The Modern Renovator

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Patio Makeover REVEAL for under $750

It’s finally here! My near completed patio makeover! This project has been in the making slowly for the last couple of months and I finally got some furniture to complete the look! I’m excited to share all the before and after photos and sources of the everything! Hope you enjoy!

P.S. I’m not done with the backyard yet. This is just phase 1!

Price Breakdown (and linked sources!)

Planter paint - $35 (Sherwin Williams - Caviar in Flat)
Plants - $100 (Mahonias and Coral Bells)
Bistro Set - $200 (After 30% off + 5% Target debit card)
Ikea Table Set - $200
Target Door Lights - $10
Door Paint - $3 (Sherwin Williams Isle of Pines in Satin)
String Lights - $80 ( I got 3 sets)

Cleaning up the patio

I first started off by cleaning up all the random things lying around as well as pressure washing! Pressure washing made such a huge difference. I got all the mildew off the planters and all the dirt off the concrete. It cleaned up the space to make it nice and clean for me to work on. My parents had recently bought a pressure washer, so I was able to use that, but you can also rent one.

Here is the pressure washer we used: amazon.com

Painting the Planters

Next up was painting the planters. I knew I wanted to add a modern contrast and since cinder blocks are not very attractive I thought the perfect solution was to paint them! I chose a black paint color that I think turned out pretty great. I got (THIS COLOR INSERT HERE) It holds up really well under weather, and since this wall was prone to algae and moss, this was a good option and worked so well!

Installing Plants

Next up was putting in plants! I must confess, I am HORRIBLE with plants. I kill just about everything I have bought plant wise, so I was determined to buy plants that will live and thrive. This is a pretty shady spot, so I wanted something low maintenance and also shade tolerant. I went to Collier’s Nursery in Birmingham, and they were SO helpful helping me find the right plants. I’ve been to other nurseries that I had to hunt down people and then even those people weren’t knowledgable, so it was a relief to have someone know what they were talking about. I ended up going with Mahonias (The palm tree like plant) and Coral Bells in both red and bright green to add some color. The Mahonias will get 3-4ft tall and fill out the space, and the Coral Bells will also double in size.

I also planted some Hosta seeds on the narrow wall and they are thriving! They are just little sprouts still, but I surprised how well they’re doing! I think they love all the rain we’ve been having.

Installing Lights

One thing I knew I wanted were lights! They just add so much to the atmosphere and I just imagined having dinner parties outside under the lights. I found these on Amazon, and I opted to get the slightly more expensive lights because I wanted the glass to hold up to the weather and the lights to last forever.

Painting the Door

Once I painted the planters, I knew I needed to change the door color. I wanted to paint a fun color so I got a $3 sample of Sherwin Williams Isle of Pines. I’m in LOVE with this green color and so happy I changed to it!

Paint color: Sherwin Williams Isle of Pines, Doormat: Target (old), Lights: Target

Adding Furniture!

Lastly I bought some furniture to finish out the space! I searched for a long time on finding affordable dining furniture. I feel like every table set was over $500, until I checked out Ikea! I got this set for $200 for table and chairs! I also picked up a little bistro set from Target that was 30% off plus my extra 5% off with my Target Debit card and made it out to be $200 as well. I still plan on possibly adding a couch, but that will have to come later!

After

And we’re done!! So happy to show you all the final reveal pictures!