New York Interior Design: Finished Deck

I've been a little M.I.A. lately, I'm so sorry! Life has been really busy lately and my regular life needs me! {You should see the state of my house~ok I wouldn't really let you see it right now!}

I did somewhat finish the updates to my deck and I want to share that with you today. I would love a large area rug here and attempted to make one, but it wasn't very practical and here practicality has to rule!

This is a small deck just off of our dining area. Next to it sits the sand box that the kids love to play in. We don't have the budget to build a new deck so we decided to spruce up what we have.

Here's where it started:

Read my last post to see how it was stained.

Because it is a small deck {10x10} we just wanted an area to sit and read especially after the kids go to bed at night. Two chairs and a small table are all that's needed.

I wanted a lot of color {because I am by nature a neutral kind of girl} and when I found these pillows I knew they would be the perfect jumping off point.

We live in Michigan so I'm taking a huge chance putting any flowers on the deck yet. Its usually only safe here after Memorial day. My mother's day wish list includes two large red pots that will eventually grace the corners of the deck with an abundance of flowers and ivy. Can't wait!

To complete things out here I spray painted the little turquoise lotus candle holder, perfect for a citronella candle on a buggy night.

I made the "Rest Area" sign from scrap wood and some paint {I will share a tutorial later} which helps to define the intent of the space.

I found the lantern, snail and metal sculpture on sale at Hobby Lobby.

The only other thing missing out here is some shade. I have had two large umbrellas over the years only to have a sudden storm come a long and destroy them so I'm a little gun shy about spending money on another one.