Spring has arrived and it won’t be long before you’ll be able to spend lots of time out on your deck or patio again. If you don’t already have a deck or patio in your yard, perhaps you’re planning to have one built. Planning a brand new deck or patio can be fun because there are a lot of ways to get creative with them and really make them your own. Here are a few examples of cool outdoor spaces to help spark your inspiration.
Image: Trex.com
Unusual Shapes
Decks and patios don’t necessarily have to be square or rectangular. You can potentially get really creative with things like circular shapes, curves, and more unconventional shapes. The above example from Trex gets very creative with teardrop-shaped sections and different colors of decking to create a leaf motif. While a deck this large won’t be practical for everyone’s backyard, it’s an idea which could be scaled back to fit your space.
Image: Frank Murray / DIY Network
Curved Lines and Transitions
Circular and curved decks and patios are very striking. Not only does the curved deck look very cool and stylish, the way it transitions into the patio next to it is great. This sort of arrangement is perfect for people who like to have guests over, since it naturally lends itself to extra seating.
Image: Jackson Riley Parker / DIY Network
A Cozy Fire Pit
Summer days can be very warm, but the temperature can really drop off once the sun goes down. Once the temperature starts to drop off, sitting around a cozy fire pit can be one of the best ways to spend an evening. Here’s how one homeowner made their fire pit seamlessly blend in with their deck and patio.
Image: Groundworks Inc. / HGTV
Urban Oasis
Living in the city doesn’t necessarily mean having to give up having plants and greenery. With some planters, urns, and rail or window boxes, there are plenty of ways you can bring nature right onto your balcony or patio so you can create a beautiful, relaxing space to spend time in.
Image: HouseLogic
Fiber Optic Lighting
We’ve talked about exterior lighting for your yard before, but for something truly unique, you might want to consider working fiber optic lighting into your outdoor decor. Fiber optic lighting is actually an ideal type of lighting for outdoor use. Since it doesn’t use electricity or conduct heat, it can handle any type of weather without being damaged. You may even be able to install it yourself! And since fiber optic cables are very small, they can fit just about anywhere, including right in your deck if that’s where you’d like to have it.
