Patio Extension and Makeover

Remembering what the backyard and patio looked like before makes me so happy………

Because now we walk outside to this…

A Little Slice Of Paradise

This summer our major project was our Backyard. We had a decent list of things to do. This was a project that we had planned since we moved in to our house so we knew it would be somewhat costly. The three main expenses being… the fence, patio extension, and furnishing the patio. We were able to stay under $10,000 for this project. Keep in mind fences are super expensive even for a small area. And concrete… don’t get me started on that one. Where did all the money go to complete ths patio extension and makeover?

Here’s a look at the list again…

Here’s a quick reminder of our To-Do list for our Backyard/Patio Makeover

• Get a Fence (especially to contain Jude who loves to run circles around the house and to prevent children from climbing in the huge culvert behind the house, notice big pile of grey rocks pictured in the distance below)
• extend patio slab
• buy comfortable conversational patio furniture
• find some sort of shading for the patio (large umbrella, gazebo etc)
• Re-finish old metal patio table and chairs
• add minimal landscaping and accent flowers
• enhance the kids area/kid’s garden

We did a lot of searching and shopping for our outdoor sectional. We found an awesome one at Pier 1 which would have saved us some cost however Pier 1 was not able to get all the pieces for us until later in June. We really wanted to enjoy our patio so we kept searching.

Family Leisure is an awesome store right between Murfreesboro Tn and Nashville. We went in with a budget of $3000 for our patio furniture and left with…

huge sectional that seats 7 or more people (cushions included)

two end tables with glass tops

1 large ottoman

free delivery

Our new sectional makes the patio so comfortable to enjoy and Khaki fabric stays clean and is super easy to wash. Since a huge chunk of our budget went to the sectional and the fence I had to save in other areas.

Although we wanted a new patio table that was just not going to happen. I took our old hunter green rusted metal set and simply spray painted it, added a new umbrella and created a patio umbrella container which holds candles.

The striped pillows were a little splurge, we purchased those at Pier 1 Imports for $20 a piece but they are well worth it. The Paisley pillows were purchased on sale for $5.oo a piece at Target last year and I’ve been waiting for a place to use them.

I absolutely loved this blue Mediterranean inspired rug. I snagged it at Home Goods for $50.00. It is not an outdoor rug but it washes easily with the hose and dries within the day.

Hibiscus flowers are one of my summertime favorites. My husband enjoyed these as well. Seeing the enormous bright blooms everyday is so exciting and brought us all smiles.

I scored the two pieces of pottery at Hobby Lobby for under $30 for the two. They fairly large and bring a pop of color to the table.

The final two expenses were the BBQ grill and the Allen and Roth Gazebo  both purchased at Lowes. I can’t talk highly enough about the Gazebo. We thought we would immediately need to drill it in to the concrete however it is so heavy this sucker doesn’t move. It is so nice to have shade in the afternoon.

The grill is amazing! It has literally changed my life  Why? Because now my husband comes home and cooks dinner every night!!! Score. He’s a master griller, seriously and has agreed to give us all some tips later this week. Hopeully I’ll learn something too, I don’t even know how to turn on the grill.

Wait, scratch that I’ve got it made… not cooking dinner, ya know. But I’ll let you guys in on his tips.

The final touches that really add to this patio involve creating and ambiance. When you need ambiance bring in lights. We added 4 light sources…. the  Allen and Roth Fire pit which also doubles as a table, citronella candles, a Patio Umbrella Light and lastly the Patio Sting Lights. At night we light up the patio and sit back and relax. We really do have a little slice of paradise in our own backyard now.

Where did all that money go?????

Fence $4500

Patio Extension $1000

Furnishings $3000

Plants (including plants added to flower beds) $80

Fire Pit  $400

BBQ Grill $400

Rug $50

Lighting $100

Pillows $120

Accessories $50

And I am sure I am missing some other small things. Phew it all adds up and quickly. But every single penny spent was well worth it. For two years this backyard and patio went un-used and now we are spending time outside everyday. And Jude , last week can sprint around as much as he want and I don’t have to chase him….