4 Simple Ways to Update Your Deck for Summer
This post was sponsored by Lowe’s Canada; all opinions and styling are my own.
Canadians sure do appreciate the great outdoors and I've found if we have the chance to create a welcoming outside space to enjoy the summer months, we will. I've been working on a whole home renovation inside, so it was really important to me to create a little oasis for myself outside to escape the mess and dust a reno brings.
By Erica Cook
With a little time and effort, it's amazing what new plants, accessories, and lighting can do to transform a space. I'm sharing a before image (below) for you to see what I started out with. The accent cushions had seen better days and the space needed a little personality and warming up.
To achieve my finished look I started with the existing planters.
Lowe's has an amazing selection of tropical plants, so I picked out two giant palms to give them some height and substance. A staff member (thanks Kai!) helped me pick the perfect annuals to fill the rest of the pots. Once home, I transplanted the palms into the planters and then did what I'd refer to as a test run or placement of the little plants before I actually planted them. This ensured the right balance and spacing. For these planters I went with wave petunias in white, white begonias, sweet potato vine, limelight helichrysum, and dichondra.
I also spotted some amazing patio decor pieces. I love a good exterior area rug! Not only do they warm up the space but also add that necessary touch to ground the furniture. Plus, they just feel nice under your feet. There was a great selection of toss cushions that coordinate perfectly with the area rug so I loaded up. I then added some lanterns, a tray, flameless candles (with timer setting), and real candles.
The rest of the planters get full sun, so I picked out Russian sage for the centres. Not only do they also provide some height, but they also smell great and I love the silvery foliage. The plants surrounding the sage, sweet potato vine in dark plum shade, limelight helichrysum, and wave petunias, are all annual trailing and flowering and able to take full sun.
For this little spot I added a larger timer candle and a succulent, as well as the same plantings as mentioned above for full sun.
Pulling together the necessary items plus setting up and planting only took a day to complete and has already made me so happy!
About the Author
Erica Cook
Moth Design Blog
Erica Cook, a trained Interior Designer, got her start working with Sarah Richardson Design in her private firm as well as on her HGTV shows, Design Inc. and Sarah's House. Erica later ventured into blogging and social media in 2009. She established Moth Design sharing her design expertise and has since become known as a lifestyle and entertaining expert as well as a source for simple and stylish DIY projects. You can follow Erica on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Deck Makeover Shopping List
Deck Makeover Shopping List
A Budget-Friendly Outdoor Patio Refresh
Shutters, patio furniture, and plants! Follow along blogger’s Stacey’s patio quick refresh as she makeover some of her favourite pieces and adds some new items to her backyard patio.
Quick & Easy 5 Item Patio Makeover
Summer is finally here! Find out how blogger Jessica Van Gaalen transformed her backyard patio with new outdoor furniture, string lights, and a privacy fence!
By Jessica Van Gaalen
Megan McLeod shares her quick front porch ideas. With a few simple additions like potted plants and door mats, and a quick coat of paint on her front door, discover Megans easy porch makeover!