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June 20, 2018 By Abby Lawson 29 Comments

Summer Deck Decorating Ideas

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Get your outdoor spaces ready for entertaining guests with these helpful summer deck decorating ideas!

Summer Deck Decorating Ideas

Hello, hello! I am so excited to be joining back up with my friend Krista from The Happy Housie and the rest of the Seasonal Simplicity crew this week to share our decks, porches, patios, and other outdoor spaces all decorated for summer! If you're popping over from Jenn's place at Clean and Scentsible, welcome! I just love her style, don't you?!

I gave a little sneak peek of our deck in last week's Summer Home Tour, but I'm excited to get to share the whole thing with you today, along with some simple summer deck decorating ideas (say that ten times fast 😉 )!

If you've been following along with our house progress for a while, you'll know that we did not originally have a deck. We built our home with a community builder (it's a Palermo by Ryan Homes), and they don't include the deck with the building plan; you have to add it on yourself later. Adding the deck was at the top of the priority list because one of the reasons we chose our house was because of the great view from the back, so last summer we made it happen!

Backyard Deck Created with AZEK Building Products, View of Orchard and Farm Land

We went with an AZEK deck, which is made of PVC / recycled plastic rather than a wood deck (you can read about our reasoning in this post), and we have loved the look and the way it has held up (even through the harsh Pennsylvania winter!) over the past year.

Simple Summer Deck Decorating Ideas

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Now I confess, our deck isn't all "decked out" (excuse the pun 🙂 ) like it is in these photos all the time. We are in Pittsburgh, PA, so weather is always a factor we need to be thinking about. We had a major snow in April this year, then had 80-90 degree weather the next week, and have gone back and forth between pouring rain and perfect sunshine more times than I can count, so really anything is possible here!

DIY Farmhouse Style Outdoor Table and Benches on a Gray Deck with Black and White Railings

(In fact, when I was decorating the day I took these photos, I actually had to pull everything in and then set it up again because it started to rain, even though the weather report said it was going to be clear! Oh, Pittsburgh!)

But when we have guests over and the weather cooperates, I love to get our deck all gussied up because it is one of our favorite places to hang out, spend time with friends, and just enjoy each other's company. When I'm getting the deck ready for one of these occasions, I typically abide by a few simple guidelines...

1. Decide on a Color Scheme

I've found that seasonal decorating is so much easier when I give myself some parameters! Not only does a color scheme help make the space look cohesive, but it also allows me to quickly gather everything I have that fits with the theme and put it to work in the space.

For this summer's porch, I decided to take colors that I usually use inside-- like pink and aqua-- and use brighter versions of them outside for a nice punch of color.

DIY Farmhouse Table and Benches on an Azek Deck with Teal and Pink Accents

(Psssttt... Would you believe this table is a DIY?! Donnie built it last summer and wrote a post about it here.)

I didn't do anything complicated or go out and buy a whole bunch of new stuff. In fact, for the most part I was able to...

2. Use What I Have

It is tempting to go out every time I am decorating for a new season and buy a whole bunch of decor pieces, but the longer I decorate, the more I have realized that that strategy not only gets expensive, but it typically leaves me with a lot of extra clutter. (And we all know how much I hate clutter!)

Instead of buying a whole new round of decor items for each season, then, I try to choose a color scheme (see #1!) that allows me to incorporate mostly items I already have. Then I get the added challenge of being creative and thinking outside the box to use my items in an atypical way.

I didn't have a table runner or placemats that went along with the color scheme I had in mind, so I grabbed a scarf that I've had for years, and it ended up being the perfect backdrop for the rest of our table decor.

Use a Scarf as a Table Runner, DIY Farmhouse Table

The rug I typically use in our outdoor space didn't match either, so instead of buying one, I just borrowed the one from my office for this occasion and returned it when we were finished.

Outdoor Seating Area, Conversation Area with Teal Accents

Our exact conversation set isn't sold anymore, but this one is really similar.

I even grabbed flowers I had from a few left over bouquets and put them together to create the little arrangement in the middle of the table.

DIY Outdoor Farmhouse Table with Teal and Pink Decor, Floral Centerpiece

chargers, plates, small bowls, carafes, vase- At Home

While I'll occasionally buy an extra item or two if it's something we'll use in the long term, I am often able to decorate seasonally by just using what I already have, saving myself money and storage space!

