Easy Outdoor Decorating: Mixing Old & New Deck Decor

Mixing old & new doesn't necessarily mean the old are rusty found objects - Old items can be pieces you already have renewed with paint or refreshed when paired with new accents. Even though I love shopping secondhand (for the budget savings & creative challenge) I love scoring new decor deals at home stores, such as HomeGoods, Target, Lowe's and Home Depot. Although I had planned out the upper deck dining area (see boards & post here), ironically the first space I pulled together was the lower level of the deck. I couldn't wait to sit in the shade to enjoy the view, listen to the birds sing, and sip my morning coffee! 

After our deck repairs and staining were complete, I was so excited to pull together the outdoor spaces, to safely start enjoying them. Along with some outdoor pieces I already had from Florida and Arizona, I also scored a great deal on a 4 piece white wicker set during Market Week right here in High Point this Spring. When I bought it, I had intended on painting the white wicker matte black, but right now I'm enjoying its more back-porch southern style in white. 

 

 

At first, I had just used some pillows I had gotten while living out in Phoenix, but the white needed something a little more bold & crisp than what I had. A quick trip to a local HomeGoods and I was able to layer in just the new oomph the white wicker needed - and the layered patterns compliment the newly dark stained deck...

 

  

 The Black & White Stripe pattern is repeated in the accent rug, b&w outdoor pillows and coffee mugs  + the check pattern of magnifying glass handle - also all from HomeGoods - just not all at the same time...

The lattice pattern is repeated in the shadow, pillow print and white ceramic lanterns. A  tray on the wicker table gives a solid surface for beverages...

 

  
 Tossing a small accent rug on an angle gives a relaxed feel to this shaded retreat (plus still reveals the newly stained deck!)

Not all inspiration comes from Pinterest - I've really enjoyed flipping through my morning deck reads: a book on birds plus a Southern Living landscape book (both thrift scores here in NC!) and I also still enjoy combing through shelter magazines, such as Traditional Home...

 The thrifted white wicker texture complimented with black metal & solid white accents, such as two small Happy Chic white vases - empty now but can be used for small yard clippings and tablescape later...

 

 

Originally white, a small metal accent table (I was using in AZ in our bathroom) works great on the deck now, holding a plant in a relaxing shaded nook. Next year adds (earlier in Spring) - Outdoor panels, vines on the lattice, and outdoor lighting - This year, just enjoy the summer shade...

Not piling on the pillows onto the settee gives it room for people to sit, as well as a space for an extra pillow to come off a chair, and not need to pile up on the floor - It's just enough to relax without getting too fussy. Besides, when winter comes back around, some of the accents will need to go into shed storage...

Although the white garden stools aren't a thrift find, they too were a great deal on special from Home Depot. Again, not over-accessorizing their tops leaves surface space for a magazine, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a phone, a foot rest, a plant or even additional seating...

Although I have thought about layering in outdoor panels, I think I'll wait and layer them in next Spring -- along with (maybe) hanging a row of framed lattice panels along the back of the this covered deck space, to give back wall interest & and contrast - especially with the white wicker, which has grown on me!

Getting It Together:
Mixing Old & New - Deck Decor

HomeGoods Finds - from Greensboro, NC to Phoenix, AZ and Miami FL

2 green lattice outdoor pillows + 2 B&W outdoor pillows

2 white ceramic lanterns + B&W stripe mugs

B&W square tray + stripe throw rug + oval straw mat

Metal accent table + bamboo trim ceramic vases

B&W lumbar (interior only pillow)

Other deck details in the mix:

Settee cushion + 2 chair cushions + 4 green, white, tan, black stripe pillows

(Garden Ridge AZ 2013 & NC 2015)

4 piece white wicker set (to be painted) - $175

(Antique Vintage Thrift - High Point 2015)

2 books ($6) -The Red Collection - Greensboro NC 2015

Bronze chaise (to be painted) JCP AZ 2012

2 black metal bistro folding chairs - JCP FL 2008

Black metal round folding table - Target NC 2015 
2 White Ceramix (brand) garden stools - Home Depot NC 2015

 

All plants (minus 2 ferns) $50

local nursery - closing sale

2 ferns - $7 each - First day of Spring at Lowe's

B&W planter containers: 

I collected over time from Big Lots, Home Depot & Thrift.

I painted them black & white to look more graphic on the deck and to give them a more cohesive style.

Two B&W urns (upside down, either side of settee as plant stands)

Old JCP display urns (free!) from '96 - I had previously used them for our front entry in Phoenix, and I also used them in the dining room in Florida.

Now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy this shaded summer outdoor space, with my husband, plus invite the neighbors over - for some grillin' upstairs, and chillin' downstairs!

If you would like to see the deck before you can view at: 

Before & After: Two-Story Black Slate Stain Deck & Repair

Here are 5 Take-Away Tips for Decorating Your 

Deck, Patio, or Small Outdoor Living Space

1. Ensure your space is safe & repaired.

2. Refrain from overdecorating - leave space for drinks, reads, and feet!

3. Have fun with pattern - take cues from what's around you!

4. Just like inside: collect over time for personalized style!

5. Smaller toss rugs set on an angle give a care-free look, while still revealing deck boards for color & texture.

Also to consider: Top 2 Weather Conditions

1. For rain or sun-drenched climates, ensure you're using specified outdoor fabrics to prevent mold and fading.

2. Consider winter storage space to extend your outdoor furnishings (and plants!) life.

*** Deck Safety Tip Reminder: ***

If your deck is 10 years old, have it inspected and repaired before loading with decor, furniture & people. Have your deck checked every 3 years after.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope you are inspired and enjoy your outdoor deck decor!

Note: This post is sponsored by HomeGoods and the Happy By Design project. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.