Hot Gift Trends 2024
It all began when I was sixteen years old and my parents told me that I “had the unique ability to choose the perfect gifts” at Christmas. I’ve always loved outdoor living, and prefer it to the indoors to tell you the truth. Luxury additions and upgrades are on the rise, and designers and homeowners are approaching outdoor spaces with the same care as interior design. “I am seeing a big movement towards truly putting as much care and effort into the design of outdoor living spaces as indoor ones,” says Kathy Kuo of Kathy Kuo Home. “Creating an outdoor[...]
On Deck – Staying Ahead of the Curve
In 1990: The Simpsons first appeared on TV The first GPS for a car was introduced by Pioneer Apartheid was abolished by Nelson Mandela The 2 best-selling singles were: Elton John, Sacrifice & The Righteous Brothers, Unchained Mercy DeckTec started building incredible outdoor living spaces I believe most people’s perception of a deck is a somewhat generic square or rectangular platform off the back of a house - at least when I started DeckTec 35 years ago, that was the case. Having previously been employed in landscaping, sunrooms, and custom cedar homes, all of which featured elements of decks and[...]
Dark Sky Deck Lighting: The Secret to Supreme Summer Outdoor Comfort
The dishes are done, the kids are in bed, and now it's time to slip into your comfy deck chair to relax and enjoy a beverage by the fire pit. There's just one problem. That darn light! Your neighbor's flood light keeps going on every time the slightest movement occurs, blasting you with a beam of bright light. How unpleasant! There are few things we love more in Colorado than sitting outdoors at night. This is particularly true in the summer when nighttime provides a bit of respite from the intense Colorado heat. The problem is that even away from[...]
Deck Decluttering and Buy Nothing For Maximum Outdoor Comfort
What does a set of golf clubs, some old batteries, and a freshly picked smoked turkey carcass have to do with spring cleaning? They're the spoils of one of the biggest trends in spring cleaning since the KonMari Method. This spring, two emerging trends are gaining traction among those seeking a minimalist lifestyle and sustainable consumption habits: Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook and the Buy Nothing Year challenge. As you clean off your porches and prepare for an epic deck season, let's examine the two trends and see how organizing can improve outdoor comfort and build community. Buy Nothing Groups:[...]
The Grown-ups Guide To: Do I Really Need to Stain My Deck?
Nobody likes to be told to do something they don't want, especially when that something is like putting stain on a deck. We're adults, mind you. If I want to stay up late, eat ice cream out of the carton, and leave the toilet seat up—welp, you're darn tootin'—that's what I'm going to do. [Note: Reminder to not let my wife read that part about the toilet seat. I've already been warned.] And if I'm not inclined to stain my deck, what's the worst that could happen? How long will a deck last without stain? It may surprise you that[...]
