Decks & Patios
Revamping your deck is going to be the hardest part of getting your lawn and garden ready for the season . Unless , of course , you just redid it . For those of us who haven ’ t quite gotten to tackling that project yet , start by gauging what needs to be done . Does the deck simply need to be resealed and spruced up ? Or are there boards that need replacing , a railing that ’ s fallen , or something else that is a bigger task ? If your deck is in pretty good shape , then you only have a few things to do to get it ready for the best BBQ party on the block .
A sophisticated flowerpot or a few throw pillows in an accent color will do just fine
Start by resealing your deck ( if it needs it ) so that it can withstand any weathering the season may bring . Add seating where you can , and soften the space with throw pillows and cushions . Adding cushions to any outdoor space immediately makes it more comfortable and feels more like an actual living space that guests will want to spend time in , rather than gathering around your kitchen counters !
For hosting during the evenings , make sure you have some sort of soft light source . This excludes any floodlights or outdoor lights with harsh illumination . Purchase soft , decorative lighting , such as outdoor candles , or light posts that will welcome a social atmosphere .
Adding an awning or some sort of overhang for coverage will be beneficial as well , just in case of an unexpected change in weather . Color coordinate your deck with your home ' s exterior , but bring out hues from the interior space that it opens into . For example , if your deck is off of the living area , and your living area has shades of blue in it , then incorporate some blue decorative items into the deck as well . The small incorporation of colors fuses the two rooms together , so on nice days when you have the doors and windows open , the deck will act as a fluid expansion of your interior space . Don ’ t go overboard with accents , however . A sophisticated flowerpot or a few throw pillows in an accent color will do just fine .
46 l Spring 2017