A good skeleton, the wooden deck came with built-in benches, planters, and two lounge chairs.

“We wanted to invest in the space and make it more inviting and comfy, so we can eat lunch and take breaks up there, have meetings in fresh air, and hold gatherings to celebrate our issue launches,” said editor in chief Jill Russell. While we considered a number of directions for the project, we ultimately tapped designer and friend Katie Krynak, who had a west coast-inspired vision, to help.

Krynak’s first impression was that while the deck had immense potential, it felt a bit abandoned. She knew she could make the best of what was already there and create a multi-purpose space. “Two things I wanted to focus on were bringing life into the space and providing function,” she said. “A beautiful space will be wasted if it isn't functional for those who are using it.”

To make the most of the relatively small space, the new design incorporates various new items while taking advantage of old architectural details, like built-in seating and hanging flower pots. With a budget of $300, the task was totally doable, but required some extra creativity. “Every space should be personal, so it's important to reflect the style and attitude of Venus,” said Krynak. She eventually landed on a modern and contemporary look with a somewhat risky, bold color palette. 

...and After!

The new, sunset-inspired paint job.

Taking inspiration from from Lake Michigan sunsets and a California design aesthetic, Krynak transformed this deck to the perfect setting for summer fun. She used two Sherwin-Williams paint colors, Copper Harbor (a soft but vibrant orange) and Coming up Roses (a medium pink) to paint the “sunset” backdrop on a patch of aluminum siding. This provided a palette to help select accents, accessories, and fabric for recovering the built-in seating. Publisher Sarah Beardsley also stained the wood deck.

Re-covered cushions on built-in seating, fabric $3.89/yd; black Sally stools from Chiasso, $58 each; pillows from World Market; indoor/outdoor area rug, $55.

Solar-powered "eco" lantern from Chiasso, $18 on sale.

Plastic tray, pitcher, and glasses set, $8 from Walmart, pillow made of leftover fabric from covering cushions.

DIY Home Makeover Basics

Considering a home improvement project or DIY makeover of your own? Krynak’s tips will help you get started and bring out the full potential of your indoor or outdoor space.

• Think function first. Decide how you want to use your space. Multi-purpose furniture made sense for this particular deck, meant for meetings, lunch breaks, and entertaining. For example, the Chiasso Sally stools are perfect for conversations and parties, and can work as side tables or additional seats.
• Don’t forget plants. Plants are so important and add life to every space! We used only flowers here, but succulents, herbs, and small vegetable plants can thrive in the city—even on the smallest of balconies. 
• Shop the sale section. This striped outdoor upholstery fabric was found in the discounted remnant section of the fabric store for 70% off because there was a miniscule (and barely detectable) dye flaw every several feet. 
• Think small. Don’t underestimate the power of a can of spray paint. We breathed new life into a rusty table and lantern hook after a couple coats of black paint.
• Use what you’ve got. We had access to some brick remnants from the office building that we used to prop up plants and add architectural interest to the space.