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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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July 21, 2014

Deck Makeover Reveal!

Eons and eons ago I started a blog. OK…it was actually only 4 years ago but it feels like EONS ago!

This was pre-At the Picket Fence days and I was so excited that it  gave me an opportunity to remember that I could string sentences together and use words with multiple syllables since at that time I was up to my eyeballs in sippy cups, potty training and putting together tracks for Thomas the train.

entertaining on the deck atthepicketfence.com

And on that blog all of those eons of years ago I wrote a post called ‘Deck-o-rating’ all about how I was decorating my deck for summer.

I thought I was sooooo clever using that title! 😉

But I was hiding something…

Composite Deck Makeover from atthepicketfence.com

All of the ‘deck-o-rations’ were covering up a space badly in need of repair.

Actually it didn’t just need repairing, it needed to be destroyed! It needed to be torn off and then have me dance on top of it’s sad remains. Are you getting the picture that I really didn’t like our deck?

But new decks cost a lot of money and we knew that what we were wanting in particular, a composite deck, would definitely require some penny pinching.

So, even though the deck probably should have been ripped off soon after we moved in we had other more pressing issues to deal with inside the house and it got pushed to the bottom of the list. Summer after summer went by until finally this year we were ready to rip that puppy off and welcome a beautiful new deck in it’s place!

Here’s the deck BEFORE…

old deck

And here it is AFTER!

Azec decking makeover atthepicketfence.com

Isn’t she beeeee-u-ti-ful??

before and after deck makeover

No more wobbly railing with pieces that fell off every time you walked up the stairs.

composite deck stairs atthepicketfence.com

No more brown railing with brown posts attached to a brown floor.

old deck2

Sigh…I just love that row of columns.

black deck posts and railing atthepicketfence.com

No more pressure washing and replacing old boards and staining.

Or risking injury every time we walked across the floor.

old deck 3

We used Azek decking and selected a color called Walnut Grove.

I promise it wasn’t because of my obsession with all things Little House on the Prairie! 😉

Azec decking

And there was just enough room in the budget left over for a new table set and thanks to an awesome Memorial Day sale we found one worthy of gracing our new deck.

composite decking makeover atthepicketfence.com

I’m kinda sorta obsessed with it!

wicker outdoor patio set atthepicketfence.com

Don’t you think it warrants being kinda sorta obsessed over?

outdoor summer entertaining atthepicketfence.com

 

On the other end of the deck we have enough room for a more casual seating area and most evenings you will find my hubby and I sitting here with a glass of wine after the kiddos are in bed.

 

outdoor seating area

You know, there is something so incredibly satisfying about sitting on a deck that you waited years for.

The one that you wanted the moment you saw the dilapidated old version attached to your new-to-you house.

The one that you scrimped and saved for.

deck makeover atthepicketfence.com

Delayed gratification is a wonderful feeling, wouldn’t you agree? 🙂

Vanessa signature

50 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Outdoors, Summer

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Comments

  1. Julie @ Restyle Relove says

    July 21, 2014 at 3:13 AM

    Your deck is beautiful! First thing I noticed was the amazing decking floor in such a pretty colour. And those chairs look so comfortable I’m sure you could sit there all day! Totally worth the wait. x J

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 6:08 PM

      Thank you so much Julie! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Stephanie says

    July 21, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    Your deck is absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait to do the same to ours. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Michelle says

    July 21, 2014 at 5:22 AM

    Love the deck. Can we see the pretty wicker grouping on the other side of the table??

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 21, 2014 at 7:18 AM

      Hi Michelle! I’m so glad you said something because I had a photo of the other seating area all ready to go but forgot to put it in the post. Oops! 🙂 It’s in there now so come on back by if you want to see it. Thanks!
      Vanessa

      Reply
      • Michelle says

        July 21, 2014 at 7:45 AM

        I love the way you put it all together. It looks very relaxing and very good use of space. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
  4. Ann says

    July 21, 2014 at 5:29 AM

    This is amazing. I have your old version still on the back of my house. I want composite decking SO BAD and hope to install next year. I am saving and saving but my deck is huge so it’s going to be pricey. Love all your choices. So happy for you!