3. Let Food Double as Decor

I love food as decor because it looks pretty, and then we get to eat it, so it tastes yummy too! I used a bunch of lemons and limes this year, which also gave an extra punch to our water...

Outdoor Coffee Table with Lemon and Lime Water

pitcher, goblets, white bowl, towel, tray- HomeGoods

Outdoor Deck Seating Area with Teal Accents

The blueberries and raspberries were kind enough to fit right in with my selected color scheme, and they were also delicious!

Outdoor Table Setting with a Scarf as a Table Runner

And I'm kind of a carb-a-holic, so bread was an obvious choice for decorating + eating too! 🙂

DIY Outdoor Farmhouse Table with Summer Decor

4. Add Lots of Pillows and Throws for Coziness (Even if it's only temporary!)

Throw pillows are my weakness. I don't have a lot of shoes or handbags or make up, but throw pillows? I am definitely not a minimalist when it comes to those! I love that they're pretty and can add instant coziness to a space as well.

I simply grabbed a bunch from my stash, along with some soft throw blankets (I am ALWAYS cold!), and my otherwise plain-looking seating area was immediately more interesting and more comfortable.

Outdoor Conversation Set with Teal Decor on an AZEK Deck

aqua pillows, floral pillow, gray and white striped throw, dark gray throw

The pillows and throws must've been looking extra cozy that day because Caleb snuck out and tried to take a nap on them while I was taking pictures-- cutest little photo bomber!

Outdoor DIY Farmhouse Truss Beam Table with Summer Decor

With the Pennsylvania weather issues that I mentioned earlier, I don't leave our pillows and throws out here permanently, but they are a nice touch when we're entertaining.

5. Go the Easy Route with Plants

Finally, I am the first to admit that I am FAR from a master gardener, but I still like to have pretty plants and flowers, so I go the easy route and use Drop-N-Bloom plants from Home Depot for my planters. (You can read more about my simple planter strategy in this post.)

Planters on a gray AZEK deck with black and white railings and a beautiful view of orchards and farm land

The plants already come mixed in the perfect combination, and I just water them and give them a bit of plant food every once in a while, and they're good to go. So simple!

Backyard View of Farm Land and Orchards, AZEK Island Oak Decking and Dark Hickory Border

What are your favorite simple ideas for summer decorating? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!

Farmhouse DIY Table and Benches, Outdoor Summer Deck Decorating Ideas

Outdoor Seating Area, Summer Deck Decorating Ideas

large lanterns

Summer Deck Decorating Ideas with a Seating Area with Teal Accents

garden stool, side table, faux banana leaf plant

Shop Our Deck

If you'd like to see the rest of this year's summer decor, don't miss these posts:

Our Summer Home Tour

Our Summer Porch

Summer Shelf Decor

Summer Sunroom

Before you take off, be sure to hop around and visit my incredibly talented blog friends who are sharing their gorgeous outdoor spaces as well! Stacy Risenmay is up next, and you can catch the rest of the tour via the links below!

The Happy Housie /Inspiration for Moms / Rooms for Rent / Bless'er House

Shabbyfufu / Summer Adams / Making it in the Moutains / TIDBITS

Confessions of a Serial DIYer / Clean and Scentsible / Just a Girl and Her Blog / Stacy Risenmay

Zevy Joy / Finding Silver Pennies / Deeply Southern Home / A Pretty Life

Southern State of Mind / Amber Tysl / Newly Woodwards

Happy Summer!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Filed Under: Decorating Tagged With: deck, outdoor decor, summer decor

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allyson says

    June 20, 2018 at 10:06 am

    I love how you decorate!! Always beautiful!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      Aw, thanks, Allyson! Happy Friday eve! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  2. Jane says

    June 20, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    What do you leave out on the deck when it’s not gussied up? And what do you do in winter? I struggle with this in Canada!!!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 20, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      Great questions! The table and benches, the conversation set, the side tables, the grill, and the planters are out there all the time in the spring/summer/fall. There is a box on the end of the deck (you can see it peeking into a few of the pictures) where we keep the cushions for the seating so they don't get rained on but are easy to grab when we want to sit out there. In the winter, we store the conversation set in our basement, and we put an enormous tarp over the table and benches and secure it with bungee cords. (The table and benches weigh a TON, so it's not practical to bring them in and out.) I hope this helps!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  3. Stacy Risenmay says

