We lived in our new home for 3 summers and the covered patio remained almost untouched. There were string lights, a few planters, the same rug on our front porch, and an old Ikea bench and table that were worthless because four of us couldn’t sit on one bench to enjoy a meal. Obviously, I could’ve bought a couple of chairs, but honestly I didn’t want to spend the money until I decided how I wanted to use this space long term.
Then spring in quarantine hit and my wheels were turning. My husband voted to get some chairs, have it be a dining space, and call it good. I don’t think he thought we’d really ever use it for anything else. I will say, he’d be the first to admit he’s not the “visualizer” in the family. He can’t visually plan for something in his head and see how it will all come together. It’s cool. I can’t give business intelligence and analytics to investment management teams. NO ONE CAN DO IT ALL!
I set out to prove him wrong. Clearly, the fastest way to get someone to undertake a project is to tell them you don’t think it’ll work or be worth it. Ha! “Operation Overhaul the Covered Patio” was on!
Our covered patio is a very modest size. My plan included adding as much seating as possible, plants, a coffee and side table for drinks, a tv mounted with a higher outlet, tabletop torches (because bugs are gross), and an outdoor clock. The first thing we did was move the table off the patio. Basically, I wanted to create an outdoor space that was an extension of our home.
I desperately wanted an outdoor couch from World Market, but they had some major issues with orders and customer service during quarantine and everything was always listed as out of stock. Then I found this outdoor couch at Wal-Mart of all places! I ordered online for store pickup, and took my muscle with me to pick it up when it came in. The store pickup lady said she had seen SO many of this style leave to store that it must be a good one!
Next, I used birthday money to purchase this oversized sphere planter while it was on sale! I grabbed the African Milk tree at a local nursery and was so happy with how it looked in the pot. Plus, it had plenty of room to grow!
We had an electrician out to install an outlet up high so we wouldn’t have to stare at a dangling cord, then he went ahead and mounted the tv for us. Next, I repurposed the dining bench as a plant stand. Here it is last summer…
And this summer after switching up the pots/plants and adding the two TJ Maxx ottomans for more seating when we entertain…
I found an inexpensive side table and coffee table to hold coasters, plants, and table torches. I already had three pillows that I knew would work, so I just added two others to the mix to complete the look I was going for. Look at how much the African Milk Tree has grown in a year!!
With every room makeover, I work hard to save in a lot of areas so I can splurge on a focal point or favorite thing. For this project, it was the woven loveseat below from Article.
Our last step was to remove the screen on the sliding doors, which we never used, for a much cleaner look.
My only regret is not finishing the patio sooner. It’s the perfect place to sit in the morning and watch the sunrise and in the evening to watch the kids shoot on their goals. It definitely feels like this space has added square footage to our home, which makes my heart so happy!
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