The time has finally come. Are you ready for a tour of our patio makoever? We are!! First, I want to give a huge shout-out to my hubby and kids. Without them this massive undertaking would not have happened. We’ve poured countless hours outside of our normal workload building and creating a family space we can now all enjoy. Second, I would to thank my sponsors, DFO Home and HomeRight. Their awesome products (see previous post for details) have made this makeover even better than imagined.
Let the tour begin! It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t take you back to where it all started…with the hand-me-down patio set my parents gave me. You can read more on the before here.
Here’s what we started with…
…and the after…
Quite the difference eh? I can’t tell how much more we are using this space now that it’s inviting and family centered.
FINISH WORK
First, I adore the richness of the Sikkens Oxford Brown stain we used on the pergola.
With our new 10 ft. table and benches, we can now seat all eight of us and guests for a lovely meal. It’s better than my kitchen table!
Then, I found the table design plans at The Design Confidential (Restoration Hardware hack), and the bench at Ana White. I was so happy that the two different plans worked out to have similar lines and style. You can see more of my inspiration on my Pinterest board.
I used a Behr Chocolate Semi-Transparent stain for the table. It seriously looked like chocolate milk going on, and gave a rustic finish.
My 9-year-old daughter willingly baked her first banana bread for this special occasion. All my six of our kids love to cook and bake, and I love to watch them grow.
Also, since fall is upon us, we thought it would be fun to celebrate the season.
Fresh cider with homemade bread…mmmmm…can’t beat it. I want to point out that most everything you see in this entire space was thrifted or created from repurposed finds.
FAUX FIREPLACE
Next, we built a faux fireplace from our scraps to add a little coziness to this space. (tutorial is HERE!) With a salvaged window, a thrifted wreath made of natural elements like beans, cinnamon sticks, dried apples – all was easily put together on a budget.
You can beat shopping nature for autumn touches, right?
Meanwhile, up above we strung patio lights, and I made these two candle fixtures from four hanging flower baskets I scored at a garage sale for $1…for all four! Added a couple of flameless LED candles, and they’re perfect above our table.
SEATING
This next space was what started it all. Funny how a project can grow into a ginormous undertaking with the start of something small, isn’t it? Much like the child’s story, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”. ahem.
I decided to use the ottoman in another corner and built a repurposed coffee table instead. Not only is the frame is made from my pallet stash, but the top from a trash bin we had on the side of our house. Also, the insides are two antique wash tubs I buy on Craigslist.
It even has extra storage inside for outdoor extras and drains when needed too. I’m all about function around here.
My wood planters were given to me from Freecycle, the table my mother gave me and got a makeover in this post, and the other planters were given my faux zinc finish.
Then I decided we needed another table in the corner. The base is made from a tree stump, and the top I created to look like it was put together from old shipping crates (tutorial here!).
Originally, I had plan to sew new covers for my pillows, but, honestly, ran out steam. (no surprise, right?) My stash of feedsacks easily fit the occasion.
MORE DIY FUN
In addition, I stick the ottoman over in the corner by the door to give it some dimension. Doesn’t it look sweet with my mother’s antique crocks filled with chrysanthemums?
One of the favorite spots is the swing we received from my dad as a hand-me-down. You can read how we restored it with our HomeRight sprayer here. Nothing like a lovely evening on a swing, and a long chat.
Now how about those curtains? I’m tellin’ ya that DFO Home has got everything you need to make your outdoor space as comfortable as the interior of your home. Just look at those finials…love!
A year or so ago we are given this grill for free from a neighbor. He just wheeled it down the street and asked us if we wanted it. Absolutely! God is good.
At night this is really a wonderful dream come true for us to share with our kids and guests. Now we need to plan a patio warming party, and celebrate the fruit of our hard labor.
Our goal is to inspired you to create an inviting space of your own. You can certainly add a little here and there by being creative, and making use of finds you come across.
Likewise, if you have any questions about how we achieved our makeover, please feel free to ask. We’d love to help you make your outdoor dream space come true.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more of our home projects like our patio reveal:
You have outdone yourself once again. This is such a warm, cozy family friendly place. I cannot even imagine the work you guys put into it, but now your family will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. I am so happy for you – you work so hard and now you have done something for yourself!!!!
