The way that Americans are using their outdoor space has evolved in recent years. Our backyards are smaller. However, we’re still making excellent use of what we have. That’s what makes trendy contemporary deck ideas such a hot topic.
Let’s look at some numbers. The average US lot size is 8,560 square feet. Our house takes up 2,386 square feet or almost 30 percent of the land. Our tastes have changed too. Gone are the days of the swing set taking up the most real estate.
The most requested landscaping features emphasize low maintenance. We also want more outdoor space, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. The US Census Bureau estimates that only 69,000 of the 840,000 single-family homes built in 2018 did not have something outd00r-related.
Let’s take a look at what features are making an impression. What is getting us to spend more time outdoors enjoying our decks and backyards?
Table of Contents
1. Blur the Line Between the House and Deck
One of the most noticeable and compelling trends in contemporary deck ideas is how we are bringing the indoors outdoors and vice versa. Our outdoor space is an extension of our living quarters. We love it because it keeps us outside longer, enjoying the fresh air.
2. Use Color to Create the Right Mood
Color has a profound effect on our mood and well-being. Blue and green hues are excellent choices. They create an atmosphere that promotes peace and calm. When choosing outdoor furniture, pick ones that foster these positive feelings. It will make your time on your deck more enjoyable.
- Includes 2 corner chairs, 4 armless chairs, 1 coffee table, protective patio cover and clips
- No assembly required; easy setup lets you use right out of the box
- Premium all-weather PE resin wicker handwoven around rust-free powder coated aluminum frame; solidly welded frames for superior construction and durability
- Comfortable cushions are covered with water, UV and fade resistant covers and zippered for easy cleaning
- Modular sectional can be arranged to suit your needs
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Make Outdoor Features a Part of Y0ur Contemporary Deck Ideas
Take advantage of what the area around your yard offers. Make it a part of your landscaping. Open a space to the lake, forest, or grasslands near your property. Resist putting a visual barrier like a fence or hedge. That way, it will blend into your backyard. It’ll make your yard seem larger.
4. Discover the Pleasures of Eating Alfresco
Dining on your deck is the ultimate in luxury. It’s natural to go from the grill to the table with simply prepared food. Of course, that means plenty of fresh produce. And don’t forget the flowers for decoration. You are buying all of them from the local farmers’ market, naturally.
5. Use Natural Materials to Create an Outdoor Connection
Earth tones are an excellent choice for contemporary deck ideas. That’s because they promote a connection with the land. Take it to the next level. Use materials like wood, wicker, and cotton. That will keep the theme going strong. Bright colors distract from the feelings of relaxation. That is, after all, what we want our deck to inspire.
6. Opt for Warm-Colored Stains
There is a stark contrast between the feelings and atmosphere that cool shades invoke versus warm ones. We prefer the latter. They set a more inviting tone. It encourages you and your guests to linger. More conversation and good times are what we want. After all, that is the purpose of contemporary deck ideas.
7. Shed Some Light on the Matter
You have so many choices now with outdoor lighting. They go so far beyond the tiki torches of yore. Edison light bulbs, for example, strike the right balance between dimness and nostalgia. We find them irresistible. Solar lights are more affordable than ever. You’ll find plenty of choices to light up your walkways too.
- 【Ideal Bulb Space & Extension Cord】 2Ft bulb space makes the decoration more charming, which will nether too bright nor too dark, so the brightness of these lights is the most ideal. In particular, the outside string light is designed an Extension Cord at two ends, so that you can use it conveniently.
- 【Safe and Durable】The outdoor light string's sockets are using pure copper craft, with commercial grade UL approval, waterproof, windproof, heat-resistant, fast conduction and low heat. It's very safe for using.
- 【Dimmable】You can change brightness easily by dimmers (not included) to create the perfect atmosphere for a birthday party, family reunion, or wedding reception. It adds flair to bistro deck porch patio garden backyard terrace pergola café.
