Minimalist aesthetics describes the trend in design where the subject is reduced to its necessary elements. This style was greatly influenced by traditional Japanese design and was popularized in modern art and architecture. If you enjoy a simple and well organized aesthetic you will want to follow these principles emphasizing basic elements like clean lines and the strength of the decks frame. Allow the honest expression of your materials to represent its aesthetic instead of relying upon applied ornament.

If you possess a more eclectic sense of design you may feel that minimalism removes all the fun from design. In such cases you may want to explore the use of more decorative elements such as curved balusters or an ornate post cap to add some flare. How have you decorated your house? Do you like neat and clean or are you an avid collector of antiques? You should ideally transfer those same ideas into your deck design. Many styles of ornamentation reference a specific historical period or cultural heritage like the Classical Greek and Roman Orders or Gothic Style. How will these design statements compliment the exterior of your house? Trust your intuition.