One of life’s simple pleasures is kicking back on your deck after a long day at work and feeling a cool summer breeze on your face. It’s a relaxing, enjoyable experience that calms the nerves and alleviates stress.
If you’re looking to nurture an even more peaceful environment, here are our top 10 items we’d recommend for creating the ultimate spot to unwind – Perfect for a deck or patio of any size!
1. Comfortable Seating
Probably one of the most important aspects of a good outdoor space is comfortable seating for all. Find something that fits on your deck without taking up all the space. Consider using sectionals if necessary! Padded chairs and couches are not only more pleasant to sit on, but also allow you to inject color and style into your arrangement.
2. Plants
Plants have been proven to decrease stress, so they make for valuable additions to any deck. You can buy beautiful potted plants or opt for hanging ones or railing planter boxes. Whatever you choose, surrounding yourself with nature is sure to improve the overall aesthetics and your experience of this space.
3. Pet Furniture
If you love spending time with your dog, create a pet area on the deck. There are so many options designed for their overall comfort with great durability, water-resistant materials, and shade! With a nice bed, your pet can lay around and share life’s simple moments with you.
4. Portable Gas Fireplace
A small gas fireplace can provide a touch of warmth on chilly nights and a source of natural light when necessary. Ranging from all sorts of sizes, you can find the perfect piece to add some luxury to your deck. Make sure you’re aware of local codes to guarantee safety. Some Craftmark floor plans even offer a double-sided fireplace, so you can enjoy their light inside and out!
5. Area Rug
A durable outdoor area rug offers form, comfort and aesthetics to a deck. You’ll discover it’s a simple way to tie the area together and complement the color scheme.
6. Mood Lighting
Lighting can take the form of string lights, recessed lighting, hanging lanterns or whatever you most enjoy. Just be sure the bulbs you use are the “warm” variety and not “bright white.” Warm light accurately simulates the look of fire for a more natural nighttime setting. Keep power bills low with LED options!
7. Drink Cart
Going in and out of the house can be a hassle and is usually something to avoid when the AC is running. Add a small drink cart to your outdoor space to avoid the back and forth. It’s also another fun piece to decorate!
8. Pergola
By adding a pergola, you can spend time out on the deck during the warmest summer days. This outdoor feature provides great shade, makes the area cooler, and adds a luxurious feel.
9. Tables
If you’ve got good seating and a drink cart, the next logical thing to do is to get some tables. Depending on the amount of space available, you can do individual side tables, a coffee table, a dining table, or a combination of what makes the most sense for your lifestyle!
10. Grill
A grill and deck go together like steak and potatoes, making it one of the items you should definitely include! Grilling is an easy, delicious way to prepare food. Nowadays, grills come in so many different sizes, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the right one for your deck. If you’re nervous about fire codes, at the very least you can use your George Foreman for a healthy, outdoors experience.
There you have it: 10 great ways to take your deck to the next level. Craftmark Homes offers many models with included decks and rooftop terraces. If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area and looking for a new home, contact us today to schedule a personal or virtual appointment. We have many quick move-ins available now, so you don’t have to wait to design the deck of your dreams!