Now that it’s spring, I’m ready to break out the lawn chairs and plunk them on my tiny balcony so that I can absorb the faint warmth of the spring sun as often as I can. In honour of the warm weather, here are a few ideas for your back deck.

Woodsy & Brown

A stained deck and Adirondack chairs or Smith & Hawken furniture would be ideal, but the classic wicker chairs would also work. Green or brown cushions with a matching umbrella complete the look. Install box planters with bushes in them along the railings to give you privacy – they’ll be hedges for your deck!

Majestic & Modern

Use a dark wood like walnut or cherry; if you’ve already got a deck, stain it a dark colour. Build boxed benches along the perimeter and cap them with cushions in a bold colour of your choice (I’d go with red). A modern pergola is the final piece. The key is the lighting – try under the seat and along the riser of the stair to give an impressive ambiance.

Floral & Colourful

Start with a light, hinted wood, such as red oak or western red cedar. Find a white or light brown rattan set, fix it up with pastel cushions and finish the look with a sturdy umbrella in the same colour. For the floral aspect, surround the sitting area with hanging and/or boxed planters that are home to colourful, blooming flowers.

Vintage & Wrought-Iron

Clear a space in your backyard and cover it with gravel, cobblestones or flagstone. Hedges will allow you some privacy. For the seating, shop the antique stores for wrought iron furniture and an iron day bed. Use white cushions that have light green (or any soft, light colour) stripes to complete the look.