aimee's deck re-deco

Aimee's hip urban dwelling in Chicago's up and coming Roger's Park neighborhood has a6'X 8'6 deck that needs a little TLC to ready it for summer. She needs color, plant life, privacy and shade. Lets start with the color palette. I would paint the door a brilliant, snappy red like Benjamin Moore's "Geranium" (#1307) or "Moroccan Red" (#1309). Use high gloss exterior latex based paint for the most durable finish. To counter the heat and intensity of the red, spray paint your existing chairs with Krylon's Indoor/Outdoor paint in Bahama Sea (a rich deep blue) or Peekaboo Blue ( a perky and saturated light blue). Pop a couple of Ikea's "Hedda" ($6.99) or "Unni" ($14.99)cushions on the chairs to soften them and add pattern. Ground all of this with Ikea's "Lavaro" ($39.99)outdoor friendly rug.

For margarita and tapas parties I would suggest bunching two of Ikea's "Bollo" tables ($39.99 ea.) together. When you are not entertaining, you can fold one up and store it out of the way. The "Bollo" folding chairs($19.99 ea.) offer the same stylish convenience. Or, simply drag a couple of your dining room chairs out to the deck for additional seating as necessary. Hanging Target's capiz shell light strings ($9.99 ea.)from the banister of the deck will add subtle ambiance.



A couple of suggestions for privacy: a climbing vine and some casual curtains. Plant "Ernest Markham" clematis in 2 large red pots. Its gorgeous crimson blooms in summer will support the color scheme. Create a grid for the plants to climb using fishing line and screw eyes along one of the patio's sides. Keep the pots moist with well draining soil, and plant a shallow rooted ground cover on top to protect the roots from the sun. Monrovia's website can educate you further on proper plant care.


On the other side of the patio, use Ikea's "Deka" curtain hanging system ($4.99) with clips included, and several white "Annolill"($4.99 ea.) curtain panels to screen your space from peeping neighbors and block the sun. Tie curtains back with wide red ribbon when you don't need the privacy. Use this image as inspiration. I found it, along with many others on myhomeideas.com


Pot some bright red geraniums and deep purple petunias with sweet potato vine and ornamental grasses to add more color and plant texture. Place these in groups on the small tables you already have,which you could paint red like you door. Tuck the tables into the corners of your porch! These are just my suggestions... Stay tuned to see what Aimee actually does to transform her outdoor space into a private, shady,and color infused refuge!