Friday, May 23, 2014

Small Space Deck Decor Makeover


Small Space Deck Decor Makeover // Bubby and Bean

After so many months of being stuck inside after the horrendous winter we just had, I made a firm decision that I am going to spend as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors this summer on our little balcony-style deck.  I'm almost ashamed to say that we haven't hung out there much in the past.  We did put a small table and a couple of chairs out there, and we've eaten dinner out there a handful of times, but until now, its main purpose was to house some of our container garden veggies and our old, beat-up grill.  I decided that I wanted it to feel more like an outside living area, and even though space and privacy are very limited (we live in a townhouse and don't have a backyard), I figured that even just adding some colorful plants and flowers, some cushions, an umbrella, and a few decor items could easily transform the feel.  I'm kicking myself for not taking any 'before' pictures, but hey - not every project I do turns into blog content and I didn't realize I wanted to share this until after the fact. :)  Just imagine it looking all gloomy and barren and sad beforehand, okay?  And please ignore the peeling paint - we're re-staining in June.


Over the past few weekends, I went shopping and accumulated some pretty plants and flowers from several different local nurseries.  Then last weekend, I repotted them in terra cotta containers and in the flower boxes that hang on two sides of the deck railing.  We usually don't put anything in the flower boxes (although last year we did make a pathetically unsuccessful attempt at growing lettuce in them), and now that they're full of vibrant flowers, I can't believe I waited so long.  I added a couple of inexpensive outdoor pillows in brick red, a simple grey outdoor umbrella (this one, which is currently on sale for $20 off!), and a block candle lantern that I picked up at IKEA.  I also moved a few of my Buddha statues and crystals and rocks to outside, hung a cool solar powered silk lantern, and I'm going to grab some bulb lights this weekend to string up. It feels simultaneously fun and peaceful out there now, and I love it so much.  It took just a few hours and less than $150 to create a completely new space.  I'm so glad I finally did something with it and can't wait to hang out there all. summer. long.


In other news, it's Memorial Day weekend!  Robbie had to leave town to work a music festival, so I'm working a half day today, and in a few hours, Essley and I are going to kidnap my mom from her work and head down to Indianapolis to hang with my sister.  It's so rare that we get family girl time and I'm really excited for a mini road trip and getaway.  You can follow along with our adventures over on my Instagram (@bubbyandbean).  Have a wonderful weekend, babes!

Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

13 comments:

  1. It looks so cheerful out there! I love the plant boxes...perfect for small spaces.
    Have a great time with your mom and sister this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your deck is looking awesome, Melissa. Love all the succulents and accessories! I'm with ya, it's been glorious spending time on ours... we try to have dinner outside as much as possible or I usually finish my work day out there!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. At least you have a table and chairs. My husband threw ours away years go due to sun damage. We just have a few plants and our grill. The thing that makes it so miserable is, it is so hot on our deck. I wish our HOA would allow us to have a retractable awning.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a pretty little spot you've created! We actually have quite a large patio that we are guilty of never using because it faces out onto a large, busy street which makes conversation impossible when you're out there. But that's no reason I couldn't take a little inspiration from you and beautify it!
    xox,
    Cee

    ReplyDelete
  5. your buddhas are so cool and i love how cheery everything looks. makes me want to do something similar to our small patio.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love this! Can you come redo my deck? =)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your deck looks great. I would definitely not mind hanging out there. =0)
    You're gonna have an awesome girls weekend. Yay for mini road trips and family time!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the spiky plants mixed with the bright flowers. It looks really pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Super cute outside space! That crystal is gorgeous. I'm a small space patio girl too...always such a fun challenge to decorate all the nooks and crannies!

    Have a fun getaway!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So cute!
    We're doing the same thing to our little patio. I'm trying to space out the buying of the plants and whatnot because of the baby coming (gotta prioritize money blah) but I can't wait until the patio is finished! Hopefully by July!! We scored some pretty solar string lights at Target if you're looking for solar ones, they have tons of different styles and when we got them they were on sale :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks so much for your comments everybody! I'm glad you like it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. looks so peaceful, would love to sit here with you and have a coffee and talk about life. <3

    sis

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love this! I have a lot of similar pieces scattered around my home too, amethyst, succulents, buddhas.... I need to start expanding to the outside area with them all too. This area looks like the perfect place for an iced tea and some dog loving after work. ;)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting! We love reading your thoughts and we're grateful for your input. (All spam will be deleted.)