should be planted before the winter sets in, ready to flower when spring arrives.

Whatever the purpose and personality of your decking area, planning ahead will not only mean a smoother transition from design to reality, but can also be an enjoyable process in itself.

For more inspiration on decorating your deck, or deck tips, check our ‘deck-orating’ Pinterest board!