1) Plants – It’s not outdoors without a little bit of nature, is it? Before you decide to fill your entire patio with shrubs from Hawaii, be sure you know the direction your patio/deck faces. This is crucial to the plant-picking process. Once you’ve figured this out discuss them with a local florist or greenhouse. A great local resource is Jayson Home & Garden off North Clybourn Avenue. It’s always best to have a good balance between annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. To maintain your plants, take a hint from this Old Town couple in Chicago Home + Garden magazine and install a automatic irrigation system. This keeps your plants watered without the hassle of a bucket or hose.

Chicago Home + Garden magazine deck; Photography by Alan Shortall

3) Lighting – Lighting is the best (and most overlooked) way to enhance the mood on your balcony or deck. Installing programmable outdoor lights or lights with dimmers can instantly switch your deck from relax mode to party mode. Even try changing it up a bit and utilize lights that mix colors (blue, pink, purple).  If you decide to go with programmable lights, coordinating colors to various songs is a big hit at fiestas. A great local resource for lighting is Lightology off West Chicago Avenue.

4) Furnishings - What’s a deck without a place to rest? Unusual loungers are the way to go if you want an outstanding deck. When picking these out, however, remember our Chicago winters. Is the furniture easy to store? If not, is it heavy enough to withstand the wind? These are just a few things to keep in mind. If you’re looking for really unique outdoor furniture, be sure to check out Hospitality Design Source online. This shop’s furnishing are straight from a Mediterranean vacation. Be sure not to get something too big for the allotted space though. Scale is everything. Sectionals and sofas are great for large decks, but they don’t work in smaller areas. If you’re low on space opt for the occasional chair or lounge chair.

Eclips Chair & Ottoman by Hospitality Design Source

5) Dining/Kitchen - If space allows, consider a built-in brick oven and small kitchen for your deck. This makes summer entertaining a breeze and is a real delight for guests. Chicago Brick Oven and Harmony Outdoor Living are great resources.

Chicago Home + Garden magazine deck; Photography by Alan Shortall

6) Entertainment - If you plan to throw parties on your deck, you can go the route of installing a billiards table like the aforementioned Old Town couple from Chicago Home + Garden magazine, or you can simply install a high-quality sound system to play your favorite tunes. It isn’t a party without music. And on days when you only want to relax, some soft music do the trick, too. Local source: Digital Senseworks off North Milwaukee Avenue.

If you’re still looking for that perfect Chicago home and were fantasizing about your very own deck throughout this post, be sure to check out 3711 N. Bosworth St., Unit #3. This 1,900-square-foot Chicago penthouse condo, has the perfect deck just waiting to be enhanced (plus many other amenities). Most Chicago home’s do not have wide deck spaces, yet this beauty’s outdoor space measures 37×18 feet, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Another unique feature about this rooftop deck is its direct access to the condo without having to climb any stairs. You can simply walk out to enjoy nature or entertain your guests.

3711 N. Bosworth St. Rooftop Deck

3711 N. Bosworth St. Rooftop Deck

Other amenities at this property include a double-wide lot, hardwood floors, crown molding, 9-foot ceilings, 42″ kitchen cabinets, granite kitchen counters, jacuzzi in the master bathroom, wood-burning fireplace and a two-car private garage with storage area.

3711 N. Bosworth St.

To find out more about this property or other Chicago homes or condos with great deck spaces, please contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@rubloff.com.