How to create an outdoor room

Walls and trims painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko, weatherboards painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Grey Friars, table in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Kelp, Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Half Linen, outdoor sofa frame stained in Resene Timber and Furniture Gel Whitewash and large plant pot painted in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Green Spring.

What started as an exposed, sunbaked deck bleached by the weather and battered by the wind has been completely transformed into a calm, coastal-style outdoor retreat. With the addition of fresh Resene paint and stain, a clear roof, clever shading and some thoughtful styling, this under-utilised area has become the most-loved spot in the home.

The key to this makeover? Making the space weather-proof and useful year-round without losing the open, breezy feel that makes a deck so appealing in the first place.

A roof overhead

The first step was installing a clear aluminium roof. It instantly gave the space structure and protection from harsh weather, without blocking out the natural light. Now the space feels like a room, but is still bright and airy. Perfect for lazy lunches, starlit dinners or lolling around reading while it rains.

Closing in with character

To shelter the deck from strong winds and add privacy, three sides were closed in using timber panels, slatted walls and a mix of salvaged windows and doors. The look is in keeping with the bungalow-style of the rest of the house and the clear panels let the light pour through while offering shelter from gusts. Second-hand materials kept the budget down and added loads of personality. The bi-fold windows and French doors open up in summer to allow air to flow then close off in winter to trap heat.

Paint, stain and freshen surfaces

Next, every surface got a refresh. The reclaimed panels and old joinery were sanded then painted with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. The finished topcoat was Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog. The decking was cleaned using Resene Timber and Deck Wash then stained in Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko to bring out the grain and even out the weathering. The contrast between stained deck and painted walls helps the room feel layered, yet relaxed and is a seamless extension from the living room.

The reclaimed panels and old joinery were finished with Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog and are anchored by the deck stained in moody Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko.

Bungalow features have been retained and enhanced with fresh finishes for character and style. Trims painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog and house in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Grey Friars.

Shade please

For extra comfort on hot days, grey-and-white striped retractable outdoor blinds were added above the bi-fold windows. Not only do they offer shade, but they also bring that classic beachside look, like something you’d see lining a villa in Positano or a Hamptons porch. Plus, they roll away when not in use.

The final touches

With the structure complete, it was time to style. A large, rustic wooden table anchors the space and is big enough for weekend barbecues or working from home with coffee in hand. A paint makeover using Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Kelp and testpots in Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Half Linen added some colour. An outdoor couch with deep cushions softens the zone and invites lounging. Weathered from the sun this was updated using Resene Timber and Furniture Gel Whitewash. Plant pots were refreshed with Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Green Spring, which adds a textured touch. The result is layered and lived-in.

What was once a faded, overlooked deck is now a go-to gathering space that is sheltered, stylish and full of character. It’s proof that with a little vision, fresh paint and some second-hand finds, even the most weather-worn space can be brought back to life.

Before

After

With some clever additions and the power of Resene paint and stain, this deck was transformed into an all-season sanctuary for living and entertaining. Table painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Kelp, Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Half Linen, walls and trim in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Triple Sea Fog, weatherboards in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Grey Friars and deck stained in Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Iroko.

Extra outdoor inspiration

This tired courtyard is another example of how Resene paint and stain help create an extraordinary transformation. The old space was cold, lifeless and seriously underutilised. The reimagined courtyard is as functional as it is beautiful, with many spaces to relax and entertain under the sun and stars.

See the full courtyard makeover and get inspired.

Block wall primed with Resene Concrete Primer and painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Alabaster, pizza oven base painted in Resene Resitex Standard in Resene Smooth Operator, pavers primed with Resene Concrete Primer and topcoated in Resene Walk-on in Resene Kalgoorie Sands and plant pot painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Flax and Resene Gold Coast.