Deck Inspiration

There's a lot you can do with your deck, whether you're planning a full-on overhaul with new flooring materials, adding a pool, or want to give it a simple decor refresh for summer. To help you prepare for the warm days ahead, we've gathered designer-approved deck ideas that serve serious inspiration—from choosing outdoor lighting and installing amenities to selecting the best materials and honing in on a specific atmosphere. After browsing these deck designs, you're sure to have a fresh concept in mind to turn your deck into the ultimate outdoor paradise.

For a fireplace option that doesn't take up floor space, build one into the edge of your deck. This modern example at a Los Angeles home by designer Pamela Shamshiri flows into the short white wall at the deck's perimeter, giving the area a focal point. Adding a built-in fireplace leaves room for more furniture, like seating and a coffee table.

Make your deck feel like a second living room with ample cushioned seating outfitted with throw pillows and blankets. You can also add a patterned rug, textured ottomans, and a grand fire pit as designer Jen Samson did here for the deck of a lakefront cabin.

Best Deck Design Ideas

Building lighting into your deck will make it easier for you to enjoy the space at night. For this home's pool deck, designer Rob Diaz installed lights into the steps for safety and added ambiance.

To avoid obstructing the view from your deck, build a simple railing around it. This way, you'll benefit from the protection of a railing, but it'll disappear into the backdrop like the one at this North Carolina beach house designed by Barrie Benson.

Optimize your deck for dining and conversation with outdoor lighting and a fully-stocked bar cart. This deck designed by Emily Henderson is styled with stackable metal chairs and a spacious wood table for a classic, low-maintenance look.

Cool Small Deck Decor Ideas To Get Inspired

Take it up a notch by adding a banquette around the dining table, as designer Catherine Kwong did at this California home. Bench cushions with Perennials fabric and Jenni Kayne pillows ensure maximum comfort around a teak table by Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Harbour Outdoor. Bonus: Massive trees shade the area naturally.

The partial shade from the pergola ensures that this deck is the best of both worlds for outdoor dining and gardening. This deck, attached to a home designed by Aamir Khandwala, is covered with a complementary white pergola for a modern approach that pops against the green landscape but blends in with the exterior of the house. It's the perfect place for some flower arranging or to use as a dining space.

Since most decks feature wooden materials, they can feel a little cold and bare. Warm yours up with an outdoor area rug and a daybed. Here, Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design chose a large daybed with an ethereal canopy and tropical palm trees to set the mood.

Best Deck Designs, Layouts, And Ideas For Your Backyard

If you don't have a ton of space, fill it with the coziest items you can find and add extra vertical space to hang plants from instead of taking up valuable ground space. This area by Malcolm Simmons features hanging plants, cozy throws, and layered outdoor rugs, making it the ideal spot to sit with a cup of coffee and a new book.

Frame your pool with the same material as your deck for easier maintenance and a lovely visual flow as Robert McKinley Studio did here. Beautify the area with greenery, whether it's a grassy lawn or a line of trees.

Optimize an enclosed deck at a beach house by installing wall hooks for towels and other things that might make a mess indoors. Then, add a couple of chairs for an outdoor reading nook or hang-out spot, as Romanek Design Studio did here.

Deck Designs Australia

I was worried the pool might be too close to the house, but I love it, says Eric Olsen, the architect of this California home. When we open the doors, it feels like one big room. Take a closer look at the left corner and you'll see the outdoor shower peeking out too.

This deck is proof that tile can trump wood in an outdoor space. It's easier to clean and looks a lot more colorful and fun. Adding lanterns, textiles, and vines will finish things off nicely.

Just because you don't have a backyard doesn't mean you can't have a pool. Use your roof deck area for poolside lounging and sunning. Also, remember that throw pillows are the perfect way to introduce hints of bold color.

Decorating Ideas For A Small Deck

Install a fire pit on your deck for a cozier vibe out in the open air. To channel this modern coastal aesthetic, opt for neutral hues, modern lines, and graphic throw pillows.

So you can't fit a pool in your backyard, but who needs that when you can have a jacuzzi instead? This small deck by Tamsin Johnson Interiors features a sleek in-ground hot tub that blends right in, as a raised one might make the area feel too cramped. The sunken style also creates the illusion of more open space than a raised hot tub would on a small deck.

If you thought outdoor showers were a dreamy addition to decks and yards, you'll love the idea of an outdoor bathtub even more. The wood wall enclosure creates privacy while still allowing the occupants to enjoy the breeze at this island oasis by Ishka Designs.

Covered Deck Ideas For Your Outdoor Space

If you have a beach house, consider painting your deck with blue and white stripes for a classic nautical vibe. Add bistro chairs and a croquet set to complete the playful look.

No matter where you live, your deck can help you feel like you're in the tropics. Paint your deck rails white, opt for rattan furniture, and add a seagrass rug and a potted palm. You'll practically feel the island breeze.

If you're in a warm, dry region, line your deck with varying shapes and sizes of cacti and succulents for a Southwestern desert feel.

Backyard Deck Ideas To Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

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Small Deck Ideas To Elevate Your Outdoor Space

Decks add function to a small outdoor space, but it’s important to get your deck design just right for a perfect fit. Enter: custom deck designs.

A custom deck is a uniquely designed structure that meets your specific needs and design preferences. It often features customizations like eye-catching borders, Multiwidth Decking, or unique shapes. Working with a contractor for a custom deck ensures your deck is built to maximize your space – and with the right specifications for lasting performance.

Small decks with limited space likely can’t do triple duty with dining, entertainment, and lounging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best of both worlds. Extending the party into your backyard allows you to make the most of your space and can help integrate your deck with your yard design.

Amazing Ideas For Creating An Outdoor Deck For Entertaining

A serene garden space is ideal for Sunday brunch or a peaceful reading nook for after work. Adjoining patios can host barbecues and fire pits to socialize with friends and family.

Ornate railing infills are beautiful to look at, but they can really close off a space. Transparent infills like cable or glass railing provide a clear view and make a space feel more expansive.

If you’re looking for privacy, consider sheer curtains that you can open or close as needed. Decorative panels may also let light in while reducing visibility and sound pollution.

Deck Ideas: 23 Designs To Make Yours A Destination

When it comes to small outdoor space ideas, less is more. Minimalist design lends itself well to small outdoor spaces thanks to its emphasis on clean, open areas, simplicity in form and function, and little to no ornamentation.

Embrace clean, defined lines by sticking to simple shapes such as squares and rectangles. For furniture and decor, choose pieces with simple forms, natural materials, and neutral colors for a clean, sleek look. Versatile outdoor furniture is a smart investment, too — like a dining table with benches that can easily be repurposed into a refreshments bar with seating for parties.

Flow between spaces is key for comfort and safety. So, whether you’re hosting a casual brunch with your friends or a backyard bash, make sure there’s room for your guests to move between activities, your yard, and home to avoid overcrowding.

Deck Designs, 3rd Edition: Great Design Ideas From Top Deck Designers (creative Homeowner): Steve Cory, Home Improvement, Decks: 9781580114332: Amazon.com: Books

When designing your deck, identify the key areas for socializing, dining, and games. Make sure there