So in mid-June I began several outdoor room makeovers. I may have been a bit ambitious, but that’s how I roll. I made a fun trip to Lowe’s and brought home items to add privacy, function and beauty to my patio and deck. Then summer weather didn’t arrive until August. We got a puppy named Jack. My daughter needed emergency surgery. My husband and I took a short romantic getaway. Life happened, and the projects slowed down.
Despite the delays, I managed to get almost all the projects close to completion. I’m not much of a gardener and things aren’t perfect yet, but working outdoors was enjoyable. I refreshed a family fire pit area, built a potting table, spruced up the front porch, created a small fairy garden, planted a pallet flower garden and tackled the back deck. That gives me a strong start for next year’s yard improvements.
Because I started late in the season, I found myself adding white patio cushion covers after Labor Day. Some might call that a decorating faux pas, but summer weather lingered so I enjoyed the refreshed cushions and prettier deck for a few extra months before putting them away for the season.
BEFORE
I began with a discouraging mess: dingy, moldy old cushions, dead plants and no privacy.
BEFORE
It was a sad sight—dead sticks on flimsy trellises and a deck with little life.
Now the space features lush greenery, sturdy trellises, fresh white cushion covers and a cheerful yellow pallet garden. I chose white Sunbrella fabric for the cushions because it complements my green-and-white striped umbrella, resists fading, and is easy to wash and bleach when needed. The cushions will be stored over winter and look fresh each summer.
I had intended to sew the slipcovers myself, but with a busy schedule my mom stepped in to help. I admire the DIYers who do everything on their own; I consider myself a “DIY with Help” enthusiast.
I brought out a curly woven planter I’d used indoors during winter and filled it with plants in colorful clay pots I picked up at Lowe’s. I also added a bright yellow HomeGoods planter that adds a fun pop of color.
My husband installed new trellises around the deck to support climbing vines and improve privacy. These trellises are sturdy and substantial compared with many ready-made options. We planted wisteria vines, which are hardy and fast-growing—by next year they should cover the trellises and create a lush screen. I also planted a blueberry bush that’s already producing sweet berries.
The deck itself is an ordinary suburban Washington State deck, nothing fancy, but a few well-chosen trellises, plants and the pallet garden give it personality, greenery and privacy. To hide worn decking without refinishing right away, I used a weather- and dog-friendly outdoor rug that stands up to use and adds a layer of comfort.
The finishing touch will be new fabric-made pillows for the chairs. Those pillows will tie the space together and add the “icing on the cake.” I haven’t sewn them yet, but hope to in the coming weeks. The fabrics I chose have fun colors and patterns that will bring energy to the seating area.
While taking photos, I let Jack hang out with me. He got into a roll of paper towels and every pine cone and stick within reach. I kept pulling them away, warning, “You’re going to choke on that.”
Judging by his expression, he had opinions about my fussing. Sassy pup.
Thanks to Lowe’s for the plants, trellises, large pots, outdoor rug and paint used in this outdoor refresh.