We have been doing a lot of work on our outdoor spaces over the last couple of months {yes,we are still working on those May tasks from The Household Organization Diet!} and have tackled a lot of projects that have actually been on our to-do list for a few years now. We still have a few things left to go, but, for the most part, we’re almost done! I showed you our front porch a couple of weeks ago, and today I’m going to share some summer patio ideas with you from our backyard patio.
We built our patio about 10 years ago now and, unfortunately, we haven’t really taken care of it that well over the past couple of years. The wood had really taken a beating from the weather and there were actually still parts of the patio {some of the spindles and the lattice work} that we didn’t even finish re-staining when we did it a couple of years back. We debated and debated about keeping it a translucent wood stain; however, due to all of the different discolorations and condition of the wood, we decided to go with a solid stain for more coverage and extra UV protection.
The paint color is Riverbed {which they actually just changed to Crosshatch for some reason – strange!} by Sico. After giving the whole patio a good scrubbing with a wood cleaner and the hose {and letting it dry}, we set to work painting. This time I used the sprayer {ours is from HomeRight} on the spindles and and lattice work and it was sooooo much quicker. I also used it on the patio boards to get into all of the side groves while Dave followed behind with the roller. It was seriously a game changer.
Once the patio was painted it was time for the fun stuff – decorating! I wanted to go for a coastal, Cape Cod style, and ended up sticking mostly with blues and greys with colorful pops of color from the flowers. To increase the function on the patio, we basically divided it into four different spaces – an eating area, a BBQ area, a place to sit and chat, and a little lounging spot.
We’ve had our table for a few years now but I picked up some new wicker chairs at Canadian Tire this year. Our older chairs were comfy, but it was a huge pain hauling all of the big pillows in and out when it rained and the metal on the chairs got really hot in the sun. The new wicker chairs are similar to our lounger and wicker chairs from the little sitting area and the seat pillows are much easier to store {and they are still really comfortable!} The outdoor carpet was purchased last year from Target and is holding up really well.
I’m not much of a gardener, but I do love picking out some pretty annuals each year for the patio. I never really seem to stick to a particular color scheme or flower – the more colorful the better! I gave our planter a new coat of stain again this year and am still loving the blue.
For our sitting area, we have a couple of comfy wicker chairs with a nice thick cushioned seat – perfect for sitting and chatting with a nice glass of lemonade or other summer drink!
Of course, you always need somewhere to completely sprawl out, so we did manage to fit one lounger onto the patio. This cute whale pillow from Target added the perfect touch. I swear he was calling my name.
We can’t seem to string together more than one day of sun before the clouds and rain return so I have my fingers crossed that the summer weather will hit us soon. I love starting the day with breakfast on the patio and, since it is east facing, it is actually nice and cool by the time dinner roles around too.
Thanks so much for joining me on my little tour! Wishing you all a wonderful summer!
For more summer ideas, check out these posts…
How to Clean and Maintain Outdoor Patio Furniture
Nicole says
I love this – looks fantastic. But I need to know – what kind of tree is that behind your wicker chairs? I love it!!
Jenn Lifford says
I’m not actually sure what it is. I haven’t really seen any other ones like it around here. We love it though!
Taylor-Made Homestead says
What a lovely, relaxing place to spend those lazy summer days. Your patio is beautiful and the blues & grays work together perfectly! Thanks for sharing! (Stopping by from the Clever Chick Blog Party)
~Taylor-Made Homestead~
Texas
Jenn Lifford says
Thanks so much! I appreciate you dropping by!
mary says
What a pretty and relaxing space. I love the shades of blue!
samantha says
We really need to redo our back patio, these are some great ideas! Thanks for joining the Family Joy linky party!
Jenna says
Everything looks great! Did you DIY the planter around your umbrella? If so I’d love to know how so I can make something similar for our table & umbrella combo! 🙂
Jenn Lifford says
No, I purchased that one last year – I think from Joss and Main? It’s two semi-circles that get butted together.
Lata says
What a beautiful patio! I love your Cape Cod style and admired everything from the lanterns to the blue fabric used for the rugs and pillows and even the table setting. I love coastal themes and mostly thought of them as blue and white. But I love how you use gray to bring them all together seamlessly. It is more muted down than white which often looks stark. I am just thinking aloud here as I am picking up inspirations! Gorgeous pic 🙂
Jenn Lifford says
Thanks so much Lata. Sadly, we have had so much rain this year that we haven’t been able to be out there much. Fingers crossed that the weather turns around soon!
Dianne says
I love your outdoor entertaining space.
So inviting and relaxing.
happy Canada Day from Ont.
Jenn Lifford says
Thanks so much! Hope you had a wonderful Canada Day!
Karren says
Your patio turned out wonderful, I love the color you chose and the decorating turned out perfect, the blue sets it off. PS Love the looks of the cream puffs!!
Thank you for sharing on #OMHGFF thank you!!
Have a great 4th of July!!
Jenn Lifford says
haha! Can’t go wrong with cream puffs! 😉 Hope you are having a wonderful long weekend!
jill conyers says
I love the space you’ve created. Thanks for the ideas. Have a great weekend!
Jenn Lifford says
Thanks so much! I hope you have a wonderful weekend too. 🙂
Frugal Hausfrau says
I wish I were there on your porch, now, maybe eating some of those cones!! Thanks for sharing with us on Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
purvi kothari says
wow this patio look amazing ,did u designed everything by yourself or you hired any designer . best place for a family healthy outing specially in this covid era
Jenn Lifford says
We did design it on own but did have a contractor build it. It’s definitely been getting a lot of use this summer with being home more!