Our Small Deck Makeover for Summer (the reveal and the 6+ ways to use this clever outdoor wicker plant stand!) – The Inspired Room

This post is in partnership with Wayfair

Today I am sharing our small deck makeover for summer! I think it turned out so cute — we absolutely love it!

You might remember that in spring I mentioned this deck as one of my next projects.

A week or so ago my husband got inspired to get started on painting all of our front deck railings, so I ordered some furniture. And now, here it is! The deck makeover.

I found all of these pieces at Wayfair and they arrived a couple of days faster than I expected, which is wonderful because the weather is perfect right now!

Here are the main pieces I used to create this small deck makeover plus a few design tips and unexpected ideas!

1. Rug
2. Table and Chairs
3. Plant Stands

Outdoor wicker plant stands (unexpected features and ways to use them!)

I will share about all of the pieces but one of my favorites are these outdoor wicker plant stands! They look so much like wicker but are durable enough for outdoor use. They come in three colors and are so versatile — and the design is really clever! (I already want to order more).

Here are a few things to know and several unexpected ways you could use these plant stands:

1. You can remove the planter basket from the stand and use the basket separately!

2. You can set the basket on a table, window sill or the ground. Use it for plants or anything you want!

3. You can put the basket on the bottom level of the stand and put the lower piece on top to use as a surface. LOVE THIS OPTION!

4. You can also remove that top piece to use it separately as a tray! So neat.

5. You can use two more plant stands to create a sense of an outdoor room or a little privacy. Add plants for a little color, texture and additional height and interest.

This outdoor wicker plant stand would also be very cute inside.

6. Use it as an indoor planter (for faux or real plants!) storage piece.

7. Use it as an indoor storage or furniture piece.

Set it at the end of a bed, next to a chair, under a window, in a bathroom, entry, baby’s room, mudroom, hallway, or anywhere you like it!

It really is so cute and clever. I bought two and already know I could use more in so many places.

I wanted a rug that would cover the whole area under the table and chairs to make it a very inviting space. It’s a tiny deck so it wasn’t hard to fill it! This rug was the perfect choice to ground the space. Don’t be afraid to go bold in a small outdoor space! The fun graphic pattern feels so fresh and whimsical. It really draws you to this space without feeling like a distraction from the furniture or view.

The rug comes in 7 colors–you can see them all here.

Even though this is a very small space, I wanted a table that was big enough for a centerpiece, two plates and cups and maybe even a book or two. This set is just right, so I know we’ll enjoy using it in a variety of situations.

I loved the simple yet stylish shape of the white table and two chairs. They are a classic design but still feel fresh. They come as a set or you can get the table separately. They are charming and airy and create the perfect light contrast to the rug. The brown accents add interest as well as a sense of warmth — and it ties in well to the wood floors inside. They are light enough to move but heavy enough that they aren’t likely to blow around!

The table and chair set comes in one other color option you can see here.

Always create a destination

I love this little deck, it was the space that made me certain this was the house meant for me.

Do you remember when I shared about wanting to create a bedroom just like this one with French doors to a private outdoor sitting area? That was over three years ago, in our last house, months before I ever saw this home or even knew we were going to move! I still can’t believe it!

Now it’s a dream come true! This is not just a deck to look at, it’s a destination!

This is how I approach any design. Think about a space you want to go and re-create some aspect of it at home. That way it becomes a destination you love and you don’t even have to leave home to enjoy it.

This is a place for summer and fall bird watching, sipping morning coffee, reading, savoring sunrises and sunsets (we often see both!), enjoying plants and dinner for two.

We often keep the doors to this deck open all day so having such a darling inviting destination to walk out to now makes me happy from morning til night.