Last summer we replaced our back deck. The existing one was beginning to have structural issues and it was time to make a change. We kept the original footprint of the deck but lowered it and added in a wall of outdoor storage cabinets with a concrete counter top. The idea was to have a serving area outside for our backyard parties. Plus have some outdoor storage for gardening paraphernalia.

I really love how it turned out! The lowered deck opens up to the rock patio and creates a better flow than the original elevated deck.

I wanted to add more of a seating area to the deck, but it was late in the summer when we finished it up and I didn’t want to order stuff just in time for winter. So, the plan was to wait until now.

I’ve been working on space planning for the deck area this week. As with any design plan its very important to assess the dimensions as well as any other physical factors that’ll be a part of the scheme.

I started with a floor plan to see what would “fit” on the deck. My goal was to provide a conversation area and also allow ample room for traffic flow around the countertop area.

FIRST STEP—Create a Floor Plan

My first step, like in any of my design projects, was to measure out the space and work on a plan based on the actual dimensions and layout of the space. I can’t stress enough how important it is to start with this step. Buying furniture—indoor or outdoor—before you know how it will fit in the space can potentially bring a lot of frustration when it doesn’t flow or fit the way you envisioned!

Once I had the dimensions in place the I started playing around with the design plan. My plan was to incorporate the black Polywood Adirondack chairs we already have along with some form of an outdoor sectional.

Most of the sectionals I was considering were a bit too large for the space available. So I pivoted my shopping, and started looking for a sofa with a chaise instead.

You can see the workable floor plan I came up with in these two images—

With the space planning piece solidified, next up was the design/concept board.

SECOND STEP–Create the Concept Board

At first I was considering lounge furniture with lighter-colored cushions. But in my search, I found an outdoor chaise sofa in the exact right size to fit my space. It has charcoal cushions that tied together with our existing outdoor furniture. This seemed to be the best option for our space—both in terms of visual design appeal plus the fact that darker cushions will show less dirt and outdoor grim.

Next up, I began shopping for accessories to pull the design plan all together. I found a combination of pillows from an Etsy shopspecializing in outdoor Sunbrella fabrics. The pillows were a bit of a splurge. But I wanted fabric that could stand up to the elements since they’d be so exposed on my uncovered deck. I picked ones with a touch of black in them to pull in the sofa cushions and Adirondack chairs.

tip—Sunbrella fabrics are not only stain and water resistant, but they also resist mold and mildew. Plus, each fiber in the fabric has a UV-stable pigment, meaning that they don’t fade for years!

Then I capped off the design plan with navy-and-white-striped umbrella to help block all those sun rays.

The new deck steps down to our rock patio with a fire pit and outdoor dining area. For that area I chose a different umbrella with the same color-scheme. And an eco-friendly reversible rug made from recycle plastic straws. This is the second rug I’ve had like this. I love how quickly they dry and how easily they clean. The smooth surface allows all the elements from nature to blow off easily and it doesn’t collect leaves and debris. Plus the color scheme fits in nicely with what’s going on up on the deck area.

These two steps—creating the floor plan and the concept board—are my process for all my design projects, whether I’m working on my own designs or those for my E-design clients. Space planning insures that the furnishings will fit well and allow good flow. Plus, putting together a concept board helps to guarantee all the pieces visually work well together.

We spend tons of time in our backyard during the warmer weather months. And having multiple seating areas feels like a luxurious gift I’m not taking for granted. The last couple of years has made me even more determined to make even the common weeknight meal a party. Throw a tablecloth on the outdoor dining table. Turn on the party lights. Crank up the tunes. Enjoy.

Do you have any plans to freshen up your outdoor spaces this spring? Would love to hear about what’s also on your docket. Let me know if you need any help with your space planning!