Erin Loechner from Design for Mankind shares her tips for easy deck decor that can transform your outdoor space in an afternoon. See her top picks for furniture and accessories that make decorating a deck a breeze.
At our home in the Midwest, spring is a big deal. It’s the parting of the clouds, the thawing of the ground, the great welcoming of all things warm-weather approved. It’s the official prelude to summer where the feet are bare, the drinks are cold, and the days are long, slow, and bright. You can feel it right around the corner, yes?
And still, we wait. We wait for the trees to bloom and the rain to cease while we flit about prepping our nest for springtime fun. After all, we’ve got to be ready when it arrives. We’ve got to greet it at the front door, apron over dress, muffins in hand.
And so, this is why we found ourselves dressing up our backyard in one weekend flat with little more than a screwdriver and our fingers hovering over the keyboard, pointing directly to Hayneedle.
From conversation sets to hammocks, drinkware to pet beds, and rugs to pillows, it couldn’t have been easier to gather the essential summertime pieces. We measured and daydreamed and clicked our computer mouse until poof — two weeks later — our project arrived, boxed and ready for simple, quick assembly.
We chose a neutral color palette to spotlight the textiles, ensuring a timeless appeal that will stay in style for years to come. Patio string lights amp up the cozy factor for daytime and provide a boost of celebratory light for evening sunsets. And with two layered rugs underfoot (we love the pattern mixing of stripes and patchwork!), no shoes necessary.
Our contemporary planters — black, gray and white — allow nature to take center stage while we sway in our hammock to the beat of a springtime breeze. No trees nearby? No problem. A hammock stand guarantees an afternoon nap — minus the hanging hassle.
With a comfortable conversation set (and pet bed for our four-legged friends!), there is plenty of space to huddle around our modern fire pits, both of which can be used as side tables for extra surface area (like S’mores fixins, of course!).
Dinner is prepared on a space-saving, powerhouse grill, while drinks flow freely in a durable glass pitcher and perfectly-sized-for-entertaining glassware. And of course, as the sun sets on our summery days, a soft throw and piles of pillows — striped, patterned and solid galore! — are a must. Who says stargazing is a lost art? Bundle up, springtime souls!
Visit Erin’s idea board for a closer look at the outdoor furniture and accents she chose for her guest-ready deck.
— Erin Loechner, Design for Mankind