- 【Ideal Decoration】 These amber outdoor hanging lights emit warm and romantic ambience yellow light, that perfectly decorates your backyard and patio, brings your family a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
- 【Package & Customer Service】Package includes 24 sockets, 30 bulbs, 30 zip ties and 30 hook n’ loops. Our patio lights string with high quality is very value for money. We promised to offer a 12-month full after-sales service.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Upgrade Your Grilling Game with an Outdoor Kitchen
While we cherish our Weber grill. Yet, we love the possibilities that an outdoor kitchen brings to the table. Think of easier food prep. How about a greater repertoire of dishes to prepare, and more time with family and friends?
9. Make Your Deck an Outdoor Living Room
It used to be that we pulled out the lawn chairs or chaise lounge to sunbathe. Today, it’s so much more. We want to get comfy and relax. Read a book. Share a cool beverage. We’re all about whiling away an afternoon in style.
10. Keep Everything Open and User-Friendly
We love the idea of being able to wake up and walk right outside onto our deck to enjoy our morning cup of coffee. It probably explains why the patio and deck industry continues to grow. We are fast realizing the benefits of spending more time outdoors for our physical and mental health.
11. Bring the 2.0 Version of the Drive-in Theater
Some of our fondest childhood memories are the times we spent watching drive-in movies. We would lay on top of the family station wagon eating popcorn and drinking soda. Drive-ins are an endangered species. Yet, you can bring the experience home to your kids with an outdoor projection screen. After all, there are only 321 left in the country.
- MOVIE NIGHT - Host a party to end all parties with this inflatable movie screen. Whether it’s a family night, birthday party, or school event, this TV and movie projection screen will make it a hit!
- EASY SET UP - This outdoor movie screen has the option of front or rear projection, while only taking minutes to set up and take down. Pop up your own personal theater outdoors, anytime!
- STRONG - Designed with tough, durable fabric, this outdoor projector screen has a seam-free viewing area to ensure that it stays inflated without distracting from the fun.
- TOTAL PACKAGE - Includes a wide sturdy frame, white seamless viewing area, and powerful electric blower with ropes to secure. Use it outside, in the backyard, or as an inflatable drive in movie screen.
- QUICK & QUIET - The electric blower inflates this inflatable projector screen for outside in minutes. This means less time waiting and more time enjoying your movies!
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12. Light the Home Fires
Fire, like water, taps into the core of our being. Grilling is enjoyable. However, there’s something special about hanging out around a campfire. It draws us closer. Temporary spins on a fire pit make it safer. New products are more decorative too. Today, they are a necessary element to any contemporary landscaping.
13. Make it Private
They say that fences make good neighbors. But, they also send a negative message. A much kinder solution is shrubbery. You get your privacy without coming across as the neighborhood crouch. We love the natural option for that closer connection to nature.
14. Make it Romantic with a Hot Tub
What better way to wind down after a long day at work than to slip into a hot tub? Let your worries melt away with the bubbles. Add some romantic lighting. Then, you’ll have your private spa. Think of it as a place to retreat whenever you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. About 17 percent of millennials own a hot tub, and the numbers keep growing. There’s a good reason why the industry continues to expand.
15. Look Up for Possibilities
An arbor or pergola offers wonderful ways to add a focal point. We love the greenery they bring to a deck. They’ll also provide shade to keep your cool on those hot summer days. Besides, they look stunning. They also add interest. They create multiple layers in your landscaping.
16. Make a Water Feature Part of Your Contemporary Deck
We are huge fans of water features. Humans have an affinity for water. It’s like our mother calling us home. If you add a waterfall, you have an instant source of white noise. And there’s nothing more relaxing than staring at a pool of koi swimming in a pond. A nap on a hammock anyone?
- Dimensions: Patio Watcher hammock is large enough to accommodate 2 person. The hammock bed size is 77 inch x 55 inch (195 cm x 140 cm), 11.25-foot from loop to loop, the total length is 14-feet with the steel chain link. This hammock is comfortable and high quality, it’s designed to safely support a maximum capacity of 450 pounds.
