IC

atie Scott grew up out-
side. Her parents
Birmingham house
includes a cozy back yard
with subtle lighting, a serene pool
and few obstacles between outdoors
and in.
That's largely because of the way
they constructed and decorated the
deck. For one, it was important to
keep a clear view from the interior
out to the tall trees and verdant
shrubbery. That way, the Scotts tran-
sitioned well, continuing their laid-
back style and sense of comfort as
they left the house.
Now, as Scott settles into her Ann
Arbor new-build, she's trying to repli-
cate the serenity and style of her
childhood back yard.
"We wanted the deck to be inter-
esting," says the 29-year-old Wayne
State University graduate student. "In
a lot of new-build subdivisions, the
decks are basic squares, boring. We
wanted to utilize shapes, angles; we
also wanted multi-level, to get down
on ground level
quickly."
The Ly
mans
Her dream is
of Commerce
becoming reality
Township built
in a three-tiered
deck that blends
a multi-level
with
adjacent
deck to enjoy
wetlands and eas-
the view and
ily facilitates
entertain guests.
entertaining.
The first two
levels are wood;
one has a hot tub and sun chairs,
while the mid-level is "the conversa-
tion area" with big Adirondack chairs
and a fire pit (Costco or Crate &
Barrel). The third level (made of
stamped concrete) is the outdoor
kitchen, a popular trend. There, she
grills, eats, entertains and strolls out
to the wetlands.
"It was important when we
designed the house to have lots of
windows and bring the openness
inside. We are making the deck an
extension of our home."
That's not a bad idea, say designers
and decorators alike. The deck is like
any other room in the house —
although too often "some people
seem to fall apart as soon as they
cross over that threshold, ending up
DECK—ORATING on page 7

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Summer Pleasures/2002

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