Summer might not officially start til the end of June, but the rules don't apply here in the South where it hit 90 degrees for the first time in the middle of May. Instead of being in denial about the inevitable triple digit temps, we've decided to embrace it and want to help you do the same! Over the next several weeks we'll be sharing several outdoor projects that will help get your porch, deck, and backyard in tiptop shape just in time for all those Summer soirees...or just hanging out with your dog. We won't judge.
And what better way to start off our 7 Part Outdoor Design Series than with a transformation that will absolutely knock your socks off? In the upcoming weeks we'll be sharing the details for all the pieces you see below, so be sure to check back soon!
I'd love to tell you that all of this came together in a week, but if you've spent any time at all in the design world, you know that's not what happened. The deck was finally painted the middle of October but the weather was starting to cool off - not exactly inspirational when it comes to designing an outdoor space. So Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day all came and went with a few bouts of ice and snow thrown in for good measure. At the beginning of March the temperature was warm enough during the day that it felt like I needed to revisit the this open-air room and turn it into something incredible.
To fully appreciate this difference, you have to see what it looked like before! Talk about a transformation!
First and foremost, I pulled the trigger on ordering the egg chair. I knew they had sold out in years past and I didn't want to miss my chance. I loved it on the website and when it arrived less than 2 days later, I fell in love all over again. The light wicker and black metal frame of the chair is reversed in the woven stool that can serve as an additional seat for larger crowds. The two-tone planter table is an easy weekend project that lets you add flowers without taking up additional floorspace - I'll show you how to make it in Part 5.
Next I got to work creating the daybed using a twin bed frame one of Mr. Harbin's co-workers gave us (I'll show you how I made it in Part 3!). The daybed itself is quite wonderful, but it's really the sheer drapes and bright cushions that make it extraordinary. I kept envisioning this scene from The Great Gatsby and the final piece really lives up to it's inspiration.
Cheerful red-orange cushions, sheer drapes, a slide-under table - it's the perfect place to enjoy dinner or catch up with your best friend with a glass of wine.
The big pieces of furniture are important, but the it's the plants and accessories that complete the space. Whether it's holding plants or drink coolers, the extra storage makes sure the deck stays organized.
Powder-coated plant stands make use of the vertical space and provide shade for herbs and other plants.
The finished deck is an inviting and relaxing space filled with greenery and the unlimited potential to make memories. It's easily one of my favorite places in the entire house!
Next week, I'll show you how I transformed the original deck from a half-stained, half raw wood structure to this blue color...and in the coming weeks I'll be sharing how I made the daybed, tables, and shelving! See you soon! Follow us on Instagram @reddesignedinteriors for all the latest tutorials!