    Reply
    • June says

      July 21, 2014 at 6:54 AM

      Ann,

      I don’t know what part of the country you live, but my friend got an amazing deal last winter at one of the big box stores for composite decking. Might be worth checking.

      june

      Reply
  5. Marty Walden says

    July 21, 2014 at 6:21 AM

    It looks beautiful! I completely understand your joy! Our new deck has brought so much beauty to the front of our home and greets visitors in a perfect Southern way! Love your new furniture, too!

    Reply
  6. Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says

    July 21, 2014 at 6:59 AM

    Vanessa–I love it! And I’m just swooning over those amazing chairs. Great job–enjoy it!!

    Reply
  7. Carol Reddin says

    July 21, 2014 at 7:39 AM

    It is a beautiful deck! Love sitting on the very comfortable chairs watching my grandchildren! Mom

    Reply
  8. Sonya Barker ~At Home with The Barkers says

    July 21, 2014 at 7:40 AM

    Such a gorgeous makeover! We are doing those deck repairs currently and I am ohhing an ahhing over yours. That table is perfect. Enjoy it ~Sonya

    Reply
  9. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    July 21, 2014 at 7:54 AM

    The deck is gorgeous and I agree, the new table and chairs are stunning. I totally love them.

    Reply
  10. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    July 21, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Love the new deck! Beautiful combination of colors! I’m pinning!
    Leslie

    Reply
  11. Barbara Ann says

    July 21, 2014 at 8:50 AM

    Love it all. Have a great summer on your new deck. But can you share where you got your chairs to the patio set? It would go perfect with some of my pieces..thank you
    Barbara Ann http://Www.etsy.com/shop/ barbaraannscreations

    Reply
  12. Cheryl Ann says

    July 21, 2014 at 9:05 AM

    Very pretty…the black adds so much! Good job! Cheryl Ann

    Reply
  13. Denise and Lesley says

    July 21, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    Vanessa, the deck is absolutely beautiful! Yes, such a difference using the composite material. So worth the wait! Your photos are gorgeous as well! We loved spending time with Heather at Haven. Hope to see you soon!

    Reply
  14. Kim says

    July 21, 2014 at 11:16 AM

    Oh, I love it Vanessa. I hope we can do something some day to ours.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:15 PM

      Thanks Kim!

      Reply
  15. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 21, 2014 at 12:36 PM

    Oh you and your family must be so happy to sit out there and enjoy your beautiful new deck and furniture…A great choice in the furniture..I would want to sit out there every morning and evening to begin and end the day enjoying the “new outdoor room”….

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:15 PM

      Thank you Shirley! We are definitely trying to enjoy it as much as we can before our Oregon rain returns! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 21, 2014 at 1:11 PM

    It looks wonderful, Vanessa! It was well worth waiting for. Love the dining set, too.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:15 PM

      Thanks Kathy!

      Reply
  17. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    July 21, 2014 at 8:11 PM

    Love it!!! Looks wonderful 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:14 PM

      Thanks girl!

      Reply
  18. Heather says

    July 21, 2014 at 8:50 PM

    Wow – love that new decking and your new dining set is gorgeous!! Love your outdoor space Vanessa!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:14 PM

      Thanks so much Heather! Wish you could come over for a drink! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 22, 2014 at 6:10 AM

    Hi Vanessa, The new deck looks wonderful and I love the deck furniture! Enjoy your new space.
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:13 PM

      Thank you so much Sherry!

      Reply
  20. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    July 22, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    ohhh I love it! We are saving for a new deck too. I’d love to do the composite, but I’m not sure if that’s going to be in our budget. Our deck is so big that I can’t even imagine how much it’s going to cost! Yours is beautiful and I love all the new plants underneath too!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:13 PM

      Thanks Lisa! We were actually considering extending the deck until we got the estimate for that. LOL! Keeping it the same footprint definitely kept it within our budget!

