Well, our goal was to get to enjoy our deck by Labor Day and we squeaked in with just a few days to spare. And in case you couldn’t tell, I’m jazz hands excited about it. Don’t ask me what this move is called. John just picked up the camera and aimed it at me and this happened. It’s a pose straight out of Kids Incorporated.
We probably would have taken a rickety card table and some metal folding chairs, so we’re psyched to have found actual end-of-season discounted furniture to put out there for the long haul – but we definitely have more in mind for finishing things off (more on that in a minute). Oh and we mentioned that we have to wait a bit to stain or seal this baby (more on that here) so that will definitely add a lot more richness to the wood so it looks a lot more polished.
As for the process of bringing furniture out there, first we plopped our freshly sealed World Market table down in the middle of the deck (centered between our two zippered seams, which will be a lot more obvious when the wood shrinks up a bit and gets sealed/stained so it’s a richer color). You can see from the pic below that there’s not a giant amount of room on each side of the table, but it’s almost three feet (on each side), which is thankfully workable for us. Each board is 6″ wide, so it’s around 32″ of clearance.
Now let’s fast-forward to the fun part. Not only did we add our acacia wood chairs from Joss & Main (which we think will be a similar color to the deck once it’s stained or sealed), but we brought in some pillows, a runner, and some other accessories. Come on, you guys know I couldn’t resist that stuff if I tried. It’s a sickness. I have pillow problems.
Let’s get close enough to lick that yellow chair, shall we?
On the table we have a runner we’ve had for about three years along with a yellow thrift store dish that I use to hold our napkins and some other outdoorsy items (like our yellow gurgle pot, a woven decanter, and some woven cups – all found at HomeGoods over the years). And as for the fun ikat-ish outdoor seat cushion, that’s from Garden Ridge. They have like three giant aisles full of outdoor seat cushions for anyone who’s on the hunt.
And although the space on either side of the table looks a little tight in the shots above, I was just cropping those tighter so my accessories could shine. Haha. And we’re back to pillow problems. Anyway, here’s a better shot from the side so you can see the room behind the chairs (which are pulled out a bit in this shot, but not all the way):
If someone’s in them it usually leaves around a foot and a half for scooting behind them (with someone in the chairs they usually bump out to the other end of the board that they’re on in the pic above, which leaves around 16″ behind them for scooch-age). It’s not enough room to do a pirouette, but it works for slipping by. Whew. We’ve also talked about pushing the table up against either side of the house if we ever want more clearance, but so far it has been all good. You know we’ll keep you posted if we rearrange things though!
But enough layout chitchat. Let’s focus on the important stuff. Like this yellow ceramic fish that makes my heart sing.
Oh yeah, and we still have those bird napkins from Ikea that we used for Clara’s party. They keep making them so every time we slip through we stock up on more. Can’t. Leave. Without. Bird. Napkins.
Here’s a little makeshift just-for-now corner that I tossed together (mostly for Clara since it’s a nice little play-zone over there). Eventually we’d love to add a larger seat (preferably something plush) along with some large potted plants to lush up that hard little corner of wood and brick (and keep any children from trying to climb over the chair / hop that railing). And of course that woven toy basket does best indoors, so it’s something I just tote in at the end of the evening.
I borrowed the green drum stool from the guest room (originally from HomeGoods for $39), and actually found that rabbit at Marshall’s last week for $12. I think he’s thoroughly enjoying the new deck. Oh and that cactus thing is Clara’s toy but I totally play with it too (it’s by Plan Toys). And this outdoor pillow is also from Garden Ridge.
We set everything out on the deck yesterday afternoon while Clara was napping, so when she woke up we got to do a big reveal for her. Not surprisingly she said “ooh the pretty pretty deck!” and ran over to the little basket of toys that I had dragged out there and went nuts. That’s my girl. And Burger followed right behind her. See him lurking in the bottom corner? He’s just waiting for his turn with the giant orange ball.
Wait, how have we not talked about the yellow chairs?! They were my dream from the very beginning (back when I made this mood board) and although I heard a few tips that they sold them at Menard’s for something like $39, the best I could find (there sadly isn’t a Menard’s in our area) was $51 with free shipping through Joss & Main. But they came painted with outdoor automotive paint (read: durable) and were sealed and ready to be put out (wahoo! no additional prep work like the table and chairs!) so here’s hoping they hold up for a nice long time.
I worried they wouldn’t be comfy at the table since they might be too low or bulky, but with the added seat cushion they’re just the right height (they were a tad too low without it) and the arms actually tuck under the table, so they can even be pushed in. In the end, they’re the best seats in the house on the deck. Here’s Burger demonstrating their comfy-factor. Rough life he has.
