5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR PATIO ON A BUDGET
We all know that our outdoor spaces are seeing so much more love right now. Between quarantine, socially distant hosting, and enjoying the summer months our outdoor spaces are getting so much more time in the sun (sorry, I had to) than ever before! Today we’re talking 5 different ways you can update your patio space on a budget. Even if you don’t have a designated patio area I’m going to show you ways you can update even the smallest outdoor space on a budget! These small changes seriously make a huge difference! Trust me, we just did a little re-do on our own patio with these 5 easy changes!
NEW THROW PILLOWS
If you know me, you know that I love a good throw pillow, especially in an outdoor space. I proudly have about 20 seasonal throw pillows in our second closet. If you know Matt and mines relationship you know that he (so lovingly) made me promise to only buy a new throw pillow once I throw out an old one. So, yeah, I gave away a throw pillow to get these…it was so worth it!
Below I’ve rounded up my favorite indoor and outdoor throw pillows. If you use interior pillows for your outdoor space you HAVE to take them inside when you aren’t using the space. Trust me here. Outdoor throw pillows have an extra water protectant layer on the pillow insert that interior pillows don’t have. No one wants a moldy throw pillow (yes, this really can happen). I actually always recommend bringing in your throw pillows even if they are outdoor pillows to keep them looking fresh for longer.
LIGHTING
This new ceiling fixture is the BEST decision we ever made. It is solar powered, the perfect size for the space, and we got it for only $50. We ended up having to retrofit it into a wall sconce since the cord wasn’t long enough. We hung it from the wall off of a wall bracket and a 1x2 screwed together. I actually kind of like the look of it as a sconce. It’s definitely not preferred, but hey, it works!
You can always do the same sort of install in your own space. Or, you can use string lights, battery operated table lamps, or any candles to add warmth to your space. I suggest layering in as much decorative lighting as possible. It really gives a nice glow to your space, especially if you are dining out there.
UPDATE THAT AREA RUG
Updating our area rug was the biggest improvement to the space. We replaced our old rug with a true outdoor area rug, and I already love it so much more. Our previous rug was in indoor/outdoor rug. Take it from me, don’t even try to use these outdoors. All this really means is that the rug has a half and half cotton and polyester or synthetic fiber blend. For outdoor spaces you want your rug made primarily of a synthetic fiber or material. With outdoor rugs you will also see a tighter woven fiber. This is really important for outdoor use. The tighter the strands of the rug are twisted the less they will hold onto moisture. You can use indoor/outdoor rugs in high traffic areas, but save them for inside the home.
NEW OTTOMAN & COFFEE TABLE
Before this, our patio didn’t even have a coffee table. I can’t believe it didn’t have one because it really helps balance out the space. Don’t worry, this table will be used as a footstool 9 times out of 10, but at least it’s a cute foot stool! I would suggest getting a really lightweight coffee table for your outdoor space. I really love a lighter weight coffee table for outdoor use because it adds more flexibility to the space! Plus, the last thing you want is for your coffee table to leave an imprint on your area rug, essentially ruining it.
FLOWERS & PLANTINGS
This last step might seem a bit obvious since the space is outdoors, but adding in intentional plantings and flowers to your patio space will really transform it! We recently added these garden boxes to our patio, and I love how they’ve brought so much color to eye level out here. Whenever I have anyone over I always love to have fresh flowers in every area of the home, including the patio! Over the next couple of months I’m eyeing to add boxwoods or shrubs behind the settee here, and next to the dining table. Here’s how you can re-create the look with me!
