I’ll be honest, when we first bought our house, the little paved patio that hid underneath our back deck was the very last space on my mind. We didn’t have stairs down from our deck OR our fence built at the time, so we barely even ever saw it. In my eyes, it was bare, it was hot, and it came right off of our basement door. Who would even see it?! I had bedrooms to fill. I had TWO dining spaces and zero tables! I had hardwood floors and 167 rugs in my virtual cart(s). There were far bigger rustic-fish to fry in my little design-crazed mind.
About 3 weeks ago, that all changed. Will suggested we have friends over to watch the Georgia game in the basement…aka, his new man cave. I agreed excitedly, and then immediately froze in a panic that any OCD person would relate to. The empty concrete slab flashed into my mind, I shuddered and set out on a mission to make it over in record time, WITHOUT spending a fortune. Wifey goals? Well, IDK, ask Will.
BEFORE:
Here’s how it looked before:
Bare, naked, cold and poorly photographed…just bad all around.
STEP ONE: FRAMING THE SPACE.
I added the curtains first to soften the concrete a little. Way back when, I had ordered a bunch of curtain rings for our bedroom, but they ended up being too small which was super annoying. I had intentions of returning them, but in a twist of fate brought on by laziness, they were still riding around in my backseat when this project started. Always the repurposer – I clipped a few of the curtain rings together to make the panels hang a little longer, and then attached them to the tabs on each curtain.
After that, I just hung them from nails on the back side of the deck. They can easily be taken down for bad weather, but they are technically ‘outdoor’ curtains and are moisture resistant.
Finally, I tied the panels back with some rope from Michael’s. I think I’d eventually like to add two more on the backside of the patio to flank the windows and add a little layering effect. Right now it still looks a little bare to me back there.
Biscuit was VERY excited about the entire process. I really appreciated his support.
CURTAINS / CURTAIN RINGS / ROPE
STEP TWO: OUTDOOR FURNITURE.
After a LOT of scrolling, we settled on this sectional set from Amazon for a few reasons. One, we knew it would get here quickly…we have been burned by Wayfair’s “delivery estimates” before, and that was not an option with our party fast-approaching. Two, the price was right. We didn’t want to spend a ton of money on an outdoor set knowing it will be rained on, etc.
I wasn’t crazy about the plastic ‘wicker’ look at first, but this gray color really changed my mind. It looks even nicer in person, so I’m super happy we went with it after all. (The striped pillows you see below came with the set! Naturally, I imediately replaced them.)
I got our ‘stay awhile‘ sign at Homegoods, but there are a ton on Etsy. I added the hoops with some nails and wired twine, and then looped another rope onto each end and tied it so it could hang.
STEP THREE: GROUNDED.
This rug was another Amazon win. It’s perfect for outside because it’s actually a plastic-like material that won’t mildew or hold moisture and smell. I’m big on smells. It’s a thing. Anyway, the beigey color is the perfect compliment to the furniture, which was a miracle victory. You know how I love my neutrals!
I desperately wanted (read: still want) this one, but it was very much NOT in the budget. Get it together, World Market.
STEP FOUR: DETAILS.
How cute is this ‘home sweet home’ sign?! It was one of the finishing touches I added and it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of the whole design. See below for a GILTY discount code!
Use code ‘HARRISON’ for 10% off of anything in the shop until 10/6/18!
Another final touch was this pretty little throw blanket from FOUTA Colors. These are my new favorite things ever, because they can be used as eveything from a blanket, to a beach towel, and even a changing table for your baby. The brand also supports women by benefitting local Atlanta charity, Helping Mamas. They’re beautiful, well-made and buying one helps provide baby supplies to moms in need.
Use code ‘LUREXLOVER’ for 25% off your FOUTA Colors purchase!
AFTER: THE REVEAL.
OUTDOOR SECTIONAL SET / RUG / PATIO CURTAINS / WHISKEY BARREL SIDE TABLE / FOUTA COLOR THROW / ‘HOME SWEET HOME’ SIGN / Similar CREAM PILLOWS HERE and HERE / Similar GREY LUMBAR PILLOW / Similar ‘STAY AWHILE’ SIGN / WOODEN TRAY / ‘W’ INITIAL PILLOW / ‘GATHER’ COASTERS / X-LEG SIDE TABLE / JUTE POUFS – SALE VERSION HERE (also how cute is this one!?) / GLASS JUGS / WELCOME MAT / ‘HOME SWEET HOME’ SIGN /
I am SO excited about how it turned out! I am truly out there as often as I can be. It even makes taking the dog out an enjoyable experience. We have longterm plans to add a barrier-ceiling below the deck so that rain can’t seep through, and definitely want to add a ceiling fan or two…maybe even a fireplace, but for now, it’s perfect. Having this little cozy space makes me even more ready for fall! Proven fact, porch wine just tastes better.