So many hours invested, but we’re happy to say it’s done and we’re able to enjoy it together. Thank you so much for your support. It makes what we do even more fun!
Well done, and it is functional, a space everyone can use and enjoy.
Thank you, Heather!
Larissa, this is amazing! I love the storage inside of the coffee table, the pergola and your “fireplace”. I’m sure that you’ll spend LOTS of time on your amazing new patio this fall and NEXT SUMMER! What an incredible transformation! Well done! x
Thank you so much, Kimberly! Yes, if winter could hold off a bit more, we’d be elated. But…that makes use of the hot cocoa, right? 😉
It’s gorgeous, Larissa! You guys must be so happy and proud of your new outdoor space. And how awesome that you all contributed to making it beautiful. I’ll be waiting for my patio-warming party invitation 😉
Invitations in the mail, Jen! 😀 Thanks for the love. We are certainly excited to have an outdoor family space.
It’s gorgeous, Larissa! I’m sure so many great family memories will be made out here. You did an amazing job. Wanna come over to my house and make this happen in my backyard. Haha 😉
Sure, Lauren! We’re on our way…to the beach. Ha! Thank you for stopping by and showing us your support.
WOW, so so so LOVE !!!! You did an amazing job!!!!! xoxo
Thank you, Becky! We are proud to call it our own. 🙂
WOW!! I must say it exceeded my expectations! There isn’t anything about it that I don’t love…big! Ha! I love the different areas, but you can all be together…the long table, lights, drapes, faux fireplace…..I’m SWOONING!!!? What were the dimensions of the pergola to get it all in ? Can’t wait to see your next project!
That’s awesome to hear, Michele! Our patio was already in place when we bought the house and is about 400 sq. ft., give or take. We’re off to put the finishing touches on our boys’ bedroom. Time to wrap it up!
Beautiful! What a great space!
Thank you, Deb! We’re happy to call it ours.
OH MY GOSH, Larissa, it looks amazing! I love every detail.
Yippee!! Thanks, Kimm! We love it and wish the Ohio winter would hold off for a little longer. 😉
Wow Larissa, what a welcoming outdoor retreat! I didn’t notice the faux fireplace before – love it. The planter to candle pendants turned out fabulous too.
Thanks, Marie! It all came together so seamlessly and we are counting our blessings.
What a great new space for you family to gather!!
Love the table and benches you made, they are gorgeous!!
Thank you, Shannon! I’ve always dreamed of having a set like that for us to all be able to fit and have guests as well. Now I need one for my kitchen! 🙂
Woah….absolutely making me wish I was a neighbor invited for a cookout. After a long day I would be curled up with a warm fall drink loving life…BEAUTIFUL!
hahaha…yes, enjoying with friends and family is what it’s all about. Thank you, Julie!
It is beautiful, Larissa! I just love how the fireplace turned out, along with everything else. You and your family sure worked quickly! Now you deserve a long rest in that beautiful space!
I chuckled that you said we worked quickly because to us it seemed to take forever. 😀 Yes, a rest is needed indeed. Thank you for stopping by!
Gorgeous outdoor space! Love all the little details around the space From the top to the bottom! Great job and kudos to the family as well!
Thank you from all of us, Sherry. Everyone worked hard and now we can enjoy.
Wonderful, welcoming and absolutely beautiful! I got a sneak peek on IG this morning… 😉 you must be so thrilled with your new outdoor space, perfect for entertaining or lazy summer evenings, enjoy! Excellent job!
Thanks, Laurie! So happy to be able to enjoy for a bit before the snow flies. Then it will be hot cocoa time!
Hey Larissa it is beautiful! You guys outdid yourself, and now I am really looking forward to visiting you, and having our tea in such a fa.bu.lous area.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Yolanda
Thank you for the love, Yolanda. 😀 We are so excited to be done and enjoy.
It looks great, Larissa! I love the storage under the coffee table but my favorite is the faux fireplace. You must be thrilled with the results!
Yes, that faux fireplace was a last minute addition this past Sunday, and my hubby and I are happy we did it. Thanks, Jolena!
