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Home » Outdoor garden

Simple summer outdoor decorating ideas

By Debbiedoo's Team Published: Jun 4, 2016 · Modified: Jul 1, 2016

Hi there everyone!

Welcome to Summer simplified.  A group of gals along here with myself in blog land are sharing how to simple summer outdoors this season.

summer simplified graphic

I admit, I wasn’t quite ready to jump start into summer yet.  Only because I didn’t want to get my flowers quite yet.  I have told y’all a thousand times I am a plant serial killer.

Summer decorating on the deck

With that said, you are not going to see that many.  I even went ahead and bought a hibiscus tree for $10.00 that was on it’s last leg.  It thought maybe I would have better luck with something half dead.

Hibiscus tree

Where there is life, there is hope!

Outdoor deck and gardens for summer in the Carolina's

You may notice the deck railings are a different color this year.  I decided to try my hand at gel staining them.  I loved working with the gel stain when I did an interior door inside.  You can see how to age a door to look like wood here.

Gel stained deck railings

Gel stainGel stain at home depot

There is a nice variety of color choices. I used rustic mahogany by Minwax.  I also used a stain mitt that made the job even easier.  No mess, no stress.  The ease and clean up was a snap.  I love that it does not drip and dries quickly.  I have seen gals use the gel even on garage doors and kitchen cabinets.

No stress or mess deck staining

You may also notice that is a different fire bowl in the middle.  Back in the fall I purchased an Allen and Roth one from Lowes.  I noticed when I took the cover off, the paint was all chipped.  It wasn’t even 6 months old.  I called Allen and Roth and they told me to take it back and they would refund me in full.  I purchased a metal base one with a stone table.  Hopefully I have better luck with this brand.

Welcome summer porch decorating ideas

I recycled some pillows I have had for a few years that I once used on our Spring front porch, I believe last year.  I went with blues and greens on the back deck this season.  You can see my porch pallet sign is still out there.  It is getting aged and weathered looking.  I like it that way though.

Outdoor propane fire pit

Rustic outdoor patio decorating ideas

This is a view from the other side showing the lower deck.  Not sure if I ever took an angle this way.

Ceramic owls from Amazon

Ceramic owls from Amazon (Affiliate link)

But as you can see it is a great area to entertain.  We have plenty of cozy seating now.  Last fall I created the cozy deck and I couldn’t be happier to get rid of the huge table that was once on the upper half.  You can see our previous summer porch here. The table we never sat at. Now we actually use all of  outdoor areas.

Outdoor fireplace from eBay

These few plants ought to be dead in no time.  I give it to mid July and they will be bye bye.  I have learned not to invest a whole lot in flowers.

Stamped concrete patio

Stamped concrete patio

Carolina back porch

You can only imagine how mess it gets back here come the fall time when leaves start to drop.  I have also learned instead of going out there every day to blow off the deck, I simply let it pile up and go out once a week.  I basically drown in leaves….NO JOKE.  As pretty as it is, is as messy as it is.

Rooster planter from LTD

Rooster planter and solar light on deck came from LTD commodities.

If you missed my front porch a few weeks ago with my diy tarp curtains, you can visit that here

Outdoor summer deck decorating ideas

Thanks for stopping over today.  Please take a few minutes to visit some of the other fabulous ladies sharing their summer simplified ideas.

The new diy deck string lights project here

Evening lighting on the deck

Thank you for your visit today!

I share all things, thrifty home decor, crafts and a recipe or two on occasion.

I always get asked about the Owl stools..here is the direct affiliate link to purchase.

Owl stools

If you would like to commit to becoming a subscriber, I would love for you to join me.

 

Day 4

Debbiedoo’s
Craftberry Bush
At The Picket Fence
On Sutton Place

Day 3
In My Own Style
The Wood Grain Cottage
Maison de Pax
Love of Home
Setting For Four
My Soulful Home

Day 2
StoneGable
Duke Manor Farm
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Hospitality
Shabbyfufu

Day 1
Driven By Decor
Garden Therapy
Empress of Dirt
Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim

    June 04, 2016 at 7:52 am

    Debbie, you do have some great seating areas outside to enjoy. That was nice that you got your money back from Lowe’s. Fingers crossed you don’t kill your plants. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kris {Driven by Decor}

    June 04, 2016 at 8:46 am

    I can definitely rival you for being an expert plant killer so I hear you! I got a bunch of summer hanging baskets for $10 each over Memorial Day weekend because that’s about all I’m willing to spend for something that I know won’t make it through the summer 🙂 You have a beautiful porch Debbie (and the surrounding is beautiful too!) – thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
  3. laura janning

    June 04, 2016 at 9:03 am

    oh come on. the hibiscus is still alive. give yourself a little credit. 🙂 i just love those ceramic owls.too cute. happy summer

    Reply
  4. susan

    June 04, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Love your outdoor space Debbie so pretty!!

