Weekend decorator: How to make an older back deck feel lush and intimate

The original deck was well designed with different “zones” but the time has come for re-staining and redecorating. Photo by Supplied

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Dear Virginie, 

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I had the deck done in my backyard when we first moved into our house, but I think it’s due for an upgrade. Can you help me make it more contemporary? 

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Laurie in Midtown 

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Hi Laurie, 

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Your deck looks like it was well designed to have different zones, but I agree it’s showing its age a little bit. The first project to tackle is sanding and re-staining. This is a big job, definitely one for the pros. The contractor will need to go over the deck with a power washer to remove any loose bits and dirt, let it dry thoroughly, then use a deck-cleaning product to remove mold, mildew and any stubborn stains. After that has dried, the whole deck will need a light sanding; this is also their chance to fix anything that needs repairing. Then after a vacuum or sweep, they’ll stain it with one or two coats. Be wary of choosing the contractor who gives you the cheapest quote or fastest timeline; there’s a lot of work in the preparation of the wood, and that will directly impact the longevity of the stain.  

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As far as colour goes, I would choose something in a darker, ashier finish, with less red or orange; think more of a chocolate tone. Avoid the temptation to paint the railing or rail caps in an accent colour. There’s a lot going on with your deck with all the different levels, so keep the colour simple and consistent. 

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This six-person table combines sleek design with textured weaves for a modern-meets-traditional look. Hug Collection 7pc dining set, sale price $6,751.55, regularly $7,943, Insideoutpatio.ca Photo by Supplied

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I imagine the original design intended to have the dining table on the upper level, closer to the barbecue and the house. While I understand wanting to have the sofa there, so it’s close to the house for lounging, I do think that you should move the table back up to that area because of the higher railings. I think you will feel less boxed in sitting at the table than you likely do when sitting there in your low and modern patio sofa. While you’re at it, why not consider a new table, maybe a round one that would break up the severity of all the hard lines. I can see something lighter, with a large cream umbrella working really well. An area rug will also help to break up all that brown wood. I would fill the corners with planters of varying sizes and heights, and fill them with white and green plantings. Add large hurricanes for mood lighting and the dining area will feel lush and intimate. 

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If the lower deck area ends up feeling too open for your sectional, add additional flower beds to the right and left of the deck. I imagine large hydrangea bushes creating a green hedge that would make the area feel cozier without box it in. Break it up with some hostas and ferns as well. Mimic what you have on the upper deck with a lot of potted plants and some taller ones at the back, along the “wall” to the upper deck area, to bridge the transition between the two areas. Think large tropical plants like palms or hydrangea standards. I love the idea of keeping the plantings monochromatic, sticking to green and white.  

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If you’re in the market for new furniture on the lower deck, I see two options. One is to create two mirrored seating areas. For each one, set up a U-shaped conversation area with a three-seater sofa and a single chair on each corner, so the sofas face each other but you have a walkway down the middle of the arrangement. Corner tables will complete the grouping, and two narrow coffee tables will serve the sofas. This will give your seating area a lot of flexibility and really take advantage of the large patio.