There’s nothing quite like a glass of local wine on your personalized deck. As outdoor living spaces continue to rise in popularity, more homeowners in Berrien County are choosing to enhance their homes with beautiful, functional decks. These additions expand your living area and can significantly increase your property's value and aesthetic appeal. Peacock & Company specializes in creating custom decks in Michigan’s Harbor Country and South Bend tailored to each homeowner's unique style and needs, incorporating everything from sophisticated lighting to comfortable seating and stylish railings. We’re here today to explore the latest deck-building trends in Berrien County, highlighting popular designs, materials, and custom features that are reshaping how residents enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Popular Deck Colors
In Berrien County, the choice of deck color often reflects the natural surroundings to create a harmonious outdoor living space. Earth tones such as browns and greens are popular as they blend seamlessly with the landscape. However, we notice a growing trend towards gray and blue hues, which provide a modern look and pair well with contemporary home designs. The most popular deck color often depends on the home's architectural style and the homeowner's aesthetic preferences, making versatility in color choices a key consideration. With the array of colors for popular deck products on the market, your color options are truly endless.
Trending Custom Deck Features
Homeowners in Berrien County prioritize personalized deck features that elevate both the functionality and visual appeal of their outdoor spaces.
Built-In Deck Seating Designs
- Bench Seating: Incorporate benches along the deck's perimeter, saving space and providing ample seating for guests.
- Sunken Seating Areas: Consider one of our favorite deck entertainment ideas to inject personalized style. Create a cozy, conversation-friendly area by outfitting it with cushions and throw pillows.
- Storage Benches: Get the deck seating you need while concealing storage space for cushions, outdoor toys, and tools.
Deck Lighting Options
- Recessed Step Lights: Ensure safety by illuminating steps to prevent falls after dark.
- Post Cap Lights: Add ambient lighting that enhances the deck’s ambiance and outlines its perimeter beautifully.
- Under-Rail Lights: Provide a subtle glow that enhances the deck’s architecture without being obtrusive.
- String Lights: Offer festive and customizable lighting for entertaining during evenings.
Custom Railing Options
- Glass Railings: Maximize views with a sleek, modern aesthetic that doesn’t compromise safety.
- Cable Railings: Deliver an industrial look with minimal obstruction to sightlines, ideal for scenic locations.
- Decorative Metal Railings: Feature intricate designs that add a distinctive style element to the deck’s overall look. Our recent project with Westbury aluminum railing is an excellent example of impeccable execution of this aesthetic.
Entertainment Features
- Outdoor Kitchens: Equip your deck with amenities like grills, refrigerators, and sinks for ultimate outdoor dining experiences.
- Built-In Fire Pits: Create a warm gathering spot for evening entertainment, adding both warmth and a visual focal point.
- Speaker Systems: Integrate audio systems seamlessly into the deck design for a great listening experience during gatherings or relaxing evenings.
Planters and Green Spaces
- Integrated Planters: Add built-in planters to cultivate herbs, flowers, or small vegetables, adding life and color to the deck.
- Vertical Gardens: Utilize your vertical space for greenery without sacrificing floor space.
DECK SAFETY Features
Ensuring deck safety is crucial, especially for decks used as gathering spaces. Homeowners in Berrien County should prioritize these key safety features.
Non-Slip Surfaces
- Importance: Decks can become slippery in wet conditions, presenting a hazard.
- Solutions: Options include textured wood finishes, anti-slip paints, or composite materials with enhanced grip.
- Maintenance: Regularly clean to remove mold and debris, improving slip resistance.
Adequate Railings
- Compliance: Railings must meet local building codes for height and spacing to prevent falls.
- Design: Ensure spacing between balusters is narrow to keep children safe.
Child-Safe Gates
- Functionality: Gates prevent unsupervised access by young children.
- Integration: We can easily design gates to complement the deck’s aesthetics.
- Security: Use child-proof locks that adults can easily operate.
Lighting for Safety and Visibility
- Placement: Install lights on stairways, perimeters, and elevation changes to prevent accidents.
- Options: Use solar post caps, low-voltage LED fixtures, and ambient lighting for adequate illumination.
WOOD DECK TRENDS
Wood remains a popular choice for decks due to its natural beauty and warmth. However, as homeowner preferences evolve, so do the trends in wood decking.
Sustainable Sourcing
Environmentally conscious homeowners are increasingly opting for wood sourced from sustainably managed forests. Woods like bamboo (technically a grass but often used like wood), cedar, and redwood are popular for their sustainability credentials and natural resistance to rot and pests.
Exotic Hardwoods
Exotic woods like Ipe, teak, and tigerwood are gaining popularity for their durability and unique grain patterns. These woods offer a distinctive look while providing exceptional longevity and resistance to weathering, making them ideal for homeowners looking for a luxury decking option.
Thermal Modification
This process heats wood to high temperatures, altering its chemical structure to improve its durability and resistance to moisture. Thermally modified wood is becoming a sought-after material for decking because it offers the natural beauty of wood without the typical maintenance challenges.
Mixed Materials
Combining wood with other materials, such as metal or glass, is a trend with staying power. Homeowners and designers are mixing materials to create modern, visually interesting decks that feature the best of both worlds.
Gray and Weathered Finishes
The trend towards gray and other weathered wood finishes continues to be strong. These colors give a contemporary, sophisticated and complement a wide range of home styles. Additionally, they can be easier to maintain, as they more naturally hide dirt and wear.
Hidden Fasteners
The demand for cleaner, screw-free surfaces has led to the increased use of hidden fastening systems in wood decks. These systems allow for a smooth, nail-free look, enhancing the deck’s aesthetic while providing a safer, snag-free surface.
FUTURE TRENDS IN DECK BUILDING IN 2024 AND BEYOND
As we look ahead from 2024, deck building is expected to continue evolving with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technology. Homeowners are increasingly seeking eco-friendly materials that offer durability and minimal environmental impact. Composite decking, such as Trex or Fiberon, made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, will continue to be very popular due to its longevity and low maintenance requirements. Integrating smart technology into deck design is also on the rise. Features like automated lighting, solar panels, and weather sensors are becoming popular choices for those looking to enhance functionality and energy efficiency.
Peacock is Your Outdoor Living Construction Expert in Berrien County and Beyond
Are you inspired to transform your outdoor living space and get the deck you’ve always desired? At Peacock & Company, we’re ready to help you design and build a deck that perfectly suits your needs, enhances your home, and provides a beautiful space for relaxation and entertainment. Contact us today for a personalized consultation. We cannot wait to meet you!