    Reply
  5. Chrystal

    June 04, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Love your outdoor space!! Those trees so close are wonderful. I have an upstairs deck over a bedroom , the deck pan has been leaking and we have to replace the boards and seal the pan. Any comments or suggestions as to how to make the pan waterproof? I’m not sure how your is constructed?

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      June 04, 2016 at 10:36 am

      I don’t know Crystal. That is out of my expertise lol.

      Reply
  6. Vanessa Hunt

    June 04, 2016 at 10:52 am

    Debbie I love your beautiful deck decor, your new railing color and yes, even your half-dead hibiscus. LOL!

    Reply
  7. kelly wilkniss

    June 04, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    Love everything – especially those owl garden stools!

    Reply
  8. mary

    June 05, 2016 at 7:59 am

    Your deck and patio area look great! I would never have guessed that you battle leaves like me. It’s worth it though when you get to enjoy some shade. I love all the color in your outdoor decor!

    Reply
  9. Bliss

    June 05, 2016 at 10:20 am

    I love it all. And how come I never noticed before how awesome your deck rail is? I want it.

    Reply
  10. Deborah Cline

    June 05, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    Debbie

    Your deck is so pretty and I want to recommend a flower that will survive and thrive and grow to be beautiful on your deck! It’s called portulaca, my plants are gorgeous and I have them planted in all my pots on my deck. The reason I love them along with being so hearty but the remind me of crepe paper when I was in kindergarten and they open and close. I will send you pics when they are all open but my favorite deck plant of all time!
    Debby
    Debbygoesshabby.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      June 05, 2016 at 7:45 pm

      Yes, please! That sounds great. I will look into that plant. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Naomi S.

        June 05, 2016 at 11:42 pm

        I enjoy plants SO much and it saddens me to hear you keep saying that you always kill them. I think you have to tell yourself another story regarding having plants. If you really want to have success with them get some books and read about what different ones need to thrive. You will be successful with some and not with others just like the rest of us who love growing them. That doesn’t mean you are a failure! However, if you just plain don’t have the patience to care for them, that’s okay, too. Just hire someone to come place plants in your house or on your deck and come every week and tend them. That may be extravagant but if you want plants around you and just don’t want to be their care-taker, it might be worth it. I think you must be clear within yourself about whether you enjoy spending the time and effort to grow plants successfully or not and stop blaming yourself! Because anyone can grow plants–anyone who really wants to and loves spending the time to care for them. But it’s no crime if you would rather spend your time doing something else. Also, it’s no crime if you don’t mind not having any plants! It’s really okay either way–it really is! Now go have some fun on your deck, whether there are plants or not!

        Reply
        • debbiedoo's

          June 06, 2016 at 7:34 am

          Naomi, I think you just hit the nail in the head. I love the way plants look, but I don’t love spending time and tending to them. My Mom loves gardening, and my Grandmother did as well. I guess I would rather do something else lol. P.S. Most of what you see is dead already lol.

          Reply
  11. Ann

    June 06, 2016 at 9:16 am

    Oh I love the owl stools…and it all is so welcoming. I wish I could hang out here with you. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Judi Di

    June 08, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    I love what you have done with your deck areas!
    As far as your plants go, you need to get something called Soil Moist.
    Add some of that to your pots & stir into the soil. They will hold the moisture longer, so your plants won’t die.
    Also pick out some hardy perennials that are drought tolerant. You would love the succulents. I almost never water mine!
    I always enjoy seeing what you are doing around the house. Keep up the good work and try not to kill anymore plants! he he he

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      June 08, 2016 at 4:35 pm

      I actually resurrected a few recently lol!

      Reply
  13. Jenny D.

    June 10, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    You are too hilarious about the plants! I hope you have better results this year. Thanks for keeping it real. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Heather Luckhurst

    June 11, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    Love your space and decorating ideas Debbie – what a beautiful relaxing space! Love those owl garden stools too! Happy summer friend!

    Reply
  15. Nina M.

    June 12, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    Hi Debbie. I’ve just recently joined your blog and really love your ideas. Your deck looks so inviting. I have to tell you, though, that I have the same problem with plants. I’ve only had success with perennials. Plant them once and they are your friends for many years. Just water and also feed once in a while. I always forget to feed, but they still stay beautiful. I added a lot of good stuff to the dirt first before planting, like good compost, vermiculite for drainage, a couple worms for good measure. If I plant an annual, forget it! It’s dead in a month. Thanks again for the great ideas!

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      June 12, 2016 at 8:45 pm

      I actually do ok with those too Nina. My clematis comes back beautifully every year. Thanks for being here.

      Reply

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