Ideas to Borrow From the Most Popular New Deck Photos on Houzz

When you look at these designs, it’s easy to understand why the indoor-outdoor lifestyle has mass appeal

Becky Harris October 7, 2017

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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It’s clear from their favorite photos that Houzzers are looking for ways to connect to the outdoors. In the most popular new deck photos added to Houzz in the last three months, users were drawn to spaces that provide strong connections between indoors and out, as well as those that offer indoor comforts out in the fresh air and sunlight. Here are seven ideas from the most popular recently added photos, as measured by the number of people who added them to their ideabooks.

Long and Long Design

1. Steel Cable Railings

This type of railing provides safety while keeping the views practically clear. It also adds a modern touch to a deck. This one is on Lake Martin in Alabama.

Amy Emery Interior Design

This midcentury modern-inspired home in South Carolina also has a view to the water from its deck. Preserving the trees nearby maintains the woodsy surroundings.

Design Workshop: The ‘Disappearing’ Guardrail

Bay Area Custom Homes, Inc.

2. Glass Walls

Large sliding glass doors promote easy indoor-outdoor living at this Northern California home.

Acre

3. Outdoor Kitchens

Houzzers continued to take notes on outdoor kitchens and grilling areas. In this stunning Australian landscape, a covered deck and a wall of sliding glass doors ease the transition from inside to out.

See more photos of this beautiful yard

Emeritus

4. Pergolas

A pergola enhances the architecture of a home, providing a partially covered spot that feels more enclosed and shaded but is still open to the elements. On this extensive deck and patio, it also defines the lounge area in front of the outdoor fireplace.

Which Pergola Is Right for You?

FBN Construction

5. Different Levels

Another way to define outdoor rooms is by placing them on different levels. Here the dining area is right off the kitchen and contains the grill, making it easy to serve food. Before and after dinner, guests can step down to this comfy lounge area for drinks and conversation. The deck is made from sustainably harvested sapele hardwood.

Learn more about this deck

Form Collective

6. Indoor Comforts

With the advances in weather-resistant fabrics, it’s easier than ever to take living room style outside. Cushions and pillows provide both comfort and good looks, and other outdoor items, such as this coffee table, have followed suit in the style department.

Margaret Wright Photography

The large sectional on this South Carolina deck has room for the whole family to gather together. Patterned accent pillows give the deck sophisticated living room style.

See the rest of this home

Browse outdoor sectionals

Caroline Sharpnack

A rug is another indoor element that’s easy to have outside these days. Those made of polypropylene are easy to keep clean since they’re durable enough to stand up to a garden hose.

See outdoor rug options

High End Staging (HES)

7. Fire Pits

Fire pits extend the deck season by cozying things up on chilly nights. This Los Angeles roof deck has gorgeous sunsets to boot.

Share: Have you recently added a deck or freshened up yours? What’s your favorite thing about it? If you’re just dreaming of a deck, what would you want to include in the design? Please share with us in the Comments.

More: What to Know About Adding a Deck