The Covered Deck: When Big Design Calms Down

Most of the time, when I’m designing a space in our home, I have a really clear vision from the get-go.  I obsess and fret over every single detail until the end result looks like what I saw in my head.  Sometimes a detail or two doesn’t come together the way I envisioned it, but in general, I end up sticking to my plan because stubbornness is a strength and a weakness.  I’m not sure if it’s maturity or summer-induced exhaustion, but this has not been the case with our covered deck.  Instead of staying loyal to the vision, I’ve allowed the space to organically go where it felt like it needed to go.  The result is a nod to my original idea, but more calm, clean, and practical for our lifestyle in this season.

This last spring I became obsessed with palm courts and conservatories.  I was determined to create something similar on the covered deck.  The more I dreamed, the more elaborate the plans got.  Could I use an old Persian rug out here?  A tea set was a must.  To play up the Victorian over the boho I need an antique croquet set.  I’m guessing it’s the performer in me, but I love to think out spaces this way.  The plans got more and more fanciful, and then I had a moment of “hold on, what am I actually going to use this space for?  Do I want it to be more work and maintenance or something we can easily use and enjoy?”  Reality set in, and the covered deck is now a peaceful escape from the rest of the house.  With the swipe of a curtain you have privacy from the more high energy areas of the backyard specifically the pool and some cool shade to relax in.

How did I get to this?  Let’s break down the decisions and the process.  The curtains are from last year, and they bring wonderful softness and shade to the space.  The first thing I found was the Sol daybed from Article.  I loved the interest and warmth the wood brought to the backyard.  The darker cushion grounds everything and is firm but comfortable for sitting or laying on.  I knew the daybed could take the look boho rather quickly, so it was important to me to mix it with traditional elements.  You can’t have a palm court without palms.  I added a variety of plants that I found at my local nursery, Colonial Gardens, and put them in very traditional pots and urns.  They’re rather easy to take care of, and I plan to move them into the sunroom when the weather cools.

The creamy bistro table from Frontgate continues the traditionalism.  The round shape makes movement and conversation very easy.  I have two other tables made from this faux concrete, and it’s the best for outdoor.  It holds up to the elements so well, doesn’t get hot, and is light enough to move around on my own.  I initially envisioned some woven bistro chairs, but when I came across these iron chairs at a secondhand store I just couldn’t pass them up.  Their shape is simple but special, and I love that they have age to them.  The bones of the deck feel new, so the chairs bring a lot of character. 

I looked high and low for cushions, but the seat dimensions were not standard.  I also wanted a cushion that didn’t look new, so I purchased this Crypton performance fabric and had a local upholsterer make knife-edge pillow cushions.  The fabric has some texture to it, which always feels more expensive when you’re doing a lighter color.  I was planning to make them myself, but for $45 a cushion that’s with a zipper!, I could save myself at least a day of work.  Time is so precious in this season, the cost was totally worth it.  The last detail I added always make an outdoor space feel like a real room: the rug.  The detailed border on this one is a nod to the elaborate architectures from centuries ago.   It grounds the space and makes everything a bit more cozy. 

We just returned from a wonderful vacation with family at Big Cedar which is always magical, but I have to say, this space feels like a little vacation in and of itself.  I love to take a few minutes to sneak away, recharge, and relax when I can!

What’s your favorite piece in the space?  Do your design plans sometimes need to be roped in too? 

* This post is in partnership with Article and Frontgate, but all thoughts, opinions, and selections were my own.

Click here for the Backyard Overhaul:  The Reveal.

 

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