Transition your Outdoor Space from Summer to Fall

Although fall isn’t quite in full swing yet, it’s never too early to start transitioning your outdoor décor. You and your family will spend a lot of time on your custom Fairfax deck this September enjoying the start of crisp temperatures and colorful, falling leaves. Make your space harmonious with Mother Nature by adding warm tones, scents, and textures reminiscent of the season.

We’ve put together a list of simple design elements that will transition your deck into fall and winter seamlessly.

Create a color story

Summer means bright, splashy colors like neon yellows and nautical blues. Fall calls for less loud colors, but this doesn’t necessarily mean neutrals. If you enjoy yellows and blues, there are ways to bring these hues with you this season. Incorporate a more muted, mustard yellow and a deep, navy blue to create a sense of warmth. Whatever color story you choose, make sure it stays consistent throughout the space.

Swap out your furniture

Before the wet Northern Virginia weather infiltrates your yard, swap your plush, summer furniture for durable and water-resistant furniture. However, you don’t have to sacrifice style and comfort. Add removable seat cushions to provide padding, create design interest and they won’t get ruined after it rains. If you’re considering a deck remodel with Distinctive Deck Designs, think about installing built-in furniture while you’re at it. Built-in furnishings will last you all year-round.

Build a barrier for the cold

This is a necessity if you plan on entertaining this fall. Our Fairfax deck builders will install stunning gazebos and covered living areas to keep you and your guests warm and comfortable throughout the cold months.

Add soft light

The days seem to be getting shorter. The best way to enjoy your deck into the evenings is to add lighting options. Install pathway lights as part of your custom Fairfax deck design or twinkly overhead lights. To create an authentic, warm glow, place candles around your yard. Incorporate design interest by playing with varying heights and colors. Scents like warm vanilla and pumpkin spice will leave behind the perfect autumn aroma.

Install a firepit

If you haven’t installed a firepit, now is the perfect time to do it. Imagine having your family gathered around a roaring fire on a chilly fall evening, watching the sunset. It doesn’t get much better than that. We offer beautifully made, wood-burning fire pits that will make your autumn nights complete.

It’s time to say goodbye to the summer heat and hello to the crisp autumn breeze. Try these design elements to welcome fall into your home. Contact us today to receive more information about our process and products!

How to Enjoy Summer Days on Your Deck

Northern Virginia Summers are famous for being extremely beautiful. Residents want to spend as much time outside as possible, taking in the nice weather and scenery. So how do you make the most of your yard this season? Check out our custom deck designs to make your Fairfax home the hot spot for R&R and entertainment all Summer.

Bask in the sun…

The best place to catch some rays is on your custom deck. Our deck builders in Fairfax will work with you to create the perfect space to plop your lawn chair on and take a nap in the sun. We offer both single and multi-level deck designs so you can have a designated spot to soak up some vitamin D. Homeowners can also include features like wrap-around decks, stairs, custom railings, and much more.

…or lounge in the shade.

Not up for a tanning session? Rest on a sofa below your covered living area. Include a comfortable sectional, a standing fan, and a drink tray to make your lounging space feel like a resort cabana. We offer a wide variety of covered areas to stay shaded and cool this Summer:

Outdoor covered patios
Gazebos and cabanas
Screened porches
Sunrooms
Front porches
Pool houses

Sit by the fire

After the sun has gone down, round up the family, set up a smores station and enjoy your custom fire pit or fireplace on your patio. We offer classic, wood-burning fireplaces that will make you feel warm and cozy. Choose from materials including masonry and natural stone, or Techo Bloc paver stone for your wood-burning firepit. Roast some marshmallows and enjoy Virginia’s starry skyscape by the flickering light of the fire.

Start a garden

Start a flower or vegetable garden without ever having to leave your deck. Repurpose an old ladder by painting it a bright color and stack your planters on top of it. This will create interest and add color to your deck. This project is a great way to spend time outdoors, on your custom deck. If you are looking into starting a vegetable garden to be able to use in your Summer recipes, here are a few space-saving vegetables that can grow in unconventional places:

Beets
Carrots
Lettuce
Peppers
Tomatoes

Make your deck a destination spot for relaxing and hosting this Summer. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and request your free consultation!

How to Incorporate Lighting into Your Outdoor Space

The sun is setting, and your patio lights have gone on. Your yard is twinkling against the oranges and reds in the sky. We can’t think of a more beautiful setting than this. Surround your Fairfax home with outdoor lighting to enhance the ambiance of your deck and take your yard to the next level. We offer a wide variety of lighting options to not only make your space more inviting but also to improve safety and add irreplaceable value to your home.