Oh and remember how we mentioned that we were required to add a little extra railing to meet our county’s code? Well it’s actually super handy since Clara uses it to get up and down. Wahoo. Although last night we ended up digging out her old baby gate and setting it up in front of the stairs to keep her and Burger hostage on the deck instead of worrying about them running up and down while we’re out there. Worked like a charm.
And as for our deck plans down the road, we’d love to:
- add big bulb string lights draped overhead for the length of the deck
- bring in a lot more planters/plants to soften the harsh angles and edges
- add that big plush chair for the play corner that we mentioned, along with more Clara-friendly stuff like a sand & water table
- paint that darn electric meter (more on that in a second)
- build a small paver patio at the bottom of the deck steps for the BBQ (since it’s currently over on the patio where we play but never eat)
- build a gate that’s prettier than the old baby gate we’re using now (we rented a beach house once with a deck gate and it was awesome for kids/dogs)
- stain/seal the deck once the wood has dried out/is ready for it
- we’d even eventually love to paint the siding a medium gray tone that’s in the brick/mortar so it feels more balanced someday
So there you have our freshly furnished deck (at this point the patio is totally complaining because he was completed last year but still only has two adirondak chairs to his name, haha). Someday we’ll get back to that side of the house again. In the meantime, let’s all just take a moment to soak up one universal truth. The weird little alley that we inherited with our house is no more:
Ding, dong, the alley’s dead!
Oh and see that ugly electric meter on the left of the shot above? Ugh. I’m totally planning to paint it to match the brick like we did back in our first house when something similar was cluttering up our patio. It seems like it wouldn’t make much of a difference, but it’s kind of amazing how much paint can help things like that blend. Check out this pic from this old post back in 2009. They’re not invisible, but they’re a lot less “look at me!” than they were when they were all gray. And in our county you own those boxes, so it’s ok to paint them (it’s always good to call your county and check if you can before you have at it).
Oh and since we’re on the subject of what once was, here’s the old view from the hallway off of the living room and kitchen before Project Deck The Alley began. A nice little rotting balcony complete with some weeds and a straight shot at the air conditioner.
And here it is now. Wahooo! No more weediness, rotting wood, or air conditioner in sight!
We’d love to switch those sliders out with french doors to swank things up – in fact we’re pricing out a few options to see if it’s something we can do now (whee!) or something we need to wait and save up a bit more for (womp-womp). Will keep you posted! And as for what big project we’ll be tackling next, we’re debating between whipping our crazy not-even-functional-anymore basement into shape or adding some wainscoting/board & batten to our yawn of a hallway (not our frame one, the one that leads to Clara’s room). We’ll let you guys know where we land as soon as we… land. Haha.
But let’s end this little deck dalliance with the what’s your favorite part game. I’m the most obsessed with the yellow chairs and the ikat cushions. John loves the giant table that he can’t wait to “fill with food.” Perhaps there are gurgle pot lovers out there? Or you’re like Clara and you’re the most into the $2 ball from Target?
Psst- You can see how we planned, sourced, and built this beast of a deck here and see how we planned to furnish things a while back in this little mood board post.
Love the yellow chairs! I’ve seen those in a bunch of places but always with white arms—where did you find ones with arms that match?
PS—I think I’ve spent approximately 96% of my waking hours on your blog since I discovered it on Sunday. LOVE it!
They were from jossandmain.com. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Congrats! Looks so awesome!
Beautiful! Love the yellow chairs and the blue & green accents!
P.S. I live in Rhode Island and was driving thru the main street of a small town today and saw this little girl with the blondest hair and actually did a double take and said “Could that be Clara!!?” It wasn’t, of course, but it did make me laugh!!
So funny!!
xo
s
“Let’s get close enough to lick that yellow chair, shall we?”
I am cracking up over this line, which is precisely why I faithfully read YHL each and every day. You rock the words, Sherry! And congrats on your beautiful new deck (can’t wait for the outdoor lights to be added). ENJOY!
I love it, so cozy and cohesive back there now! I’m really digging those yellow chairs too. My grandma had those when I was little.
I [pre] ordered your book earlier this month and I can’t wait to get it but I messed up and ordered another book in a trilogy I’m reading and hit the ‘send it all together’ option and now I’ll be getting both of them in November. Opps – guess I better be caught up on all other reads by then!!
Oops, I would totally do that by accident too! Sorry for the delay!
xo,
s
The deck looks great!
