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" We have a small, square, wooden deck that is in the full sun during summer and provides no privacy. I would like to make it an inviting space. What can I do besides the traditional outdoor table/chairs and some potted plants? It looks so plain.   Debbie Pierce  Dear Debbie, I have a small outdoor terrace, too, but I wanted a family gathering place where we could hang out in the morning drinking coffee and juice, sip wine and lemonade in the evening, and do messy art projects in between. For me, the answer was an old round table, which I covered with a bright floral plastic oilcloth (www.oilcloth.com) surrounded by a collection of mismatched chairs. Ask yourself what activities you will do on your deck. Once you figure that out, you&amp;#039;ll be able to plan your space to suit your needs.   More and more, decks are becoming outdoor living rooms. Double lounge chairs, gliders, sectional seating -- even bar units -- are all available at various prices. Target (www.target.com) and Kmart (www.kmart.com) both sell weather-resistant cottage wicker in natural and white, as well as more streamlined cast aluminum varieties. Restoration Hardware (www.restorationhardware.com) has a new group of outdoor wicker that comes with Sunbrella cushions in colors like Kiwi and Cornflower. This collection is pricier but sturdy. I also love shopping at HomeGoods (www.homegoods.com) because I never know what I might find. On my last visit I recall some interesting outdoor pieces plus a whole range of cushions in bright patterns that would really spice up a vintage wrought iron sofa or bench.   Consider customizing your desk with color on the floor as well. Several coats of porch and floor paint will instantly give your space some unique character. At Home Depot, Behr (www.behr.com) offers a range of prep products, primers and paint colors. Capel (www.capelrugs.com) has several styles of oval and round braid rugs made of highly durable polypropylene. Plastic woven floorcloths from Mad Mats (www.sweepdreams.com), Koko (www.kokocompany.com) and Soft Surroundings (www.softsurroundings.com) are colorful and reversible.   As for the privacy and shade issues, you might be able to solve both problems at once (barring the heat of the noonday sun). Target&amp;#039;s Blue Villa collection touts a three-panel woven &amp;quot;privacy screen&amp;quot; that can also shield you from morning or afternoon light. Its Monico Manor Collection includes a sturdy baker&amp;#039;s rack ($199) that, when piled with plants, could also act like a 6&amp;#039; x 36&amp;quot; wall. At Loose Ends (www.looseends.com), a company known for its exotic, island flair, I found screens in bamboo and other natural materials suitable for outdoor use. If you are handy at carpentry, or willing to hire a contractor, consider a pergola overhead or simple privacy wall made from cedar lumber with panels of cabana-striped canvas.   As you can see, your problem won&amp;#039;t be finding good stuff, it will be putting it together in a style that works for you. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/expert-advice/q-and-a/a335/decorate-outdoor-deck/>