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Patio Makeover Reveal

PERGOLABANNER

Over the last few months I’ve sneaked out a few photos of the various projects for the makeover of our back patio.  First in order was to add some cozy seating.

tablegrouping

Do you remember this thrifty up-cycle table? I just love the whimsical feel it has. Perfect for between these two chairs, which happen to be Craig’s List makeovers. I’ll be sharing about their makeover in a few days.

The other grouping of chairs is made complete with the table I created from a wooden chair.

Next on the to do list for the patio makeover was to refresh this dinning table and chairs.  They were perfectly functional and most importantly very comfortable, but the table was in desperate need of a new top and a fresh coat of paint. See how we gave the table a new look here.

patiotable

Here’s what the pergola area looked like two years ago soon after we built a raised bed around the slab.

It’s so exciting to see what two years can do for trees.  Just look at this area now.

backyardtrees

Did you notice the other change?

The final step in the makeover was to stain the pergola we had built about 5 years ago.  I think it totally finishes off the space.

pergolawalkway

We had added drop cloth curtains a few years ago to block the evening sun.  They were the perfect solution for dinners spent outside.  The back of our house faces due west, so the setting sun was really almost obnoxious around dinner time.

outdoorcurtain

I love how the darker pergola makes the area feel like a defined room.

pergolaside
I wish I could share with you the color of this stain.  It was a custom mix starting with the deck stain color I used for the new tabletop we built.
patiotable
After we finished the table, there was still nearly a full gallon of stain leftover.  It seemed obvious to me that the pergola should be next on the backyard makeover list.  It took a little cajoling to convince my dear hubby this was the case. 😉
I was happy to use the leftover stain instead of letting it go to waste. I just wanted the color to be a little darker and less green.  I truly love the outcome and glad the patient people at Lowes were happy to work with me to get the color I imagined.

After nearly 5 years of slowly trying to make this blank space feel like an inviting outdoor room, we are finally using the patio the way we had always hoped.

pergolatop

Not only have we enjoyed dinners and having friends over to relax on our patio, I often enjoy my morning tea here.

It goes to show that any blank space can become a sanctuary with a little persistence and creativity.


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4 Comments

  • Dana
    July 24, 2013 at 3:06 am

    Comfortable and inviting patio!! Love all of your repurposing!

    Reply
  • Debbie @ MeandMyDIY
    July 24, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    Everything looks great Leslie! Love your pergola. Well done!<br /><br />Debbie

    Reply
  • Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting
    July 26, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Gorgeous!

    Reply
  • Lori
    June 29, 2015 at 11:25 pm

    I love what you have done with your pergola. I have one made out of treated lumber that is 10 or 12 years old. Would you recommend stain over paint as we so wanting to paint it black. Not sure if yours was treated lumber ? we repainted our house dark & trimmed it out in black & I have black cushions for my swing to set it off.

    Reply

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