Spring Project: Operation Beautify the Deck
I’ve decided to take on a pretty ambitious project for a non-creative type like myself: I’m going to design our backyard deck into an outdoor living area for us to enjoy now that the weather is warming up. This may not seem like a big deal to someone like, say, Justice Jonesie, who has a knack for home design, but for someone like me, whose first thought is to hire someone talented, like Jonesie, to design it for me, it’s an intimidating undertaking.
When we first bought our house, hubby immediately stained our wooden deck. It’s pretty large and came with an outdoor dining set and umbrella that the previous owners left for us. Fast forward 7 years and our deck is looking pretty wack. We still have the same furniture (which looks sad after years of wear and tear) and there’s absolutely no decorative accents anywhere – not even a plant. I think at the moment, the only “pop of color” is the kids’ abandoned plastic red painting easel. I’ve been dreaming of the days when we move to our dream house with a large backyard and outdoor living room, but – ahem – until then, I figure I better make the best of what we have. So I am in the planning stages of my project.
Oh! And my DIY project is starting out as a secret. I want to show hubby that I can do something around the house without his help! Also, I know he’ll freak out at the thought of spending money on this, so I want to find inexpensive solutions to show him. {I know what you’re thinking: Not to worry – there is next to zero chance that he’s reading this blog.}
Do any of you have tips, suggestions or ideas for me? I’d love to hear them. Wish me luck…
5.4.10 at 7:49 am
Justice Jonesie comments:
When I read the first sentence my first thought was “how fun!!”
Thanks for the compliments! Course if I lived there I would have loved to help you out on this project and make it a deck to die for!
My first tip is to get images just the one above and try to copy cat the look for less. Stay focused on that look and work in stages.
5.5.10 at 8:41 pm
Jonez comments:
Check out younghouselove.com This dynamic duo reigns supreme in DIY projects.
5.6.10 at 10:20 pm
Sherri comments:
Not sure that this tip will help you with this particular DIY project but might be handy down the road. You may have heard of these or may attend already — I am a huge fan of the free seminars hosted by Home Depot. I went to one earlier this year at the Springfield store just for women and learned ALOT! And all for free! Good luck with the deck! And keep us posted on the progress!
http://www.homeimproverclub.com/workshops.aspx?type=3&zipcode=&date=2010-5-1&cm_sp=homepage-_-wk14-_-sliver_workshops-_-workshops
5.6.10 at 10:35 pm
Nancy comments:
Once you know what you want, do not pay full price for any of it! You can find great deals at garage sales in upscale neighborhoods, on Craig’s List, or stores like Tuesday Morning or TJ Maxx(if they’re in your area). It’s going to be outside in the weather anyway, so if it’s a year or two “used,” it doesn’t matter as much. Also, stores like Hobby Lobby (if it’s in your area) sell some really nice outdoor decor items, candle lanterns, etc., even though the name sound like it’s only a craft store — and they have great sales. Can’t wait to see the before and after photos!
11.14.10 at 11:25 am
Shower Screen · comments:
amazon really have great collection of dining sets and you can always purchase it online *`.
4.10.11 at 6:03 pm
Harley@ Buying Champix comments:
Hi, you have a very lovely set-up. This is romantic for couples and just sit and talk and watch the sunrise or sunset. And I can feel the ambiance.
4.26.13 at 4:10 pm
Jeannine Osucha comments:
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