Of course, for a full Kids, Inc. pose, I think you need to do the jazz hands across your face for dramatic effect. :)
Big, big congrats on this project! It’s fab. And major up vote for Kids Incorporated. Love that show. Ah, Fergie, back in the day.
Aaah, it looks gorgeous! Congrats on a job well done. Love that we were with the whole saga from start to finish. Hope you get some great use out of it this weekend!
The deck looks phenomenal, you guys. A really fantastic addition to the house.
K! I! D! S!
I think I like the stairs best. I’m bad in that I am so lazy about bringing stuff in and out that our outdoor furniture got all ick from sitting out 24/7
We’re in the middle of a deck redo now (literally, my father-in-law is outside right now laying decking) and I’m so excited to bring in those finishing touches! Yours looks amazing!
Love what you’ve done with the space! My boyfriend and I are about to be first-time homebuyers, so your blog is super inspiring! I’ve pre-ordered your book and I can’t wait to read it!
I was wondering – silly question, I know! – but do you leave out the paper items (books, napkins) – or bring them in when nasty weather threatens? Or were they just for the shoot? Haha, weird question, I know.
Oh yes, that was just me being crazy and accessorizing. They all came in so it’s just the chairs, table, outdoor cushions, and drum shade outside (since those are outdoor-ok).
xo,
s
I just read your reply to this and wondered what drum shade you had outside that was outdoor-friendly. Then I realized you meant drum STOOL. ;) I totally thought I missed something the first time I read the post this morning!
Looks great! I’ve had those yellow chairs on my list for a while and am finally going to drive past a Menards this weekend as I head north so I plan on stopping and picking up one to sit in on my grill patio.
Hahahahahhaha, yes I meant drum stool, not shade. Haha. I’m a weirdo!
xo,
s
And I wonder if the previous owners look at this blog and say, “Wow, they did that project we always thought about!” or something like that.
Yay! Love it! You guys rock!!
Wow, looks great you guys! I love the pops of yellow – so bright and happy!
We got rid of our sliding door leading to our deck and installed French doors. What a difference! We got a fir, double-pane door for less than $700. And, we bought it locally. (we’re on an island where things are usually much more expensive) Great furnishings, by the way.
Love that!
xo,
s
Beautiful! After seeing all the great pieces you’ve purchased through Joss & Main, I signed up for their emails. Unfortunately,the reviews I read of their company on the internet were overwhelmingly negative. I can’t imagine you would continue purchasing from them if the products aren’t what you expected. What has your experience been?
Really?! That’s such a surprise to me! I have gotten everything on time and in good condition, and the prices are often the cheapest I can find. What are the reviews saying? I wonder if every mail order company has some negative reviews since there can be issues with mailing things?
xo,
s
I haven’t had the best luck with them. I ordered 2 lamps on July 18th, they have charged my card yet I haven’t received anything. When I look under “My Orders” on the website it says it is processing. :(
Oh man, I hope they show up soon!
xo
s
Agreed, I haven’t had very good experience with their orders either. I ordered an upholstered headboard that was delivered in the wrong color and took 2 monthsto get back, then ordered dining room chairs and they came scratched and busting out of the poorly packed box. Customer service was really nice both times, but it was all such a pain.
Eeks, that stinks!
xo,
s
So, I have an extra strand of the big bulb outdoor lights (my parents used to sell Christmas trees and they hung over those) that I used to have strung around my back porch. If you’re interested let me know email me at [email protected] and I’ll give you the details.
Aw you’re sweet! We actually have a bunch of strands leftover from our backyard wedding, so we’d love to use them once we get an outlet that would make them work!
xo
s
@Maggie –
I’d be interested in those lights possibly. May I email you?
Thanks!
-Meghan
Lovely! French doors would be the icing on the cake!
LOOOOOOVE IT!!!!! (Did I express my adoration enough in all caps and punctuation?)
You will have a mighty rockin’ outdoor holiday weekend! It was worth the wait, we at least on my end. I’m sure it was different on yours.
Love it and your jazz hands!! I need to paint our meter too but need that little push to get it done…let’s do it together! Haha, I’ll need about a week’s warning so hopefully you aren’t planning on doing it today or tomorrow!
Haha, next week sounds like a good goal!
xo,
s
Done!
INCREDIBLE!!!
I just love it! And on top of the added space and function, it must be so nice to not have to walk by the sad rotting “deck” and weeds anymore. it’s like your hallway took a big sigh of relief :)
Our next project is adding wainscotting to our hallway! Can’t wait to see where you end up with yours!
