Although our deck is far from ready to decorate (I have strict rules to finish the interior of my home before I can start on the exterior), summer is here and I can’t pretend like you all aren’t outside enjoying perfect evening dinners on your perfect patios. But if you’re not, this post is all about how to build the perfect patio (on a budget!) for every one of your summer whims.
Whether you’re an alfresco dining connoisseur, urban dweller or beach bum, I’ve got a patio design for each of you. Just humor me while I live vicariously through you, OK? Deal.
You never have to sacrifice style for space.
For the Urban Dweller:
Short on space but large on style? Get the most out of your tiny terrace or mini-balcony by going modern with an elemental table, side tray and hanging planters.
[a]. URBAN Stackable Chair ($40) at IKEA
[b]. Rajputana Outdoor Rug ($30) at West Elm
[c]. Plant Pot ($3) at IKEA
[d]. Tray Table ($50) at CB2
[e]. Oasis Garden in Galvanized Pot ($50) at VivaTerra
[f]. Element Coffee Table ($400) at CB2
[g]. Table Grill ($360) at A+R
[h]. Wally Indoor/Outdoor Living Wall ($40) at A+R
TOTAL COST? $973
Everything but the sunscreen.
For the Beach Bum:
If tanning is your middle name, why not turn your patio into an at-home beachy oasis? Split your time between a hammock and a sun lounger for the ultimate in comfort while sipping your soda in style. Don’t forget a shady umbrella and outdoor rug for keeping your cool. Happy sunning!
[a]. Bodum Portable Charcoal Grill ($59) at Amazon.
[b]. Striped Outdoor Rug ($50) at Overstock.
[c]. Canvas Umbrella ($70) at Amazon.
[d]. SLOM Bottle with Stopper ($4) at IKEA.
[e]. Party Tub ($25) from CB2.
[f]. Rope Hammock ($150) at Amazon.
[g]. Cabana Beach Towel ($18) at Swim Outlet.
[h]. Bask Sun Lounger ($249) at CB2.
TOTAL COST? $630
Time to dine!
For the Alfresco Dining Connoisseur:
Summer means starry evenings, crisp white wine and refreshing eats — indulge on your patio with a slatted dining table, patterned runner and nature-inspired accessories that guarantee a relaxing evening at home.
[a]. Sky Planter ($35) at A+R
[b]. NORDMYRA Stackable Chairs ($40 each) at IKEA
[c]. Stone Egg Candle Lantern ($32) at VivaTerra
[d]. Outdoor Dining Table ($300) at CB2
[e]. Haze Mimosa Table Runner ($100) at AphroChic
[f]. Patio Tabletop Heater ($100) at Amazon
[g]. Biodegradable Tableware ($12) at A+R
[h]. Ceylon Pitcher ($30) at CB2
TOTAL COST? $690
So friends, which is your favorite look? And what is your favorite patio staple?
Tell me in the comments below.
Could it be an aileron for a really pretty airplane?
[...] via: Patio Decor – 3 Looks: The Urban Dweller, The Beach Bum + The Alfresco Dining Connoisseur Category: Design Tags: Alfresco, Beach, Connoisseur, Decor, Dining, Dweller, looks, Patio, [...]
Loving the alfresco style and love all the tips. ~ Miles of Smiles ~ Lynn @thevintagenest
Beach Bum is my favorite look. When I can't get to the beach, this would be my getaway oasis. Comfortable seating is a must.
I love them all, so it's hard to choose. I think Beach Bum most fits my style because I love COLOR!
For Mother's Day, I filled those white doily Ikea vases with roses for my mom, MIL & SIL. They turned out gorgeous!
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What we really need is a way to get rid of mosquitoes without using toxic substances. Until we solve that problem, decorating outside is a moot point for us.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Listerine in a spray bottle. may have to reapply several times over a few hours. Been using for two years and it works.
Oh, I have to try this!
We've had fabulous results with the Mosquito Magnet – and we live near the coast and a bird sanctuary! Really worth the expense – and no chemicals.
try to grow citronella bushes in your yard. It has an essential oil that deters the mosquito, ask around in the health food store + the nursery or obviously in the internet. There must be additional bushes or trees that would deter mosquitos, but NOT people due to their special scent
Please tell me if it worked for you.
** there are always natural ingredients mosquito repellent if you like to put this stuff on yourself or just need an additional protection and you could find about them at the health food store as well.
Where I live it is the humidity and the Joom bugs (the little dark brown round flying beetles) that bug us a lot. Even if we find a way to get rid of them, We can not do anything about the mugginess around and it is bad here. Not too enjoying to sit outside and sweat.
Good luck
Cutters Backyard bug spray that goes on the hose and spays the grassy areas. It is not toxic to people. It keeps the bugs away. I believe that it isn't toxic to the water table either.
GERANIUMS ARE ALSO A MOSQUITO REPELENT PLANT!
I live in Southeast Texas, near the Gulf coast. Not only are the mosquitoes bad, but the humidity is also unbearable. Even ceiling fans don't help much. Any suggestions?
Move.
We just made our front ponch and walk flagstone. But what kind of seating should I put on the flagstone?
Or what should I put on it, I have two plants what else???
Time to dine!
For the Alfresco Dining Connoisseur:
LIKE THIS
I like the ideas of geraniums, citronella plants, and Listerine for mosquitoes. I will check them out.
Any suggestions for getting rid of swarming tiny gnats. There is a lake nearby, and, when I walk outside in the evening, I walk right into a cloud of them!
Also, no matter how much I vaccum baseboards and wall corners, I find a spider about 3 time each week in my house. Worst yet, the spiders make webs from the trees to my patio about 10 feet away. If I am away for a week, the patio is decorated with glistening spider webs! Yuck!
Any suggestions for getting rid of spiders inside and out? Help!
Thanks.
MommaU – I just saw some misters that you hang to help cool you off – I believe that they hook right up to the hose and spray a light mist of water.
Misty Mate Keepin Cool 6 Outdoor Misting System
Misty Mate Cool Patio 10 Outdoor Misting System – 10 Feet
Misty Mate Cool Patio 30 Outdoor Misting System – 30 Feet
Control your climate. The portable Misty Mate Keepin' Cool 6 Outdoor Misting System provides a cool break from the heat wherever you need it. The preassembled Keepin' Cool 6 system attaches securely to your patio fascia and provides 10' of mist to cool the ambient temperature up to 30°F. The Keepin Cool 6 is made with 1/8" polyethylene hose, making the system extremely lightweight and portable. This system is perfect for any umbrella or canopy.