Complementing Your Home's Style

Introduction

Begin planning your design by studying your house and its immediate environment. Check at the library or in bookstores for books on house styles. Research the defining characteristics of your house. For example, a ranch house is low and flat, a split level has a stepped profile, New England styles are boxy, while bungalows are compact yet neatly crafted. Look for a theme in the design of your house that can be carried over into the deck design, whether it be shape, architectural detail, proportion, or color. Try to match or complement the horizontal and vertical lines of the house. If you end up with a finished project that doesn't shout "New deck!" and has all the functionality you hoped for, you've done a good job.

Keeping proportions in mind

Bigger isn't always better. Case in point: The small backyard of this house would be overwhelmed by an expansive deck. A well-proportioned deck graced with an arbor and a fence provide an elegant, private outdoor room. The grey and white paint scheme neatly complements the home's color.

Don't hide your good points

As knowledgeable designers know, you can only experience something through being exposed to its opposite. The bank of doors on this ranch house is a beautiful feature. Why fight them? A simple platform-like deck complements the doors and lends the illusion of spaciousness to a small house. As you think about your design, consider contrasts like this as well as the similarities.

Using color wisely

The use and abuse decks receive can make a paint job show its age quickly. Color can be added through the choice of stains. Or you may want to add paint selectively to some vertical surfaces of the deck, such as rail posts or balusters, where it won't have to contend with foot traffic. The dark green decking melds with the house and gives the deck a traditional look. Color also can be added by carefully choosing the deck accessories, such as chairs, tables, and awnings.

Using railings for style

A hefty and nicely detailed railing gives this low-slung deck substance. It also adds a touch of traditional appeal to the somewhat bland exterior of this ranch-style home. Sometimes such detailing can direct the eye away from undesirable features. In the design phase, don't be afraid to experiment with various options like this.

BHG

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Keeping proportions in mind Bigger isn't always better. Case in point: The small backyard of this house would be overwhelmed by an expansive deck. A well-proportioned deck graced with an arbor and a fence provide an elegant, private outdoor room. The grey and white paint scheme neatly complements the home's color.
Don't hide your good points As knowledgeable designers know, you can only experience something through being exposed to its opposite. The bank of doors on this ranch house is a beautiful feature. Why fight them? A simple platform-like deck complements the doors and lends the illusion of spaciousness to a small house. As you think about your design, consider contrasts like this as well as the similarities.
Using color wisely The use and abuse decks receive can make a paint job show its age quickly. Color can be added through the choice of stains. Or you may want to add paint selectively to some vertical surfaces of the deck, such as rail posts or balusters, where it won't have to contend with foot traffic. The dark green decking melds with the house and gives the deck a traditional look. Color also can be added by carefully choosing the deck accessories, such as chairs, tables, and awnings.
Using railings for style A hefty and nicely detailed railing gives this low-slung deck substance. It also adds a touch of traditional appeal to the somewhat bland exterior of this ranch-style home. Sometimes such detailing can direct the eye away from undesirable features. In the design phase, don't be afraid to experiment with various options like this.