By contrast, a surround that has to fit a tight spot seems larger if edged with built-in benches that take up little space but provide places to sit or stretch out in the sun. Or, you can be one of the first to hop on a new trend by trying out the striking 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta! At the start of your planning, you’ll be able to set priorities on which projects you want to complete first and which ones can wait a little longer. That is, if you return ALL of your calls promptly (like within the hour) and love doing what you say by when you said you would do it then you’ll love working with FBC Remodel! A master plan helps to ensure consistency in the design, functionality, and flow of the remodel design and build, then outlines the stepwise fashion you’ll take to accomplish it.
Or they can be styled to blend in quietly, allowing some other feature to take center stage. Whether built into a section of the deck or positioned nearby, a barbecue/cooking center functions best when it isn’t too far from the house — transporting dishes and foods can be tiresome — but not so close that smoke and odors can drift indoors. It should also be compatible with the style of the house and the size and scale of the deck it shelters. A shade structure should be designed to moderate the sun’s rays without blocking light, air, or desirable views from the deck. Overhead shelters can also serve as privacy screens, obscuring views from rooms above or a building next door. Without overhead shade, sunnyside decks can be unbearably hot during summer months, and if they sit close to the house, they can reflect heat into the interior. In Victorian times, the most popular deck idea was the gazebo: an airy summerhouse or garden structure set well away from the main house, often on a knoll where views were especially pleasant.
If unobstructed views are the primary goal, the railing design can incorporate plexiglass inserts, stainless steel cable, or wire mesh screening (welded fabric) — all safe, contemporary alternatives to traditional railings. Narrow tubular piping can replace the stringers between posts, for example, or the balusters (the vertical portions of the rail) can stop short of their usual height, leaving an opening below the topmost horizontal railing, or cap, to provide more open views when seated. With a few minor changes to the open roof system, though, and perhaps the addition of a climbing vine or two, a pergola can become a dramatic overhead shelter. In essence an arbor with an open roof, a pergola is an excellent idea for giving presence to a part of a deck or garden that lacks visual interest or highlight a special feature such as a spa or conversation area. The rafters and crosspieces that are so prominent in many pergola designs can also add height and mass to an otherwise flat portion of the deck. A pergola can also employ a series of separate vertical structures tied together visually with a band of horizontal boards at the top.
Changing the direction and pattern of the boards can help scale down a large deck, too. When boards are closely spaced or covered with a vine, the deck below can feel as enclosed and inviting as an indoor room. Pricing estimates are also established during this phase, providing a finalized budget for the owner to approve. Today’s gazebos fulfill the same function, providing an open-air retreat. Although most modern gazebos are more simply styled than their predecessors, they often have the same traditional octagonal shape, turreted roof, and decorative detailing. Other options to consider when borrowing space are an adjacent porch, mudroom, or small off-kitchen office or pantry. Generally speaking, the surround should be at least equal in size to the area of the pool (preferably larger) to allow enough room for a table, chairs, and a variety of seating options. A surround that covers a large expanse seems friendlier when broken into levels and treated as several outdoor rooms. With access to venues like gyms, restaurants, theaters, and more restricted during the pandemic, many people chose to make their own at home-a home exterior design idea we will continue to see in 2023. Homeowners turned their backyards into entertainment centers by constructing fire pits, installing outdoor kitchens, putting up large screens or TVs, laying down concrete basketball courts, building outdoor bars, or making their own putting greens.