Decorating your deck or any outdoor space needs more planning than plonking a couple of chairs down. 

Designing the perfect outdoor space needs specific planning and forethought. 

You will need to take into consideration factors such as protection from the elements, how to incorporate planting as well as how you will use the space. 

Lets face it, your deck usually takes a beating. 

Both from the elements and the family. 

Whilst soccer balls and big dogs are banned from coming inside, things are a little more lenient in outdoor rooms. 

This means you need to be mindful of the materials and accessories you use. 

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Start by figuring out what you will be using the space for. 

Do you want to use it as an extra living space or an outdoor kitchen? 

Will the children be playing there or the pets sleeping there? 

Will you use it for entertaining or peaceful contemplating? Is there a view you can take advantage of? 

Furniture should be well-wearing and should suit the purpose of the room. 

Include a dining table if you plan to host BBQ’s on your deck. 

If there is room for sitting and enjoying the view, set up a seperate space with a few chairs that face the best vantage point. Include side tables to hold the wine and cheese, but make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold your glass steady should the dog come flying past or a soccer ball make it’s way up onto your entertaining area.

Plants are a great way to liven up the space. 

Try and stick to a maximum of three colours when it comes to pots, and if possible, use these colour combinations throughout your furnishings. 

This allows you to go crazy with potted colour, without spoiling the coordinated look of your outdoor space. 

Ensure you use a variety of tall and short plants. Use hanging pots and makeshift shelving to arrange plants. 

This reflects what happens in nature and will make your outdoor space seem more cosy and comfortable. 

Protection from the elements is very important in an outdoor space. 

Make sure you have shade from the midday sun and that your cooking area is protected from the wind. There’s nothing more frustrating that trying to keep a flame alight on a windy day. 

Keep your furniture away from the hot cooking area; kids love to run around furniture so it’s best to keep both areas clear. 

Finally, determine the lighting you need. Task lighting will be needed for the cooking areas, mood lighting for the lounge areas and a string of party lights will ensure your outdoor space enjoys a fun, lively feel all year round.