    June 20, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    I love how colorful it is! And that view is pretty great too!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Stacy! Happy Friday eve! 🙂

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  4. Kim says

    June 20, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    This is beautiful, Abby! Love all the seating you have - perfect for your family and entertaining. And I'm pretty envious of the no-maintenance decking. It will look awesome year after year. So you get to focus on the fun parts and not restaining/painting. 😉

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      Thanks so much, Kim! It is definitely a perk that it is so low maintenance. We are loving it! Hope you're having a wonderful week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  5. Sara says

    June 20, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    Not only are the decorations gorgeous, but that view! Takes my breath away every time I see it!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      Thanks so much, Sara! It really is SO beautiful. Love it. Have a great evening! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  6. Christy James says

    June 20, 2018 at 10:45 pm

    Beautiful deck space, Abby! Love the table that Donnie built and that view!!! Gorgeous! XO

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      Thank you, sweet friend! I am loving it! Hope you're having the best week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  7. Kristi says

    June 20, 2018 at 11:46 pm

    Those views are just incredible Abby! LOVE these colourful outdoor spaces you've created!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      Thanks so much, Kristi! Definitely excited to spend a lot of time out there this summer! 🙂 Hope you're having an awesome week!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  8. Summer Adams says

    June 21, 2018 at 1:36 am

    Oh Abby! You have done such a beautiful job! What I wouldn’t give to have a back patio and deck like that! XOXO

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      June 21, 2018 at 8:57 pm

      Aw, thank you! You're too sweet. It definitely is my favorite place to hang out! 🙂 Hope you're having a great week!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  9. Isabel @ Family Life Blog says

    June 21, 2018 at 11:49 pm

    My favorite thing about this post is that you often repurpose a lot of your items. I love that you used your scarf as a runner. I usually want to get new items for everything we're going to do, but if I just take time and look around, I know I will be able to find something to repurpose! And in the end, we end up with a lot of clutter if we just buy new things all the time, like you said. You're so creative and I love your taste! Everything looks wonderful!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      July 01, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      You are too sweet. Thanks so much, Isabel! Hope you have a wonderful week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  10. Jo-Anna says

    June 22, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    Your deck space looks lovely Abby! I love all the pops of turquoise, it's a perfect summer colour! And that view...it's amazing!!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      July 01, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      Aw, thank you so much, Jo-Anna! Enjoy your Sunday! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  11. Jo-Anna says

    June 22, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    What a beautiful deck space Abby, I love the look of the AZEC decking, it's exactly what I'd love to install on our next deck...one day! You've done a really nice job with this space, I love all the pops of colour! And that view...it's amazing!!

    Reply
  12. Candi/Mare says

    June 23, 2018 at 9:34 am

    Hi Abby! Nice to meet another Pittsburgher! I just love how you decorate your house. Love your new house. & love your deck & how you decorated it!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      July 01, 2018 at 12:06 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Candi! Great to "meet" you! 🙂 Have a wonderful day and enjoy this beautiful weather! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  13. Wendy says

    June 23, 2018 at 7:42 pm

    Hi Abby,
    It is pouring in Centreville, VA and I get to enjoy it from my covered front porch.
    Your deck looks amazing and the colors are so right for summertime. The only things on my deck right now are last years basil plant (which is now an untasty looking weed) and a car floor mat that was doused in strawberry milkshake. ?Your posts always inspire me. Enjoy the cozy rainy weather in Pittsburgh!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      July 01, 2018 at 12:05 pm

      Thanks so much, Wendy! Hope you're enjoying your Sunday! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  14. Leslie says

    June 24, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    Its' all so cozy and comfy. I know you have got to enjoy every minute of that view!! Just beautiful!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      July 01, 2018 at 12:04 pm

      It really is. I plan on spending a lot of time out there this summer! 🙂 Have a great week!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  15. Deanna says

    June 25, 2018 at 9:03 am

    The seating area is so cute and cozy. It's so amazing that your blogging career has turned into a successful family business that has allowed you to really live out your dreams. Determination and good teamwork paying off! Your home is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      July 01, 2018 at 12:04 pm

      You are too sweet. Thank you so much, Deanna! It really is a dream! Have a wonderful week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply

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