- Durable Fabric: This Hammock is made of Textilene material that is soft, breathable, comfortable, weatherproof and oil proof. The fabric is vinyl coated for easy clean up and dry quickly.
- Easy to Use: There is a long wooden bar at each end with drilled out holes spaced throughout for the support ropes to go through. Each rope is super thick and braided for maximum durability and support. The 20 ropes collect together and weave into a very pretty triangle pattern, which attaches to a ring and the chain-link can be used for hanging the hammock.
- Wide Use: This rope hammock can be hung indoor or outdoor, it’s perfect for patio, garden, backyard, poolside or balcony when you reading, relaxing or sleeping. It offers many ways to lay or sit in it,with zero pressure on whole body. You can enjoy it with your family or your friends. It also makes an awesome gift for anyone.
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Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
17. Create Multiple Levels
There’s no rule that says a deck has to be only one level. Take advantage of the vertical and horizontal spaces. Create a few different landings for private gatherings and multiple uses. It’ll make it more interesting and inviting.
18. Make Your Deck Your Private Bar
Putting an outdoor bar on your deck is an excellent way to extend your entertaining options. You can give a tiki theme for a tropical feel. Or stick with something more traditional. Add a refrigerator or wine cellar, and you’re good to go!
- BIG STORAGE-3.2 Cu. Ft. capacity holds up t100 12-oz. cans in this beverage refrigerator. Mini size fit for everywhere, especially, perfect for your playroom, small kitchen and office.
- TOUCH PANEL DIGITAL TEMPERATURWE-Large digital display for quick monitoring and setting of any temperature. Equipped with automatic lock function. Working temperature range is 40°F- 61°F. This temperature ensuring your beverages are perfectly frosty.
- DOUBLE GLASS DOOR-Double-pane tempered glass door and air tight seal ensures maximum insulation.Clear double paned glass door make it easy to see what drinks are being chilled.
- ESSECTIVE BEVERAGE COOLER-This beverage refrigerator runs on a powerful but quiet compressor. Soft LED light making it easier to find a drink.The shelf is removable and can control the interior space.
- WARRANTE POLICY -Free replacement or parts guarantee for any quality problem within 90 days, Satisfaction guaranteed.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
19. Bring Your Deck Alive with Plants
They say that paintings and plants make your home, home. They do the same for your deck too, at least when you add living things. We suggest that you choose native species. It is the hottest trend, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. They are low maintenance. They can also handle whatever weather comes your way. We recommend using ones that you can bring inside to overwinter. That way, you have them for next year.
20. Add a Swimming Pool to Your Contemporary Deck
Make a swimming pool a part of your deck for a quick dip to cool off during those sultry summer nights. Experiment with different shapes. Curves add a relaxed feel, for example. Make it a focal point. You’ll have good company too. There are over 5 million in-ground and 3 million above-ground pools in the United States, according to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.
21. Screen-in a Portion of Your Deck
Don’t limit your time enjoying your deck to the summer. Add a screen-in part so that you can use it all year. Who says you can’t have grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner in the middle of winter? Americans are warming up to the idea of grilling anytime. Nearly one-quarter barbeque for their tailgating celebrations for the Super Bowl.
22. Build a DIY Jungle Gym for Your Kids
The store-bought ones are fine. However, nothing says love like a homemade jungle gym. Of course, there are all the necessary swings and toys. You can find free plans online or at your local home improvement center. You can put it in a designated kid area. That way, they have their own space too.
23. Opt for Composite Materials Instead of Wood
Wood, of course, is the classic choice for contemporary deck ideas. However, composite lumber has a lot to offer. It’s low maintenance. That means that you don’t have to stain it every year. It also won’t splinter. Availability has increased in recent years. You’ll find more kinds of materials too, making it one of the most popular trends in outdoor living spaces.
Final Thoughts
The way we use our outdoor spaces continues to evolve. No longer is it just the place where kids play. It’s the domain of the entire family. There are new options to entertain and enjoy being outside in the fresh air. The most popular contemporary deck ideas reflect this change in our thinking. They show it in gorgeous and practical ways.
