Introduction

The Making of Martha’s Outdoor Retreat

Through this collaboration, Martha and Trex invite you inside the design journey unfolding at her Bedford, NY home. Along the way, Martha shares inspiration, expert guidance and thoughtful details to help you create an outdoor space you can invest in once and enjoy for years to come. Follow along as she reveals her planning process, design choices and the final transformation.

A spacious white wooden deck extends from a traditional house into a landscaped backyard. A large tree grows through the deck, providing natural shade near a seating area with benches and a small table. A raised section with steps leads to a pergola structure supported by columns. Neatly trimmed shrubs and stone pavers frame the outdoor living space, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A large white wooden deck extends from a house into a lush backyard. A white pergola structure covers part of the deck, creating an inviting outdoor living space. A dining table is set with dishes and drinks, while a bench and coffee table form a separate seating area. Surrounding trees and greenery provide a serene, private garden atmosphere.

Hear From Martha Herself

Martha Stewart’s Bedford, NY deck is finished, and the reveal is all in the details. Designed around the landscape and the way Martha lives outdoors, the space pairs a restrained palette with thoughtful touches that proves that restraints can make the biggest statement.

“Good design is not accidental, it’s intentional,” Martha says. That philosophy guided the project from the start. “When I began planning this deck, I had a few serious requirements. The deck had to be beautiful, it had to be durable, it had to look good with the house of course, and it absolutely could not create more work for me. That’s one of the reasons I chose Trex.”

Martha’s longtime appreciation for faux bois, or the artful imitation of wood, inspired the selection of Trex Transcend® Lineage® decking in Salt Flat. It delivers the natural look and variation she loves with the low-maintenance performance she wanted. A custom Trex® Pergola creates an inviting place to gather, while Trex Select® Aluminum Railing in Burnished Bronze adds a warm, understated frame. New Trex® Lighting adds another layer to the design, highlighting the deck’s architecture and extending the space well into the evening.

The deck was designed for real life, too. Open areas give Martha’s dogs and grandchildren room to roam, while the pergola creates a natural setting for meals and gatherings. As the sun goes down, integrated lighting helps define the space and keeps the deck inviting long after daylight fades.

The craftsmanship is equally considered. A waterfall edge carries the decking seamlessly down the staircase, while a sweeping curve wraps around a mature tree, allowing the deck to follow the landscape rather than compete with it.

“Projects like this require planning, expertise and the right team. I worked very, very closely with experienced TrexPro® Builders throughout the entire process. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail helped bring the vision to life exactly as I intended. Good design is extremely important, but great execution is what makes the project ultimately successful,” Martha says.

Bringing Martha’s vision to life are Bruce and Judy Verblaauw, owners of NJ Decks and Outdoor Living, an award-winning, family-owned company and longtime TrexPro® Builders. For Bruce, the project has been a career highlight.

“Building a deck for Martha Stewart has been one of the most exciting parts of my career. She's truly an artist when it comes to design, and she's shown us that simple is better.”

Judy adds, “I love how she selected such subtle, sophisticated colors. The details are what make this project so special.” “People often think my standards are high, and they’re correct. Fortunately, Trex was up to the challenge.”

Martha’s reaction to the finished space says it all: “Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. This is going to be the most beautiful deck and pergola, all by Trex.”

Built by TrexPro® Experts

Bruce and Judy Verblaauw, owners of NJ Decks and Outdoor Living, have been creating custom outdoor spaces since 1970. As longtime TrexPro® Builders, their craftsmanship and technical expertise translate Martha Stewart's vision into a space designed to be enjoyed for years to come.
 

Stay Connected


Get the latest updates, design inspiration and expert outdoor living advice from Trex and Martha Stewart.

Visit @trexcompany on Instagram and Trex.com throughout the season for behind-the-scenes content, project updates and inspiration for your own outdoor space.

 

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