03/24/2026
This outdoor space didn’t need more—it needed less.
The home was being prepared for sale. The property backs onto a ravine, so privacy was never the issue. But the deck felt closed in and unwelcoming because of what had been added over time.
An old lattice partition covered in heavy vines and a broken hot tub were taking up space—both physically and visually. The result was a space that felt cramped, dark, and disconnected.
The shift came from removing what no longer served it.
Opening up both ends of the deck immediately made it feel more expansive. From there, the decisions were about being intentional—how to refresh the space so it felt simple, functional, and inviting.
Where the hot tub had been, we created a new zone using a stone decking product and added a gas firepit to show how the space could be enjoyed—without trying to force everything to match.
Sometimes the best decision isn’t what to add—it’s what to take away.
Interestingly, the buyer later installed a pool in a location that would have previously been blocked—something that became much easier to envision once the space was opened up.
Full before & after (and the thinking behind it) here:
https://differenceinaday.ca/home/f/outdoor-transformation-opening-up-the-deck-space
