How do you perceive the outdoor space your home has? Is it just an annoying lawn you need to mow, a space for your kids to run around, a way to go out without really leaving your house?
If you answered yes to any of these, then your backyard is just that – a backyard. A deck is a great way to add some functionality to your backyard and make it an extension of your home, not just a gated outdoor space that doesn’t have that much of a purpose. Think about sipping coffee in the morning, hosting a weekend BBQ with friends, playing board games in the summer evenings… It’s almost idyllic and becomes the space to unwind and enjoy being outside.
But to really make the most out of it, you’ll need a design that’s not completely basic. How do you do that?
Just keep reading, and you’ll find out!
4 Deck Design Styles
The perfect deck is all about the right style, and that doesn’t just mean aesthetic.
Different families have different needs and preferences, and while you want your deck to be functional, you also want it to look beautiful and to complement your home.
- Minimalist Deck
As the name would suggest, this one is focused on simplicity and function. This style has clean lines, simple furniture, and a neutral color palette that creates a calm, uncluttered space.
Minimalist decks are very popular, and the reason for that is simple – their understated elegance doesn’t need flashy decor or elaborate features to stand out. If you want an outdoor area you won’t need to maintain frequently; this is an excellent choice.
It looks amazing, but it doesn’t take much to keep it that way.
- Rustic Deck
This style has a very warm, welcoming feel. It uses natural materials like wood and stone, and as far as the color palette goes, it’s usually earthy to create a cozy environment. The furniture is vintage (or at least it looks that way), like weathered wooden benches or wicker chairs to add to the charm and make the space feel lived-in.
This type of deck is perfect for family gatherings and they work particularly well with homes that already have traditional or farmhouse architecture.
However, a rustic deck can also be a fabulous contrast to a more modern structure; the blend of old and new can give your home a unique, eclectic look.
- Contemporary Deck
A contemporary deck is sleek and has a perfect balance of style and innovation. Think metal accents, glass railings, and geometric shapes for a polished, sophisticated end result.
One of the best things about contemporary decks is their focus on modern conveniences, like built-in fire pits and outdoor kitchens.
They take a bit more work sometimes, so if this is the kind of deck you want, search “deck builder near me” on Google (or any other search engine) and find close-by professional who can help you.
- Eco-Friendly Deck
An eco-friendly deck lets you enjoy your time outside but minimizes your impact on the environment. This style uses sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or composite decking, which not only look great but also last longer with less maintenance.
As far as the lighting goes, it uses energetically efficient options, like solar-powered fixtures, to cut down on electricity.
Native plants and vertical gardens are the perfect way to make an eco-friendly deck look beautiful. And let’s not forget that this would be an ideal chance to teach your family about sustainability and being responsible to the environment.
3 Things to Include in a Family-Friendly Deck
Once you’ve decided what kind of aesthetic you’re going for, you need to make sure your deck is actually functional and not just a decoration.
- Built-in Seating and Storage
This is a must because, well… You need to have someplace to sit and another place to keep your stuff.
You can use benches, outdoor couches, or even custom pieces that are integrated into the deck’s structure to save space but still provide more than enough room for everyone to sit. Storage is another thing you can’t overlook, and you definitely want to go the built-in route.
It can keep toys, cushions, and gardening tools all neatly tucked away.
- Outdoor Kitchen and Dining
Who doesn’t like to have lunch and/or dinner outside, in the fresh air?
Have an area dedicated to cooking and dining to make your deck more than just a place to lounge.
Durable countertops, weather-resistant appliances, and surfaces that are easy to clean are key to a functional, low-maintenance area.
- Shade and Weather Protection
Unless you want to be baked in the summer sun or showered by a spring downpour, you need some pergolas, large umbrellas, or retractable awnings.
This way, you can use your deck even when the weather isn’t perfect. Shade structures can be very aesthetic and improve the appearance of your deck.
Conclusion
That was a lot of deck talk, but with a space that can be pretty much anything, you need all the information available to make it work for you and your family.
Think about the style you like, then see how it will go with your home’s structure, and then consider what you need to include in it so that the whole family can enjoy it.
And voilá – you have the perfect deck for you and your family to enjoy!