So in mid‑June I launched several outdoor room makeovers. I may have been overly ambitious, but that’s how I roll. I shopped at Lowe’s and brought home lots of items to add privacy, function, and charm to my patio and deck. Then summer weather didn’t arrive until August. We welcomed a puppy named Jack. My daughter faced emergency surgery. My husband and I snuck away on a romantic getaway. Life got busy, and the projects slowed, but they didn’t stop.
Even with the delays, I almost finished everything. I’m not much of a gardener and things aren’t perfect yet, but it was rewarding to work outside. Projects included a family fire pit area, a potting table, a front porch refresh, a small tabletop fairy garden, a pallet flower garden, and finally my back deck. That gives me a great head start for next season.
Because I started later than planned, I finished the back deck while the patio furniture was wearing white after Labor Day. Is that a decorating no‑no? Maybe—maybe not. We were still enjoying warm weather, so I happily used the recovered cushions and prettied up the deck for a few more months before storing cushions for the season.
BEFORE
I began with a frightful mess: dingy, moldy cushions, dead plants, and no privacy.
BEFORE
It was depressing—dead sticks on flimsy trellises and a very sad-looking space.
Now the deck has lush greenery, sturdy trellises, and clean white slipcovers. My yellow pallet garden sits just beside the seating area (I somehow forgot to include it in the photo). I chose white Sunbrella fabric for the outdoor cushions because it complements the green-and-white striped umbrella, resists fading, and is easy to clean and bleach when needed. The cushions will be stored over winter and look fresh throughout the summer.
I had intended to sew the slipcovers myself, but life intervened and my mom graciously helped. I admire those who do every DIY step solo; I’m more of a DIY-with-help kind of person.
I moved a curly woven planter from indoors to the deck and filled it with colorful clay pots—such cheerful hues. I also used a yellow HomeGoods planter that brightens the space.
My husband installed new trellises around the deck so vines can climb and provide the privacy we wanted. These trellises look substantial and well made, not like the flimsy ones you sometimes see. Wisteria vines should quickly cover the supports next year; eventually I may relocate them so their vigor doesn’t overwhelm the deck, but for now they’re perfect. I also planted a blueberry bush that’s already producing delicious berries.
The deck itself is a typical suburban Washington state deck—nothing fancy—but a few well-chosen plants, trellises, and a pallet garden give it personality, greenery, and privacy.
Rather than refinishing or restaining the worn decking immediately, I covered the floor with a weather- and pet-friendly outdoor rug. It refreshed the look without a big project.
The finishing touch will be new throw pillows made from the fabric I picked out; they’ll tie the whole space together. I haven’t sewn them yet, but hope to in the coming weeks. The fabrics are fun and full of pattern and color, exactly what the space needed.
While I was taking photos, Jack kept me company. He explored every pine cone, branch, and stray paper towel until I stopped him, worried he might choke. His expression clearly communicated his opinion about that.
Sassy pup.
Thanks to Lowe’s for the plants, trellises, large pots, outdoor rug, and paint used in this outdoor refresh.