November 23, 2009

Backyard Makeover Reveal

Recently I've been featuring our DIY backyard makeover.  To recap, we started our backyard transformation with a totally blank slate:


 So we added a fence and installed a patio.  Once the patio was installed, we were ready to add plants, outdoor decorations, and areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing.

We had about two feet on each side of the patio between the fence and patio edge.  Rather than leaving the sides with grass which would be difficult to mow, we added flowers and plants to each side of the patio.  To set the plants apart from the patio, we installed patio paver edgers.  We bought these from Home Depot and they were surprisingly easy to install and made a big impact by helping the patio look more finished.

paver patio edge

patio paver edgers


Once all the dirty work was finished, it was time for the fun stuff: decorating and furnishing!  After a costly patio installation, we needed to keep the furnishings budget friendly so we re-used a few items we already had and bought a few new items on clearance sales.

We created an area for dining by re-using an old glass and metal kitchen table from Ikea and by purchasing some outdoor patio chairs from Walmart.  I accessorized with some candles and a table runner bought on clearance at T.J. Maxx.  An off-set patio umbrella completes the dining area.
outdoor patio table

 outdoor patio table place setting


Separate from the dining area, I wanted to create a space to relax or curl up with a book.  I bought a wicker loveseat from the home section at Ross and paired it with two more patio chairs from Walmart.  Then, I found a wicker coffee table on clearance at Target.  Although the wicker is a different color than the loveseat, everything worked together once I added some floral print pillows which play off the floral print of the loveset cushion.
patio seating area



We also added a barbecue, small garden fountain, little decorations, some potted plants (remember those great garage sale planters I bought), and planted a crape myrtle tree. I even found a hammock on clearance at Lowes.  And finally, our backyard patio transformations was done!! 
diy patio makeover


Of course, around here we are never truly done with projects.  Come spring time, we still need to plant some more trees for privacy and add flowers and mulch around the patio.  But we are quite proud of what we've accomplished so far.  Take a look at our backyard transformation makeover before and afters one more time:



This project is shared on DIY Day, Metamorphosis Monday, Make It Monday, Made It Mondays, Thrifty Decor Chick.

9 comments:

Karen The Graphics Fairy said...

Beautiful job!!! Your patio is gorgeous, I love the pattern you used for the stonework!

Destination Seaborn said...

Wow! That looks amazing! You have to be so proud of yourself! Great job and I'm sure you saved alot of money. If you like before & afters, please stop by my blog destinationseaborn.blogspot.com Thanks for sharing! ~Lisa

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Wow! It's lovely. :) I really like the design in the brick, and the offset umbrella is really cool. I've never seen one like that before. I'm taking notes...we've been borrowing the in-laws' patio table and need to return it and find our own. :)

Visiting from Kimba's party. :) Here's my link from yesterday:
http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/2009/11/diy-simple-party-invites.html

abnsigoslady said...

Wow. Makes me want to hop on over for a fruity drink of some sort. Great job. I know you will enjoy it for years to come. Laura @ the mansion

Julie said...

That is amazing. Great job! I tried to lay a patio once but had a really hard time getting the land level. You did a great job. Thanks for sharing with Made it Mondays! Jules

Catherine @ van Breugel Design said...

You must be proud! i love the detail of the stone work!

cindy said...

Good on ya! Quite a project to tackle, but the work has certainly paid off. So welcoming, and great for entertaining!

Thanks for sharing it with Mi4M....
cindy

Natasha in Oz said...

You must be so happy! This is an amazing transformation. I bet you will be having some great parties out there next summer!
Best wishes, Natasha.

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Your yard looks great. We've been slowly working on our yards since we moved in 2 years ago... yards area a lot of work.