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Deck Days
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
Springtime has finally hit (the East Coast, at least) and with rising temperatures comes legions of people escaping cabin fever on the comfort of their decks. There's nothing quite like a great deck - the best ones combine great design and the ability to really enjoy the outdoors without venturing too far from the kitchen and the bathroom.
But not all decks are created equal and there are tons of different ways to build and organize your outdoor living space. For inspiration, here are some of my favorite decks:
But not all decks are created equal and there are tons of different ways to build and organize your outdoor living space. For inspiration, here are some of my favorite decks:
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This deck has two really great features. First, I love the way it mixes the rich wood and cement planters. The effect is modern but very warm.
Plus, the "walls" around the structure perfectly solve the dilemma of how to maintain privacy while respecting the openness of the outdoors. I love the panes of frosted glass in alternate "windows" - it is a cool modern touch that makes it tough to see in without limiting any light.
Plus, the "walls" around the structure perfectly solve the dilemma of how to maintain privacy while respecting the openness of the outdoors. I love the panes of frosted glass in alternate "windows" - it is a cool modern touch that makes it tough to see in without limiting any light.
Decks are a fantastic place for built-in seating, like this gorgeous bench that seems to just organically grow out of the side of the hill.
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In general, I have mixed feelings about awnings. I like their flexibility and the fluid motion of fabric, and I definitely like the shade. At the same time, so many of them are so ugly!
This one, though, is clean and modern and really pretty cool. I love the shape and think the color works perfectly with the surroundings.
This one, though, is clean and modern and really pretty cool. I love the shape and think the color works perfectly with the surroundings.
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| In lieu of an awning, this frosty overhang is a great way to block a bit of sun and minimize glare while maintaining aesthetic integrity. |
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| This is another view of the deck pictured above, showing off the way the overhang works with the entire space. I like that it offers some shade, but there's still room for sun on the deck. Plus, the little cafe table with barstools is the perfect addition to this modern space. Simple lines and cool metal complement the structure and views. |
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There's no rule that says that the deck and garden can't run into one another. On a simple level, that can mean a few flower boxes or pots of herbs. On a grander scale, this table feels like it's sitting in a meadow of low-lying flowers. Perfect for a spring dinner.
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| Some decks look like an afterthought - like they were tacked onto a house just because. Not this one. I love these giant doors and the way they connect the deck to the inside. It's one seamless living space. |
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| Working with the existing landscape is important when building a deck - why build one if you're just going to clear the yard of anything cool? I love the way this deck is built around the cool, old tree. It feels like part of the house and part of the decor. |
Outdoor decor, while sometimes an afterthought, can add a lot to the deck experience. I love how this furniture's low profile contrasts with the tall buildings all around. It makes an urban experience that much sharper.
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| Forgoing railings is a risky proposition (and, honestly, probably against code most places - and certainly not advisable in a house with smal kids). But doesn't this deck look perfect? The unobstructed view is gorgeous and adds such a breathtaking sense of freedom to the house. |
Comments
Becky Harris Do you know if that last shot has been published in a magazine, possibly Dwell? It looks familiar to me. What an incredible view!
4 years ago · Like
Kit Pollard I don't know. It looks like most of their press has been West Coast-centric, but it's definitely a cool enough picture that I can see it getting picked up...
4 years ago · Like
Julian Green It might get to 90degrees in San Francisco today... definitely time to be out on the deck...
4 years ago · Like
Margaret Everton I grew up with a wonderful southern porch (close cousin to a deck in many cases). This very morning, I was pushing my daughter in the stroller (in Palo Alto--definitely 90 degrees, jith, whew) and saw a house where the walls of the back room had been torn down, leaving corner beams--lots of exposed materials--revealing a fireplace. New take on a deck and I wish I could sit there tonight with tea on their cushioned deck furniture...
4 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Sept. 6, 2009.
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