Add a new dimension to summertime living by turning a deck into an outdoor room.
Come for a Drink
Nostalgic linens, lace and floral fabrics are ideal for outdoor entertaining.
Crocheted lace and a floral chintz tablecloth, right, add a hint of retro charm.
“I always dreamed of a deck that felt as cozy as a living room, because we virtually live outdoors in the summertime,” says Tammy Wulf of Neskowin, Oregon. Built on the sheltered side of the house and constructed low to the ground—just a step or two above the sand—the deck is furnished with stately columns, high-back chairs and tubs filled with fresh flowers. Its waist-high railing makes the area seem more like a room; the simple wood furniture can stay outside in all types of weather. “Nature does the best job of antiquing,” says Tammy, who adds jokingly that “distressed finishes” are cheaper when they come naturally.
Floral Expressions Tammy uses plants that thrive in the salty ocean air. Wooden windowboxes are planted with sturdy pansies, geraniums and heliotrope. Container plants
add color.
It’s hard to distinguish the living room from the garden at this Pacific Coast bungalow. The secret is in selecting items that “enjoy” the weather. Some ideas include:
• Old white iron pieces that look
good when weathered by the
rugged salt air and rains.
• Cement urns, which look great
when whitewashed or burnished
by sun and sand. A hint of moss
also adds to their beauty.
• Old Adirondack chairs are
comfortable and sturdy.
• Garden gates, either iron or
wood, add height and
dimension to an outdoor room.
• You also can decorate with
wicker chairs, tables or plant
stands. Just remember to bring
them inside when the weather
begins to look stormy.
Open-air Haven
Although the neighbor’s house may only be a few feet away, the deck of this beach cabin on the shores of the Pacific Ocean has a feeling of secluded privacy.
Photos: Philip Clayton - Thompson
