9 Inspiring Deck Design Ideas to Upgrade Your Backyard

The Internet is full of deck design ideas that are meant to inspire homeowners to elevate the status of their backyards. But what you’ll find in your search is the same basic ideas being recycled from website to website. Your deck should be as unique as you, and a reflection of your personal style and aesthetic. If you are looking for truly inspiring and original deck design ideas, you have come to the right place.

The design team at Royal Deck in Atlanta has curated a specialized list of their top 9 deck designs that will make you want to run out and incorporate these unique ideas into your own outdoor living space.

Deck Design Idea #1– Use Wall Panels to Create a Private Space

Who doesn’t want a place to retreat to after a long day of work? Imagine your deck having designated spaces for meditation, lounging, and dining. Using privacy wall panels or building a permanent slat wall can add style and architectural interest to your deck.

Create a serene space to unwind on your deck. Add floor pillows, a water feature, and use the flat surface of the wall to hang outdoor art or decorative items. Include some solar lighting to create a meditative atmosphere that is perfect to help the stress melt away after a long day. Use the other side of the slat wall to create an entirely different space. An outdoor patio set or sectional could set the perfect tone for a space to gather. Use the slat wall to hang a vertical garden with fresh herbs to add to whatever amazing meal you’re serving up. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the types of space you can create using privacy wall panels.

This unique deck design idea is perfect for the homeowner looking for a modern, original way to reimagine their outdoor space. When planning a deck layout with wall panels or slat walls, make sure you consider the flow of the space. Always consult with professional deck builders, like Royal Deck, if structural changes are needed to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.

Deck Design Idea # 2– Add Creative Seating to Welcome Guests

Traditional deck seating involves a lot of plastic furniture that doesn’t exactly scream “style.” Today, deck seating comes in a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs. One of our most popular deck design ideas is to use transitional seating on your deck. Transitional seating is furniture that has more than one practical use. Think of a table that hides the stools within its frame or a sofa set that can be rearranged into an outdoor bed, so you can stargaze on a clear night. Transitional seating is perfect for small decks to help make the most of your space.

Another of our deck design ideas is the use of built-in seating. As part of your deck, built-in benches along the perimeter of your deck can be a perfect way to create a divide without the use of railings. Even better if the benches could double as storage units. Getting creative with your outdoor seating can help raise your deck design to new heights.

Deck Design Idea # 3– Add Color With Vibrant Plants

Adding a pop of color with plants is not just about placing a few potted plants around your deck. It’s about integrating greenery into the deck design itself, making your outdoor space feel like a colorful hideaway. Consider incorporating planters into the built-in seating for a seamless look, or use hanging baskets to add vertical interest. Choose plants that thrive in the Atlanta heat and require the amount of sunlight your deck receives. Whether it’s lush ferns, vibrant flowers, or aromatic herbs, the right selection of plants can transform your deck into the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Integrating plants into your deck design enhances the aesthetic appeal and promotes a connection with nature. For an added touch of creativity, consider using unconventional planters like repurposed wine barrels or custom-built wooden boxes that match your deck’s style. This approach not only adds character to your outdoor space but also allows you to personalize the area further.

Plants can also serve a functional purpose, such as providing natural shade or acting as a privacy screen. Climbing vines on a trellis or tall plants can create a lush barrier, offering you a secluded nook within the comfort of your backyard. The interaction between the architectural elements of your deck and the softness of the plants creates one of our favorite deck design ideas.

Deck Design Idea # 4– Elevate with Elevated Decks

Elevated decks can be a total game-changer for yards with uneven terrains or for homeowners looking to maximize their views. This deck design idea adds a dynamic layer to your backyard giving you a unique perspective of your surroundings. Imagine stepping out to a deck that sits above your garden, giving you a bird’s eye view of your outdoor space.

This elevated approach allows for additional under-deck storage or even a covered patio area, perfect for those hot Atlanta days. It’s an excellent way to create a multi-functional outdoor area that serves both as a retreat and a practical space. The elevated deck design can be seamlessly integrated with stairs leading down to your garden or another deck, enhancing the flow of your outdoor living areas.

