In this article, we’ll take a look at some successful deck design ideas, high-end designer decks, Trex decking, and tips on how to pull off the perfect outdoor living space for your home.

1. Neutral & Monochromatic Tones for a Tranquil Space

To create a sense of tranquility on your deck, start with color. Choose neutral tones and a monochromatic theme. These colors are the opposites of the vibrant and busy hues of the rainbow. They comprise various tones of white, cream, light grays, and very light browns. This outdoor living space is a great example of how the soft colors take a back seat. This soothing design highlights the lush green plantings in the background as well as the simple shapes of the furniture. This modern lounge set from Wayfair, works well with a minimalist theme; and if you want to change the mood and brighten things up, an area rug and colorful pillows will do the trick.
Image Source: Wayfair

2. Complement Nature with Natural Colors

Always imagine your outdoor living space as a transition between the home and the natural world. As such, the colors and textures in your outdoor living space should be complementary to both the home but also the natural space that it borders. This beautiful ground-level deck makes a graceful transition using richly toned decking and a dark railing that blends into the deep tones of the backyard landscaping. The earthy browns and grays create a sophisticated space that is visually much larger than its actual square footage. Had the deck featured lighter tones, there would be a much sharper separation between the deck and the backyard. This would visually shrink the space and make the backyard feel chopped up. A lighter colored deck would be great in a setting that’s wide open and sunny; but this earth-toned deck is perfect for this smaller space with mature landscaping.
Image Source: Envision Outdoor Living Products

3. Create a Spa Feel with Teak-Inspired Composite Decking

When you think of relaxation, you’re probably thinking of a serene luxury spa environment. One of the best design elements of spas is by using bold, contrasting colors in wood. However, natural wood isn’t the most durable material, especially near water. Even though teak and cedar are perennial favorites for decks, composite decking is far more durable and will never splinter. In this example, we see some gorgeous teak-inspired composite decking from Trex. Instead of worrying about staining or painting your natural wood deck every year, spend more time relaxing by your pool with the gorgeous colors of a hardwood-inspired deck as the backdrop.
Image Source: Trex

4. Artistic Inlays and Patterns Add a Wow Factor to Your Deck

Masonry presents a wonderful opportunity to get a little creative and transform the feel of your space with patterns and colors. Decking is often perceived as a surface that can’t be as visually fascinating, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just like in this beautiful example of a multi-level deck, we can see that the different composite deck materials from Trex decking have resulted in a visually fascinating outdoor living space. When combined with elevation changes and a mix of curved and straight shapes, the result is just “wow.”
Image Source: Trex

5. Curve Your Deck to Make the Space Feel Larger Yet Intimate

Decks don’t have to be square or rectangular! In fact, you can make great use of curved lines to create a more engaging space. The curved lines play a wonderful trick on the mind and make the space feel more natural and playful. Notice how in this deck the only straight lines in this stunning Trex deck are from the boards themselves. Notice how one of the borders of the lighter wood color intersects with a line that curves the other way and draws the eye towards the creative decorations around the space. When you take advantage of natural curves — whether or not you use contrasting colors or go for a more subtle look with the same color — your deck will be set up with some striking visuals. Curves are a great way to make a small deck feel larger or a large deck feel more intimate. They also bring a more natural organic feel to the space to create a more relaxed vibe.
Image Source: Trex

6. Use Bold Geometric Design for a Luxe Feel

When you’re working with a landscape design that really goes all out, you want your deck design to support the grand vision. In fact, the deck should be just as ambitious as any other feature. In this stunning deck, we immediately notice the impressive layers made up of the massive waterfall bookended by a terraced garden. As our eyes settle into the lounge space below, we notice the tasteful, alternating planks of colored composite decking from Trex. The sitting area is further defined by a circular border that echoes the curves of the waterfall. What could have been an ordinary deck is made extraordinary with a design that echoes its surroundings.
Image Source: Trex

7. Incorporate Lifestyle Elements Right Into the Deck

In this striking deck featuring composite materials from Trex, you’ll first notice that the shapes of a yin & yang dictate the feel of the space. Inside each dot of the yin & yang, there is something special integrated into the surface of the deck. One dot has a fire pit and the other dot has a small fountain. The contrasting yet complementary motifs of fire and water are on full display while the rest of the outdoor living space wraps around the space, echoing the sumptuous curves with perimeter seating and curved deck boards. Of course this deck design doesn’t hold back anything. Even in a much simpler and smaller design, you can incorporate elements right into the deck which is a more visually interesting approach than putting these elements on the deck.
Image Source: Trex

8. Wrap Your Deck Around Natural Elements

As you continue to create harmony in your outdoor living space, you’ll want to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible. This often means keeping trees, boulders, and other elements in place and building your deck around them. This deck features a stunning view, and the existing tree is a nod to the natural surroundings. The Trex deck wraps around the tree. Notice that the planks are angled to draw the eye towards the tree. It could have been cut down, but instead it now features prominently on the deck as a key focal point. If you’ve got a large natural element present where you want to build your deck, consider including it in the design.
Image Source: Trex

9. Focus on a Single Point and Accent with Color

One of the most important practices in landscape design is to create a focal point. A focal point is designed to capture your attention, but it actually does far more than that. A well designed landscape and outdoor living space uses focal points deliberately, for example to keep the eye engaged within the space (an important tactic if your space is small). Another essential practice is to add flourishes of color throughout, making the space far more dynamic and interactive. As we can see in this striking multi-level curved deck, the lines of the railing spiral towards a focal point in the center. This focal point is a natural stone fire pit that is cleverly surrounded by seating that matches the composite decking from Trex in both color and arrangement. The fireside nook is a cozy spot to take in the view, while the upper level offers another vantage point to soak up the natural landscape beyond the deck. Splashes of color from plantings and pillows add a vibrant touch that doesn’t, despite the bold colors used, take away from the design of the deck. Focal points can include a fire feature, water feature, conversation pit, a pergola with a dining table, artwork, or plants.
Image Source: Trex

10. Mix Straight Lines and Curves to Create Interest

In creating a visually dynamic outdoor living space, avoid having everything square or rectangular. You may have noticed this is a bit of a theme throughout this article, and for good reason. The juxtaposition of the straight and curved lines is a simple yet effective concept. This beautiful deck features simple curved furniture and a round outdoor rug from Wayfair. The decking is laid in a parquet pattern which adds texture. Imagine how different this space would be if the furniture echoed the square flooring design. It wouldn’t be nearly as interesting!
Image Source: Wayfair

If you’ve been dreaming about a new deck so you can give your outdoor lifestyle a major style and fun upgrade, refer to these ideas as a jumping-off point for inspiration. Which deck is your favorite?

10 Striking Backyard Deck Ideas for the Ultimate in Outdoor Living

As you plan out the next steps in your landscape renovation, consider the backyard deck as “home base.” A gorgeous transition between the comforts of the indoors and the beauty of nature in your backyard and as such, your deck deserves special attention as a key design element.