Great job ! It really makes the house looks bigger as there is a new space to enjoy added ! Love all the colours and so like the idea of the lights. It will be very inviting to have dinner parties !
Looks amazing!! Great job guys!
Lourve it! Nice job guys!
Lokks great! I wish it was cool enough in Texas to sit outside and enjoy the outdoors! Love the yellow chairs!
Looks great! I actually love so many parts of the deck, it is hard to choose just one. Maybe I like the table most, since it was such a great deal and is the “centerpiece” of the whole space. But I love the yellow chairs too! And I have a gurgle pot… mine is a Tiffant blue color, of course. And I love the ideas of painting the box and the siding. How brilliant! Not sure I would have ever thought to do that. Great job, guys!!
Looks fantastic! Love that you guys always see such opportunity in the small spaces! I would ditto another’s comment about knowing how your house value has changed!
Hope the french doors are a soon-thing!!
LOVE! Outdoor spaces are the best and yours looks fantastic! I really like your huge table – I bet you can’t wait to host!
My favorite part is the crazy pic of you… jk. I really love the view and function! Nothing is better than a beautiful functional space :)
Love Love the yellow chairs! So fun. I can’t wait to see the deck stained as well, I think it will really make the zipper design POP.
Looks so fantastic! As an apartment dweller, I’m super jealous. The yellow accents are super cute!
Okay, so when’s the party? I’m thinking a little BBQ and then a comical outdoor movie screening (something to the likes of Madagascar 1 or 2) on the side of the house while sitting in those delightful yellow chairs.
Haha, I’m there!
xo
s
Wow, this looks great! What a change!
I also like the yellow chairs. So sunny! :-)
It looks amazing!! Great job!
Sooo cool! I think my favorite part is that its like a hidden oasis because its built in your alley. The blues, yellows, and greens really play up that oasis feeling. Can’t wait to see what other comfy things you find to add.
LOVE!!!! And I’m totally envisioning a zig zag of lights above the space for ambiance at night! :)
Kidssss incorporattteeddd. K… I…. D… S… INCORPORATED.
Ahem. Sorry. YAY DECK! It really is a “pretty pretty” deck and I am loving those yellow chairs. You must be so excited to use it now. Wooo party time!
I have new front steps as of Thursday thanks to the condo association. I totally pet them when I get home from work. I figured this was something Sherry would appreciate since she gets my urge to pet penny and hex tiles.
Haha, oh yeah, I get it!
xo,
s
Love it! You did such a great job turning a strange, unusable space into such a special area for lounging and entertaining.
I’m in love with the yellow chairs and cushions too. I imagine they’ll be perfect to sit in with a margarita or glass of lemonade. :-)
Looks awesome! And thanks for the Kids Incorporated flash-back. I loved that show! But how did I not realize that Fergie was on it??
I love it all. Plenty-o-space. You two are probably too young to remember him, but I think Christopher Lowell used to say only 18″ is needed to move around spaces.
You all did a great job. Beautiful.
Yay Christopher Lowell! I totally remember him!
xo,
s
Love.Those.Yellow.Chairs.
Obsessed! Everything looks so great!
http://www.amandadovewells.com/?page_id=45
Love it, cannot wait to see the table full of food and all the string lights, you will have to take evening/night pictures! Good job!
Love it! Let me know when you guys are ready to sell…I’m ready to buy! The kids won’t even have to change schools! Looks fantastic!
Haha, you’re so sweet!
xo,
s
It looks so good! I love those yellow chairs too. They really make it pop. I also love the table decorations!
My parents finally finished the outside of their porch and I had to put in a before and after pic at the end too. It’s amazing the difference a little hard work can make!
http://greennackeacres.blogspot.com/2012/08/from-hillbilly-spectacular-to.html
That’s awesome!
xo
s
I hateeeeeeeeeeeeee to ask for such a boring thing, but I totally am curious about a budget breakdown!
I love the ikat pillows and the yellow/green decor! Gorgeous as always.
Oh yes, we’re dying to do a full deck budget breakdown! Just need to stain/seal it and we’ll be back with all those deets!
xo,
s
Your new deck looks amazing! I imagine you will be dining al fresco a LOT. It looks so inviting from your living room and I just know that you will keep your new space evolving like you do with the rest of your rooms. Congrats on a job well done!
I Love, Love, LOVE the yellow chairs!!
The deck looks awesome!
Apparently, I need to be checking out joss and main daily.. you find such cute things that slip right past me!
Congratulations! So exciting to see it all “decked” out. ;)