Warmer weather is finally here, and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s now “sit on the back deck and drink rose” season. There’s just something so relaxing about curling up on the outdoor sofa with a good book and drink in hand — it’s the best way to unwind on a weekend evening after the kids are in bed!
Our outdoor area needs a refresh, but we’ve decided to hold off on making any changes while we put our focus on other areas of the house. We have a World Market dining set with some colorful cushions, and the setup has served us well for the past few years.
Even though we’re not undertaking our own outdoor makeover this year, that hasn’t stopped me from making lots of mental notes about the gorgeous al fresco spaces I’m seeing from some of my favorite bloggers. Many of my favorite patio makeovers are not just fun and colorful, but are also realistic and budget-friendly.
Design aside, it’s those last two elements that are really important in my book. One thing that often frustrates me about outdoor makeovers is that some are, in my mind, unattainable for most of us with young families.
You know what I’m talking about — those makeovers you see with an in-ground pool and a stunning pool house (what a dream!), an assortment of high-end furniture, and a built-in fire pit area with Adirondack chairs that no child under 10 would be allowed to go near.
Yeah, those makeovers make for incredible photos. But let’s be real for a minute — my backyard is never going to look like that. And you know what? I’m not all that sad about it.
It’s totally possible to create a gorgeous, family-friendly space with some creativity and, in some cases, a little bit of elbow grease. Check out these inspiring patio, deck and porch makeovers that’ll have you planning your next outdoor project in no time!
How beautiful is this backyard refresh from Katrina at Chic Little House?! She DIY’ed that adorable cart to the right of the door, and added fresh, modern furniture and decor to create an inviting outdoor oasis for adults and kids alike. The cushions on the Pottery Barn furniture are of course all-weather, but Pottery Barn also offers slipcovers that are sold separately just in case those cushions take a beating beyond repair. Smart.
I love the outdoor dining area Tasha created for her and her family last summer. The best part? This refresh cost her less than $500! Her makeover is yet another example of how it’s absolutely possible to bring style and function to your patio on a small-ish budget. And I have to say, I want this outdoor rug — I’d even use it inside my house. It’s just that pretty! She got it from At Home, which I talked about in a recent post. At Home is an awesome place for any and all decor, but they have an especially incredible selection of outdoor finds.
Julia’s porch literally stops me in my tracks (er, scroll) every time I see it. Colorful, tropical patterns and plants paired with classic black and white? Ah-mazing. If outdoor rugs aren’t your thing, you could always paint your porch like Julia did. Her before and after photos of that project are incredible! What a difference.
Ariel’s backyard makeover that she recently completed as part of the One Room Challenge is a great example of bringing big, bold style to a small space. This drink station pictured above, along with a conversation area and modestly-sized dining nook, were the core elements of her outdoor refresh. Backyard projects aside, Ariel is great when it comes to mixing patterns and colors — go see for yourself!
Do you love a good DIY project? Or an easy DIY that will save you some major moola? Then check out Aniko’s pallet patio furniture. She also added a great outdoor rug to anchor the space along with some colorful decor, and was able to refresh her deck for only a few hundred dollars. Even if you’re typically a little squeamish about building a piece of furniture like this yourself, Aniko’s tutorial is easy to follow. As far as DIYs go, this one is pretty simple. And that’s saying a lot coming from this type A, perfectionist, “I don’t want to do it if it’s not going to look flawless” DIY’er.
Okay, so I know I said I wasn’t touching our deck this year, but now that I’m scrolling through all these lovely photos I might have to reconsider. Aren’t they awesome?
Which space above is your favorite? Will you be borrowing any of these ideas for your own outdoor refresh this season?
