Young birds aren’t the only ones to survey the land from a fresh perch each spring. We tend to enjoy our own look around the yard—admiring the new growth and rejuvenation of the garden—from a personal perch on the backyard deck. This year, don’t overlook your ‘nest’: Start the season off right with these tips for giving your deck a dash of cottage-style charm.
What is cottage style?
- Fresh, garden-inspired decorating
- Budget finds reused and recycled to create nostalgic charm
- Vintage and retro architectural elements with faded patina
How to get this look
Create the illusion of starry nights with a patchwork of glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. Relax with friends, enjoy the twinkling and start dreaming. Available at toy stores like Mastermind, the stars are easy to remove and won’t damage paint.
Transform a basic black iron chandelier from a big box shop like Ikea with a simple coat of spray paint. The pale blue shade used here (Krylon’s indoor/outdoor paint in Peekaboo Blue) injects a chic note of spring that plays up the soft blue sky.
Reuse and recycle old window screens (we spied them on neighbourhood garbage day!) by hanging them from the rafters. These distressed hanging screens frame the landscape beautifully while adding a vintage touch.
Soften your view—and give yourself some privacy from the neighbours—with a striped curtain that blows gently in the breeze. An added bonus? It helps shade the space on too-sunny days. Choose a weather-resistant sturdy fabric that blends with the surroundings, such as Sunbrella’s fade-resistant and water-repellent sheers.
Complete the cottage style look with a white lattice enclosure around the perimeter of your porch. The lattice provides a screen that lets the light filter through and doesn’t totally cut off your space, letting you feel as though you’re part of the garden.
Read more in Decorating and Outdoor Decorating
1 Comment
I love it!!!!