How to Bring Style to Your Deck: Best Deck Design Ideas

Is your deck feeling (and looking) a little dreary? Whether you’re dreaming of a total transformation or you just want some simple deck decorating ideas for a little refresh, there are plenty of ways to bring style and comfort to your home’s deck. From creative pops of green to functional (and fun!) outdoor furniture, these deck design ideas make it easy to enjoy your own outdoor oasis this season.

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Choose the Right Seat

The most essential element of any outdoor space? A comfortable place to sit back and enjoy the fresh air. When planning your deck decor, however, remember to consider more than just the comfiest option – also think about how the profile of your outdoor furniture will fit into your overall deck design. As Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni show with this Scott’s Vacation House Rules deck, low-profile furniture pairs well with glass-panel safety railings to deliver an outdoor lounge space that’s cohesive with the natural surroundings and doesn’t hinder the views.

backyard with deck in the background featuring clear railings and wood panels

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Mix and Match

The best deck design ideas deliver two things: style and function. Take the mix-and-match details showcased in this modern deck transformation from Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside at Backyard Builds. The team framed the new composite deck with a mix of contemporary clear glass railings (to offer an unobstructed view from the deck into the backyard) and wood-panelled portions (to create contrast and provide a bit more privacy in the areas adjacent to the neighbours).

two lounge chairs on wood deck with sunken hot tub

Michael Sage

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Home Spa

Whether you love to entertain outdoors or you want to transform your deck into your own personal retreat, a hot tub is a luxe way to take your deck design to the next level. In this Haliburton cottage, an integrated hot tub with a view is deck goals personified.

view of multi-level deck with clear railings and lounge furniture

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Clearly Next Level

Not sure how to make the most of a multi-level deck? Prioritize the views. This Backyard Builds deck design idea offers a clearly cool example. Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside swapped old railings for sleek glass railings, complete with integrated LED lights – to let the views of the whole yard shine from the deck’s outdoor lounge area. Need more inspiration? Here are more staycation-worthy outdoor spaces from the Backyard Builds team.

wooden deck with table, chairs and potted plants on wood fence

Stephanie Foden

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Go Off the Wall With Greenery

When it comes to deck decorating ideas designed to bring a bit of greenery to your outdoor space, you aren’t limited to planters on the ground. As this heritage barn’s wood deck area cleverly shows with a row of pots along a ledge on the surrounding fence, incorporating plants at different heights adds a fresh dimension to your space. Feeling crafty? Watch this video from Backyard Builds‘ Sarah Keenleyside and Brian McCourt for three ways to create your own DIY green wall art.

lakeside deck with lounge area and hammock

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Hang Time

Nothing says “time to relax” quite like a hammock. If you have a large deck, installing a hammock makes a retreat-worthy deck design idea – as Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni show with an incredible covered hammock alongside a lake-side deck for Scott’s Vacation House Rules.

lower deck surrounded by black wrought-iron railing

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Parisian Personality

Don’t be afraid to show some personality with your backyard deck design ideas. Here, Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside said “oui” to old-world European inspiration when designing this lower deck for Backyard Builds. In addition to installing low-maintenance composite decking, they surrounded the space with elegant black wrought-iron railings and opted for stylish black-and-white accents – including a charming post-style outdoor light.

brown deck with hot tub, seating and overhead string lights

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Shed Some Light

Extend the time you can spend enjoying your deck-based paradise with outdoor lighting. From charming overhead string lights (like the pretty rows over this Scott’s Vacation House Rules deck) to solar lights and lanterns, outdoor-friendly lights bring ambiance and functional glow to your deck. Here are more outdoor lighting options that are perfect for small deck decorating ideas.

pool-side deck with row of orange swing chairs

Lauren Miller

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Colour Pop

If you want to refresh your outdoor space sans renos, adding pops of colour through your furnishings or decor accents are a quick way to brighten things up. Case in point? The row of orange swing chairs on this pool-side wooden deck are a true tangerine dream. And – because they’re easy to move and reconfigure – colourful chairs like these are a chic deck decorating idea on a budget.

back deck with retractable pergola over lounge furniture

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Throw Shade

Don’t forget about shade when it comes to your backyard deck design ideas. Adding an outdoor umbrella is a smart, budget-friendly option that you can stow away in the winter – or you can invest in a more permanent shade solution with a pergola. For this Scott’s Vacation House Rules deck, for example, Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni installed a stylish retractable pergola, which delivers shade when it’s sunny but still lets light shine through when needed.