Virtual high-fives for such great vision and execution on this project! Your family definitely deserves to enjoy the fruits of all that hard work. I especially love that your daughter baked homemade bread to celebrate. 🙂
Awesome to hear, Amy. Thank you so much! She rocked the bread, eh? It didn’t last long. 🙂
Just WOW!!!
Woot! Thank you!
Ohmygoodness how magical and beautiful!!!
Thank you so much, Corinna!
Omgosh Larissa, it’s paradise! I’m in awe of the transformation! You all did a fabulous job!
We’re also outside curtain lovers. It adds such warmth and a touch of elegance. Great job!
We are in love with the makeover and can only hope winter will hold off just a bit longer. Thanks for stopping by!
Larissa, your patio makeover is beautiful! I love the nighttime pics you included – it looks so cozy and inviting!
Thank you so much, Virginia! It’s a wonderful space that we can make more use of now.
Wow wow wow!! Absolutely stunning! I know this was a lot of work, but also a labor of love. You put so may special details into this space! XO
So exciting, Christy!! Yes, a whole lot of labor by everyone and we’re happy to have it done.
I love your makeover! Everything looks divine. My goal is to have a pergola like yours. Beautiful stain. My question is ” what kind of material could I put over the pergola if I come from a city that rains a lot in the winter? I want the light, want it to be safe, but need to keep everything dry? Love to hear what you think.
Thank you, Michelle! I would suggest a corrugated roofing. You can use either a clear or metal version. Have fun with it!
Larissa, I am in complete AWE of this space! I don’t even know what to feature where. I need a coffee to mull this KABOOM over. You totally outdid yourself! This is stunning and I wish it was in my yard as well! Guess I’d better get busy. 🙂
p.s. that wash tub coffee table? The planter orb lights? Mind blown.
Hahaha…you’re awesome, Donna! I kept having idea after idea, and had to call it quits before too much. We’re happy to enjoy it before the snow flies. 🙂
So much to love with an undertaking this size!!! Every picture was another ooo or ahhh moment!!! You are masterful at taking stuff others discard and turning it into something useful, pretty or in many cases, BOTH — YOU are talented in many ways! Congratulations on doing many things so very well!
What a blessing you are – you made my day, Marti! 🙂 Thank you so much for your compliments.
What a fantastic outdoor space but I have to tell you that coffee table is awesome! I love everything about it.
Thank you so much, Carole. Yes, that coffee table was my “baby” and I’m very proud of it. Thanks so much!
Everything looks amazing Larissa! I honestly can’t pick a favorite part!
Awww…thank you, Jessica! It is certainly a hot spot at our home now. Whenever we get the chance we are eating out there and enjoying the fresh air. 🙂
Very beautiful and I love it all. You are so talented and also thrifty. I love seeing things that other find and make it into something so nice. And what wonderful memories your children will have. You and hubby need to take a little time off now and rest. I just sold some crocks (5) at my garage sale and maybe I should have keep 2 of them anyway.
Hey there! My hubby and I are seriously considering upgrading our current “patio” which is just a concrete slab, so we will need to extend the concrete, paint it and add a pergola. I love an attached pergola…but my concern is the cost with a new baby on the way! What is the price range for the cost of your pergola? Thanks!
Outside of a whole lotta DIY, it ran us about $1000 for wood, stain, brackets, concrete, etc. Hope this helps and congrats on the new little one!
amazing. What everyone else said. Plus, winter is over. How did your outdoor room fair? I live on the coast of Washington State and such mold…. Might be moving to the mid east coast and there, I would love to try something like this. Still, there is the whole winter thing. Being older we don’t have as much energy to move things around so maybe it’s just wishful thinking and time to just enjoy yours?
Thanks! It has done just fine this first year. We covered everything in tarps and put away what we can. I can’t wait to get out there again! 🙂
Beautiful outdoor transformation! You’ve acquired the same needed with minimal cost. May I make a suggestion to give character in Brighton the area even more?…
You are patio base appears to be cement, possibly stain the cement making all features stand out, a solid base or even painting to mimic an area rug.
Thank you, Victoria. We would paint or add a rug if our downspouts didn’t wash onto here, which would make the effort worthless since it would need done over and over.