There are endless opportunities when it comes to lighting elements. Outdoor lighting can brighten your yard, illuminate walkways, and even create the illusion of a roof by stringing up a canopy of lights. Here is a list of creative and chic ways to incorporate lighting into your custom deck design.

Illuminate Steps and Walkways

Our custom stone and paver walkways are a wonderful way to navigate your yard and enhance your Northern Virginia home. Consider illuminating your walkways to outline pathways and to provide safety at night. Adding lighting underneath or in the middle of your deck stairs is a great way for your guests to enjoy your space and avoid injuries at night. We also offer border and patio lighting to integrate into your outdoor areas. Not to mention the unbeatable ambiance these lights will add to the overall look of your yard.

Water Reflection

If you have a water feature or pool, take advantage of these reflective surfaces in your yard. String lights just above the water to double the amount of light being given off at nighttime. The water will act as a mirror-like surface and create a magical effect. Consider lining the perimeter of your pool or other water features with lanterns for a nice touch when hosting get-togethers.

Fireplace Design

Perhaps the most captivating source of outdoor lighting is a fireplace. Our team will work with you to design a custom fire element that fits seamlessly into the layout of your existing patio design. Choose from a variety of materials including masonry and natural stone, Or Techo Bloc paver stone for your wood-burning firepit. A flickering fire creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Your friends and family deserve a gathering place with an inviting glow.

Roof of Light

Overhead lighting strung up at regular intervals across your deck creates the illusion of a “roof” of light. This is a popular way to add dramatic lighting that covers large patios or decks. Your yard will be well-lit without competing with Virginia’s starry night sky.

Chandelier

There’s nothing like a hanging chandelier to create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Hang one above your dining or seating area for an enchanting effect. However, wiring an outdoor fixture can be complicated. A perfect solution to this problem is to hang a chandelier from the beams of your covered patio from Distinctive Deck Designs. Our expert contractors will build a sturdy and quality covered patio for your yard.

Get creative this Summer with custom lighting design at your Fairfax home. Contact us today to learn more about our outdoor lighting options!

Update Your Outdoor Space

Distinctive Deck Designs has the whole package. We can transform your home completely with custom deck construction, but homeowners can take it one step further. The one project that always seems to elevate a yard is adding enhancing, outdoor features. Embellishing your yard is a very personal process so you should work with a company that you trust. We will work with you along the way to provide expertise on creating an atmosphere that feels luxurious, calming and that matches your vision perfectly.

Outdoor Fireplace

The ambiance and warmth a fireplace adds to an outdoor space is unbeatable. Whether you are entertaining or sitting out on your patio, unwinding after a long day by a custom fireplace will be an excellent addition to your Fairfax design. We build high-quality, wood-burning fireplaces of all sizes to complement your backyard décor. Wherever you are in your design process, we will make sure your firepit installation meets your needs.

Walkways

Our custom walkways will convert your Northern Virginia home to a functional and organized space. We create remarkable stone paths that make your yard easy to navigate and lead to the focal points, like patio seating, cozy fire pits, and fountains. We make sure the new pathway fits your existing aesthetic perfectly by offering a wide selection of materials. Choose from stone pavers, brick, slate or flagstone.

Lighting

We believe the smallest detail can have the biggest effect. Adding simple lighting to your outdoor space will enhance the beauty and spirit of your home dramatically. Outdoor lighting brings attention to the charming features of your backyard, illuminates pathways and provides a comforting energy and ambiance that will make your guests feel at home.

Safety is another huge benefit to bringing light into your outdoor space. Paved walkways will be visible at night so navigating your yard will be less hazardous. If you are planning on having evening get-togethers, lighting will ensure that your guests are free to roam around and enjoy your entire backyard.

Increase your home’s curb appeal and add an enchanting touch to your yard with our lighting options. We offer everything from deck lighting, patio lighting, outdoor path lighting and much more.

Patio

Installing a patio as part of your outdoor project is the best way to make your space more livable. Relaxing and hosting in your yard is close to impossible without a proper patio. Extending your living area will make your home seem bigger and will create a wonderful place for entertaining and spending time with your family. Patio design is also the perfect opportunity to show off your personality by adding personal touches which we will make a reality.

Besides increasing the value of your home, patios are easy to maintain. You will never have to put in extra effort to keep your space clean because our patios are made with the best products available and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Start on your backyard transformation today and contact us for a FREE consultation!