Monday, April 13, 2009

Patio Re-do...

I have been working on lots of little projects lately, but have not posted about them because none of them are really finished. I am almost done with one now, so I wanted to show you all my progress and see what you think.

I have this area off the back of the house that seems to be a "catch all" of sorts. It is right outside the garage and I do all of my yardwork there. Lon pulls his grill there (instead of the deck) when it is raining, etc. To make a long story short, it is a HOT MESS all the time and I wanted to change that. A couple of weeks ago we were out there with the boys playing and it occured to me that it would be the perfect spot for a patio. Hello brain, where have you been? (Connor is crying in the before pic because he is so embarressed that I am even showing you this!)


I was obviously walking around in a fog not thinking of this before, but I am now awake and all cylinders are firing. Here we have it...
I am gonna get an outdoor rug, but that is probably about all that I am gonna change. So for the details...

The cushions are made, by me, from an outdoor table cloth from Target. It was $15 and I still have a lot of the fabric left. I stuffed them with some old pillows. I still may make seat cushions, but I'm not sure yet.

That bicycle was my mother-in-law's when she was little. I found it hanging in the barn at the farm and laid claim to it. Don't know why, but I loved that little thing. I simply sprayed it off with a hose and had it hung up.
These wicker sofas were purchased on Craigslist for $75 for both of them. They are very sturdy and all of the other outdoor furniture I looked at started at $150 and went up. No way Jose', not in the budget. So I got these and spray painted them red with the cheap spray paint from Wal-Mart. These vintage signs were from my mother in law. She has been buying all the vintage signs she can find for her house at the river. We found 25 signs on Craigslist for $100. She gave me these.

This is what is right off this patio. The boys' playhouse. We put their little swimming pools there in the summer, and now I will be able to sit in my little shaded area while they play or swim.

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? So here is the final rundown...

Wicker loveseats $75, red spray paint $4 (3 cans @ $1.25 each),palm tree $5.00, cushions for chairs $15 for the fabric, and everything else I already had or was free. That makes a patio re-do for $99. YIPPEE!!

I'll post again when I put my rug out there or make more changes. Any thoughts so far?

22 comments:

Bryce's momma said...

FABULOUS! I love it! Their playhouse area is so cozy and shady. Can I play? Great job Mandi! Can I hire you to finish my "to do" list? I will trade you family photos for it...... please.....

Anonymous said...

that is so great....I miss not having my own home to do stuff to....great spot to sit and watch kids or read or just drink sweet tea!!!!! pb

Stacie said...

All it needs is a good book and a glass of lemonade! Seriously, it looks great and I think that when you add the rug it will really look like a cozy outdoor room.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I love it! Makes me want to come over for lemonade right now!

I'm adding it to my tumblr this week!

Great job!

Bryce's momma said...

Apparently cow-cow had other sisters and brothers. He came from a trade day. Isn't that strange how things like that are? I would love to get your little Walker man one. I wish that there was a way to get it to him. I wouldn't want to traumitize him by sending him a bunny and it being dead when he gets it! I am sure that Sprinkles is totally the "right" bunny now.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

That is SO impressive! Makes me love Craig's List even more...that is just awesome!
Carrie

Angie said...

Such a cute area! You did a great job! You are going to love sitting there and watching your kids play!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Mandi, thanks for stopping by & what a cute makeover in that little space. Perfect for a patio & I agree, an outdoor rug would be a nice addition. Way to stretch those dollars too!

Anonymous said...

I love that BIKE!!!! What a change you have made. I could sit there all day....just dreaming~

Leslee said...

What a great idea!!! Good job!!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Oh Mandi, what an absolutely wonderful transformation! It's a wonderful little retreat. You did a wonderful job! I can just imagine sitting here sipping some lemonade in the summer.

somecallmechristy said...

I don't know why I am still amazed by your talent...but you get me every time! How I wish I had half the vision you do! Huge improvement!

The Smith Family said...

The patio looks great! Boy, do I wish you lived closer. I would be asking you for ideas and help all the time :) You are one talented gal!!!

BlueCastle said...

Oh my word! That looks so great! I love, love, LOVE the red on the wicker. And your vintage signs are so cute. But, that bike really tops it off. Love this. I'm getting inspired to do something with my front porch area. The outside of my house is usually the last to be prettied up. :)

Laura said...

What a great patio area!!! Love the red and the stripe fabric really makes a fun statement! Using an outdoor tablecloth was so smart-I may have to try that for some pillows for my patio set.

Staci Griffey said...

Beautiful! I love the red:)

The Hat Chick said...

This is SOOOO way cute! You have the vision girl! Have a great vacation!

~Brown's Blessings~ said...

i love it. you are so creative.

Isabelle said...

Your patio looks very cute and wonderful. I love playhouse area so cozy and shady.

Heathahlee said...

LOVE it! I was just thinking last night how I was going to make some cushions for my porch furniture that wouldn't mold or hold moisture...an outdoor tablecloth would be just the thing! Thanks for the idea!

kahlanne said...

I love it. The red seating really pops. Matter of fact, everything does. Great job. I completely understand about not having anything completed. It is always the case here.

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

Yeah! I can tell you feel so good about this transformation and you should! You've just created an addition to your home!!

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