Thursday, April 24, 2014

{ Back Patio Renovation}

Hey, it's definitely Spring now folks { Gasp} about time!! With that said our back patio underwent a mini renovation  last weekend & the first weekend it was reasonably warm for that matter! As you may, or may not know last summer we extended our cement patio about 3 feet around ,and painted the cement a taupe heat resistant color. This year we were determined to put a cute little gazebo up, and that's what we did! We purchased the 10x10 gazebo for a whopping $130 from Aldi grocery stores. These go from anywhere $200-1000 so you could say this was a STEAL! It's the same gazebo Home Depot advertises ,but ours came with corner shelving..bonus right?!  My husband & a buddy popped it up & I got to work decorating & making it our own & less stock like.

 {Beverage Cart DIY}


Step 1.) Dissembling & wipe down!


Step 2.) Picking a finish & sand {Optional}
* This top was unfinished so I made the decision not to sand, although I pry could have gave it a buff.

Wipe the board down again to ensure all particles are free from the board & begin staining with proper staining cloths/clothes { Home Depot $5} ,& go with the natural grain of the wood. Make sure to wipe access stain off!
Note: I used an Espresso Stain!


Step 3.) 
Start Painting! I used some left over 'Sand Tan ' paint I had from our basement. It's a semi- gloss, although I was set on a sand chalk paint color, this worked fine.



**View below for the complete finished look**

Our finished patio/gazebo area turned out quite well & was quite an easy project { surprise } ,although my husband may have a different opinion { Ha Ha}. It's perfect for shielding the amount of sun we get in our backyard & also for evening & seasonal entertaining, secured & away from those pesky insects!!
* The Beverage Cart was a garbage find,the two black Lanterns were purchased at Big Lots last Fall $40, & the Topiary Tree & Candle were purchased @ Big lots as well $8 & $3 ! 
I definitely utilized the corner shelving. My husband found this rustic bottle opener/tap holder ,& what better use then to have it in the corner under the beverage cooler, cold drinks anyone?  The green beverage cooler is from Walmart purchased a long time ago ,I believe it was $10! 
The serving tray is vintage. The flowers & rustic pot are both from Dollar Tree. The candles were purchased at Big Lots $8, as well as the draped table cloth $5. The patio furniture & rug were purchased a while ago. The 'M' was purchased @ Michael's for $1!

Quaint & Simple,perfect for cool nights by the fire-pit!



The top is lined in round clear LED lights, that are on a timer. The lantern is wood & holds a vanilla candle also from Big Lots $13!
Note: Since this picture & 'staging' I have lowered the Lantern, per request of my dearest mum ;).

Hope you all have enjoyed this bright & useful  seasonal space. I 'm going to try & grab some pictures on a clear night of the space lit up..so stick around :)!
Paige.Rose