      Reply
  21. martina says

    July 22, 2014 at 5:35 PM

    Vanessa your new deck is beautiful!! LOVE the color you chose for the floor and love those rails…your new table and chairs are beautiful too!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 22, 2014 at 6:07 PM

      Thank you so much Martina!

      Reply
  22. Jessica Griffin says

    July 23, 2014 at 9:11 AM

    This is beautiful in every way, Vanessa. As always, a lovely choice of colors and design.
    I hear you about the Thomas Trains. I can’t bear to give Will’s away!
    Hugs xoxo

    Reply
  23. wicker outdoor furniture Fort Lauderdale says

    July 25, 2014 at 5:05 AM

    I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!

    Reply
  24. Michelle Paige says

    July 29, 2014 at 4:05 PM

    So Beautiful! Love the columns. Enjoy!

    Reply
  25. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    August 11, 2014 at 10:27 AM

    I LOVE it!! I would never come inside! lol What a fantastic makeover. xo

    Reply
  26. Jonni Hecker says

    April 5, 2016 at 12:44 PM

    Hi, I love your deck. You did a fantastic job. I’m considering doing something similar to the back of my house and wondering if you’ve experienced any fading. Or any other side effects. In other words, are you still loving it?

    Thanks, Jonni

    Reply
  27. Leila says

    May 29, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    Hi – I stumbled across your blog from a picture of your deck on pinterest. I love it and am considering the same color scheme for our replacement deck. Do you recall what railing system you used?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  28. Judith Newman says

    August 1, 2017 at 6:00 AM

    I love the deck chairs. Can you tell me who makes them?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 1, 2017 at 7:18 AM

      Hi Judith! These were purchased at Home Depot a couple of years ago. 🙂

      Reply
  29. Catherine J. Evans says

    September 7, 2017 at 5:04 PM

    We are about to have 2 decks built after our old ones were destroyed by toppling trees. I see you used composite decking but am interested to know what materials your balusters, rails and posts are? I have looked at many, probably hundreds of photos of decks in preparation for our build but yours is the absolute, hands down, most unique design I have seen. I am seriously thinking of changing our plan which is black metal balusters with cedar rails to an all black design like yours. I LOVE IT!

    Reply
  30. Dixie says

    April 2, 2018 at 5:56 PM

    I keep coming back to this railing. Would you mind sharing what the maker is for this railing and the specific name?

    Reply
  31. michelle molitor says

    May 7, 2018 at 10:56 AM

    Hello!
    Can you please tell me the brand and color of decking you used? I love it! I need to make a decision on my own deck asap! How has it held up? Any fading or warping?
    Thank you so much!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 7, 2018 at 1:29 PM

      Hi Michelle! We used Azek Decking materials which is similar to Trex decks. The color we went with is called Walnut Grove and the railing is also from Azek as well. The only fading we have noticed is just a slight difference where our rug is next to the sliding glass doors. They have a great website with lots of options!

      Reply
      • michelle molitor says

        May 7, 2018 at 2:52 PM

        Thanks so much!!

        Reply
        • At The Picket Fence says

          May 9, 2018 at 1:09 PM

          Hi Michelle! Sorry I’m just now getting back to you but I finally have those colors for you. We used Sherwin Williams paint and the main body of the house is painted in a color called Cobblestones and the trim is painted in Alley Gravel. Hope that helps!

          Reply
  32. Fernanda Shamanis says

    June 20, 2018 at 4:32 PM

    I love the table and chairs. We are looking for chairs like this. Did you purchase this as a set? Can we buy the chairs separately?

    Reply
  33. Maggie says

    October 28, 2018 at 9:39 AM

    Love, love, love your deck. I wondered if you could share the dimensions. Would love to get a better idea of what fits on a deck of this size. Thank you.

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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