When considering an elevated deck, consider partnering with the professionals at Royal Deck who can ensure the structure is safe, sturdy, and compliant with local building codes. This innovative design idea can add immense value to your home while transforming your backyard into a sophisticated and stylish outdoor living space that stands out.

Deck Design Idea #5– Swinging Daybeds or Hammocks

If you want to create a unique outdoor space, adding a swinging daybed or hammock to your deck design can give you a blissful vibe like no other idea on this list. These fun elements add a touch of leisure and whimsy to your outdoor space, creating the ultimate spot for afternoon naps, reading, or simply enjoying the breeze. Swinging daybeds, with their solid frame and plush cushioning, offer the comfort of a bed with a gentle rocking motion that soothes the soul. Hammocks, on the other hand, bring a laid-back vibe, perfect for a casual outdoor feel.

Imagine a corner of your deck transformed into a leisurely escape, with a swinging daybed or hammock suspended in the perfect spot to catch the sunset or nestled in a shaded area for those warm Atlanta afternoons. This setup not only serves as a focal point for your deck but also invites you to slow down and appreciate the moment.

Accessorize with soft throw pillows, a side table for your favorite drink, and perhaps a lightweight blanket for those cooler evenings. Whether you go for a modern swinging daybed or a traditional hammock, the addition of either is sure to become everyone’s favorite spot on your deck.

Deck Design Idea #6 – Incorporate your Surrounding Landscape

This deck design idea is all about honoring your natural landscape. Rather than tearing down trees and shrubs, or flattening uneven terrain, work with what Mother Nature gave you. Imagine a deck that curves around the majestic oak in your backyard, or one that offers an unobstructed view of the rolling hills beyond your property. By incorporating the landscape into your deck design, you create an outdoor space that feels like a natural extension of the environment. It’s about embracing the unique features of your land and making them a part of your outdoor living experience.

This approach not only maximizes your outdoor space but also ensures that your deck feels like a cohesive part of your home’s overall aesthetic. It invites the outdoors in, creating a tranquil and immersive experience that blurs the lines between man-made and natural beauty.

Deck Design Idea #7 – Soak in Style by Adding a Hot Tub

Hot Tubs have come a long way over the years, and by adding one to your deck design, you can transform a lackluster afternoon on your deck into a spa-like experience. A hot tub provides the perfect retreat after a long day, offering therapeutic benefits along with an inviting social space.

Carefully plan the placement of a hot tub into your deck design to create a perfect, private oasis.  Place your hot tub in a cozy corner surrounded by lush plants and a privacy screen for seclusion, or positioned to take advantage of breathtaking views. Add some ambient lighting, waterproof speakers, or a nearby fire pit, and watch as your deck is transformed into a romantic getaway, right outside your own backdoor.

Deck Design Idea # 8– Sunken Lounge Areas

The addition of a sunken lounge area to your deck is probably one of our favorite deck design ideas on the list. Sunken lounges add an element of cozy intimacy, perfect for gatherings with friends, outdoor movie nights, or simply lounging with a good book. The sunken aspect adds a level of privacy and seclusion while keeping the space open and connected to the rest of your outdoor living area.

Add plush outdoor cushions or throw pillows, and watch your friends and family gravitate to this inviting nook. Another great addition to sunken lounge areas is to place a fire pit or fire table in the center. A sunken lounge can help maximize the usability of your deck while introducing a unique, modern feature that boosts the overall appeal of your backyard space.

Deck Design Idea # 9– Add Curves to Your Design

Straight lines are so overrated. Incorporating curves into your deck design brings a refreshing aesthetic to what would otherwise be an ordinary deck. Use curves to reflect the organic nature of your backyard landscape. Allow your deck shape to flow gently around bushes mimicking the fluidity of a river, or create a circular seating area to encourage intimacy and connection.

However you incorporate the soft flow of a curved design into your deck plans, doing so is a unique and unconventional deck design idea that creates an outdoor space that is truly your own.

Royal Deck– Creating Inspiring Outdoor Spaces One Deck at a Time

Which of our deck design ideas inspired you the most? Royal Deck would love to help you transform your outdoor living space into your dream deck design. With our expertise and your imagination, we can create spaces that are truly awe-inspiring.

Contact us today for more information about our deck designs, or fill out our online form for a FREE, hassle-free consultation with one of our deck experts.