Take your deck from functionality to fashionable, think outdoor art, built-in furniture, illuminated screens and other features. Style director Louise Hilsz says it's s easy as adding potted plants and string lights, but it all starts with refreshing a deck. Here's how to make a significant impact without a major renovation. Read on for tips that will give your deck flair, functionality and interest for years to come.

Outdoor Artwork

Add a pop of colour to that bland-looking wall. Art pieces made from metal, wood, glass, fibreglass and resin are weather-resistant choices, as is a heavy-duty canvas. We like colours that reflect the outdoors think shades of blue, and green.

Update Your Lighting

Illuminate your outdoor space by bringing it to life with strategically placed mood lighting. Your local hardware store has excellent, affordable solar-powered options on offer that are easy to install and offer the flexibility of changing it up every few seasons for a different look.

Hang around

Hanging furniture is a great addition to any deck. If you're limited on space try a hanging chair. If not go for the ultimate comfort with a hanging day bed to spend afternoons lounging in the sunshine.

Spruce up your wood

Your deck needs regular love and attention just like any other area of your home. Deck oil will improve the life of your wood. Like shining your shoes or polishing your interior woodwork, oiling your deck and furniture regularly will keep it looking its best while providing protection against the ravages of water, fungi and ultraviolet light. Popular among those who prefer a lightly oiled look to the more heavily pigmented stain finish, Resene Furniture and Decking Oil, is designed for direct application to timber decks and furniture to enhance and restore the timber colour and provide protection against water, fungi, and U.V. light. The product is designed for annual application to keep decks and furniture in good condition and assist with water repellency.

Typical uses: New and weathered timber, timber outdoor furniture, wooden decks.

Resene Furniture and Decking Oilclear timber oil - exterior - solvent-borne, available from Resene ColorShops.

Add some colour

Seasonal flowers add a burst of colour to your entertaining outdoor spaces. Especially if they complement the furniture colours and style, try annual plants such as petunia, verbena, geranium, marigold, and zinnia, so you have different pops of colour every season.