outdoors
L I V I N G
t
his deck, like many in
suburbia, was little more
than a drab wooden
platform. Or, as BHG
senior designer Joe
Boehm saw it, a terrific
opportunity. We asked
him to turn it into a stylish outdoor
living area, w ith one condition: no
additional construction.
Joe started by placing wood planters
w ith tall evergreens at each end of the
deck. They not only block the view of
neighbors but also define the deck’s
perim eter-im portant when railing is
lacking, as it is here. Then he arranged
furnishings to create two distinct
spaces-one for dining, one for relaxing
and chatting. Colorful accessories-
outdoor rug, containers, and pillow s-
add punch and pull the design together
w ith a warm, lively palette.
The deck is now a more functional
living space that feels both roomier and
uncluttered. And Joe never even had to
swing a hammer.
TRANSFORMATION
This makeover began
with a stripe of vibrant
green stain around the
deck’s perimeter. Then,
an existing dining set
and new chat set were
placed so they formed
two distinct “rooms”
on the deck.
8 0 JULY 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
