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Modernized deck allows Lisle family to better enjoy their backyard

The Salomons were ready for a change — a big change, inside and out — for their Lisle home nestled in the woods near The Morton Arboretum.

“We needed to update the whole house,” homeowner Janene Salomon said. “It was really dark and closed off.” Salomon and her husband were looking for a fresh look and more modern amenities.

They hired Joan Kaufman, president of Interior Planning and Design of Naperville, and the team set to work, first tackling the outdoor area to update it and make it more inviting.

The concept was to create a weekend ”staycation spot.”

The deck leading from the house to the backyard suffered dry rot and the pool area seemed closed off with overgrown bushes and a wood lattice fence.

Out went the wood deck, the fencing and bushes. This opened up the area for more natural lighting and allowed the deck to be reworked for more functionality. A new deck was configured with maintenance-free decking, a gathering area with swivel seating and a large shade umbrella, a glass railing that allows a good view of the pool, a new grill and cooking area as well as a cozy, private area with a large-screen TV nestled under an arbor custom-designed by Kaufman.

“It's a very conversational area,” Salomon said. “When we have friends over, we'll have a glass of wine in the seating area. Or we can sit and relax and read a book.”

Kaufman selected comfortable yet exceptionally durable and attractive outdoor seating that is complete with sofas, lamps and umbrella tables. Lamps with red fabric shades and red throw pillows provide a bold contrast to the gray fabric furniture.

At poolside, a large, marine-grade umbrella shaped like the tail of a whale adds drama and interest with its bright orange “pop” of intense color. Placed near teak wood benches by Tommy Bahama, this umbrella adds style and visual interest.

Topping off the project with the best of modern technology, the team incorporated easy-to-use outdoor lighting with preset scenes and sound systems with concealed speakers and remote controls.

This first phase also included a new roof, new exterior lighting, repair and painting of the garage interior and landscaping.

“I loved this project,” says Kaufman. “Our client is a joy to work with and they gave us the freedom to be very creative.”

Products used

• Chaise longue and chairs at table: Tommy Bahama

• Umbrellas: Tuuci

• Glass table: Woodard

• Sofa, chairs, tables: Metropolis

• Outdoor grill area: Custom stone and granite designed by Joan Kaufman, Interior Planning and Design Inc.

• Outdoor appliances: SKS

• Deck: Trex decking with tempered glass railing

• Outdoor-rated lamps: Surya

• Pillows: Outdoor fabric/custom

• Outdoor-rated TV: Sony

• Sound system, lighting system and outdoor AV system: Abt Electronics

• Pots: Lux Art

• Silk floral arrangements: Joan Kaufman, Interior Planning and Design Inc.

A pop of orange from the shade umbrella sets the scene for conversation in the seating area. Around the corner is a cozy area to relax and watch TV. Courtesy of Chip Haines Images & Photography
The deck now has glass railings, opening up the view of the backyard, swivel seating and a new grill and cooking area. Courtesy of Chip Haines Images & Photography
An orange "whale tail" umbrella by Tuuci provides a pop of color poolside next to teak wood benches by Tommy Bahama. Courtesy of Chip Haines Images & Photography
The new deck configuration gives a good view of the backyard from the deck and inside the house. Courtesy of Chip Haines Images & Photography
The new deck area has a good view of the pool and backyard. Courtesy of Chip Haines Images & Photography
The roof of this home in Lisle was replaced, with the color updated from terra cotta to a charcoal gray. Courtesy of Chip Haines Images & Photography
Before: The deck was made of wood and deteriorating. Removing it allowed for a new maintenance-free deck with multiple seating areas and a new grill and cooking station. Courtesy of Interior Planning and Design
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