ALL ON DECK!

to store utensils for outdoor cooking and cleaning, charcoal for the barbecue and other items you may want at hand whenever you’re out on your deck. Clutter will spoil the look of your outdoor space so keep it neat. If you don’t have a large space to include a storage cabinet, get a storage bench that can double up as a seat. Other great space-savers are foldable outdoor furniture, hammocks or hammock chairs and settings that can be packed when not in use. being surrounded by plants. They add life and colour, and make your outdoor space more liveable and cool. Have potted plants on the deck or hang them on stands or feature walls. Place planter boxes too. If you place these along one side of your deck, they can serve as a privacy screen. Add a vertical garden to enhance the walls. You can also fix wire cables or frames on walls or poles to let creeping plants grow, creating a lovely living trellis over time.

Your deck can also be turned into an area to display your collection of artwork such as paintings. Have them secured onto walls with feature lighting to highlight them. Make your deck as welcoming at night as during the day. Deck lighting is a must. To add a little lighting charm, add small LED lights to the side of your deck or along steps. Lanterns and hanging lights are charming too. These are some feature lightings that can enhance your deck decor.

But you’ll also need lighting to perform tasks such as barbecuing, or lights to highlight displays like artwork, water features and even plants and trees. You also need task lighting for the dining table or over the barbecue area.