Outside Is In!
by
Blindsgalore
Koi fish ponds and an ever-blooming garden stuffed into glazed ceramic pots might be your dream patio, but for most of us, creating a comfy “chill spot” is all we need or can afford. I have a few easy and inexpensive ideas to re-imagine your outdoor space into a special unique retreat that will totally pack a punch.
Light Baskets
Candles never fail to flicker with a warm glow, but how about a woven, textural basket, with a long string of small twinkling lights, rolled up and stuffed into the basket. Hang the basket or a row of baskets, upside down around the patio for your own homemade lantern of lights.
Plant In Found Pots
Flowers are essential in all design. If you have any old tool boxes, drawers from a bureau or old buckets, all of these make whimsical flower planters. Just make sure to drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
Decorate With Fabrics
Outside curtains are the rage this summer and are always a smart addition to your patio, but if you like, a vintage tablecloth or decorative sheet can be a creative stand-in to enclose your outdoor space for privacy and sun shelter. If you are lucky and can scrounge some distressed shutters, or large, mottled picture frames to hang outside for more space style, your outdoor area will really strike a pose.
Redo A Wine Barrel
Wine barrels are a staple at most hardware and garden stores. Turn one of these big barrels upside down for an instant coffee table. How easy is that and you can still always use it for a planter or for pillow storage.
Hang A Hammock
Hang up a few hammocks-easy to put up and take down when you need extra space. I am partial to the handmade Mayan string hammocks. I have been lounging in them for years and have rocked many fussy babies to sleep in these colorful, soothing and snug wonders.
Pull Out The Pet Pillows
You will need some big, cushy floor pillows. Inexpensive pet beds can be re-purposed for human lounge cushions to scatter around the patio. Big, comfy cushions are essential for the 3 “R’s of summer-reading, relaxing and reminiscing!
Paint A Rug
Paint a bold, graphic pattern right on your concrete or brick patio floor to mimic a patterned rug, just mask out an easy design and with a gallon of outdoor paint and a big paintbrush, your floor will be instantly rocketed to a new level. The bigger the pattern, the easier and quicker the painting.
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2 comments
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Love your ideas! The baskets are just what I was looking for to inspire lighting for my covered deck. Also - the drawers with flowers is a keeper...I have a wicker thing in the attic begging for it..... thanks for sharing!
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