Remember when we surprised Jaime by house-crashing her colorful, cozy home last June (more details here)?
Since then she has completely redone her back deck and generously shared the photos with us. The transformation is warm, inviting, and full of clever DIY ideas you can copy or adapt for your own outdoor space.
One of the first things that catches the eye is the breezy canopy over a daybed. Jaime made the canopy herself, and it sets a relaxed, summery tone for the whole area. The daybed underneath is even more impressive when you look closely: it’s constructed from pallets. Jaime built the pallet daybed on her own, and she posted a full tutorial showing the process here, which is a great resource if you want a similar piece for your yard.
The dining nook is another highlight. Jaime balances smooth, modern elements with natural, textured ones — think textured linens and a light fixture paired with shiny metal chairs. That contrast creates a layered, thoughtfully styled look that feels both casual and curated. I’m particularly taken with the graphic chevron bench cushion; it injects personality without overwhelming the space. Jaime also crafted the delicate fabric tassel garlands herself, and she explains how she made them here.
The layout of the deck reads like a series of small outdoor rooms: intimate and sheltered in some places, open and breezy in others. It manages to feel private without being closed-off, which is a hard balance to achieve outdoors. There’s a comfortable flow between lounging, dining, and casual conversation areas, making the deck perfect for long summer afternoons or relaxed evening gatherings.
Small details make a big difference. A table set with simple, colorful accents feels fresh and celebratory — just the sort of thing that invites people to linger. John, one of our team, was taken with the wheel-like design featured on the base of a sideboard; it’s a small, unexpected touch that adds character. Nearby, a playful collection of ceramic animals next to an oversized jug of pink lemonade brings a lighthearted, whimsical element to the scene.
Photography plays a big role in communicating the mood Jaime achieved. The photos capture how soft fabrics, woven lighting, and handmade furnishings work together to create a welcoming environment. Jaime’s friend Raya took the pictures, and they wonderfully showcase both the design details and the relaxed atmosphere.
For anyone planning an outdoor update, Jaime’s deck is full of practical inspiration: repurpose pallets for seating, mix textures and finishes, add handmade fabric accents, and don’t shy away from small, quirky pieces that reflect personality. If you want to know where Jaime found certain items or to see more photos of her yard, she outlines the sources and shares more images on her blog here.
What’s my favorite element? It’s hard to choose, but the woven light fixture and the pallet daybed top my list — they’re beautiful, approachable, and emblematic of DIY spirit. Now tell us: what part would you steal for your own backyard?
Photo credit: Raya (rayaphotography.com). To see more of our House Crashing visits, browse our archive here.
P.S. One of our favorite houses we visited is currently for sale in Charlotte. If you’re curious, details were available through the listing linked on our site.