Rejuvenating Your Unused Patio Space

Unused Patio Space

We have two patios in our backyard and this particular patio space has been overlooked for years. It’s been more of a pass-through area to get to my photography studio or an entrance area when you walk through the gate to meet us in the backyard.

I have always desired to give this area some TLC, especially since my photo studio clients see this area first. This year, we plan to enclose our main patio, therefore this will be our main patio. So now seems like a better time than any to give it some attention.

A Clean Slate

Though I live in Phoenix, I am heavily inspired by Southern traditional style.  I love the look of porch railings and had our handyman build the wood rails to make the space feel more enclosed.

I gave our deck a fresh coat of Behr Porch & Patio Floor Paint in Fresh Cement. It’s been a few years since I painted it. It’s so easy to use and doesn’t require a paint tray. I poured it right on the floor and start rolling it! It really does look like freshly poured cement!

Adding Personality

I was inspired to decorate with a theme similar to The Ivy, a popular Beverly Hills restaurant frequented by celebs. Since I am a gardener with five raised garden and flower beds on the other side of my backyard, the floral theme was a great fit for my backyard!

I bought a set of red gingham placemats, found some red and green gingham pillows, and striped pillows. I also set the table using florals from my garden. My color theme is colors you’d find in a garden!

I decided against a doormat and wanted to stencil “Welcome” on the floor instead. Since I am a graphic designer, I created a custom font and found a seller to create a floor stencil. It wasn’t exactly easy with the bumpy floor, but with a tiny brush I touched up any bleed lines.

Now my clients can see a friendly “Welcome” when they arrive to my photo studio. Plus, it cheers me up every time I go in and out.

Seating

We love to host. I’m often throwing celebratory showers and inviting friends and family over for meals outdoors since the weather is glorious in Phoenix most of the year.

We added the Camden Light Brown 7-piece Wicker Outdoor Dining Set with Sunbrella Canvas Cushions. I picked beige cushions, but I was eyeing the spa color too!

I moved the repurposed headboard turned bench I bought from a local shop. I thought adding a small trestle dining table would be a sweet spot for kiddos, or me and a cup of coffee with my laptop answering emails, as I stared out at my garden.

I also loved the floral blue and white porcelain garden stool for a side table or additional seating. I gave this old bench, which was rusty, a fresh coat of glossy Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X green spray paint (two cans) in Meadow Green and it looked like I just bought a new bench from the store! I’m so glad I didn’t sell it on Craigslist like I tried for $15!

I can pull up this green bench to the other side of the trestle dining table and have more seating for a larger party!

Brick flower beds

Nothing like a style challenge or an upcoming party (in my case a bridal shower this month) to encourage you to tackle those home projects you’ve been wanting to do!

We had makeshift brick border we made ourselves with leftover bricks we found but I wanted something more structured. The handyman laid a real double brick border around my rose beds, which are starting to bloom again!

We also added stairs too, and I chose the used clay bricks as I wanted to add some character to our 1952 home. The rose bushes with fresh mulch and the brick border really softens and makes this porch look warm and welcome!

Thanks so much for checking out our patio makeover!

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