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5/27/11

Our Summertime Retreat

We made it to the final round of the American Crafters Competition! It's been so much fun! I decided for the final round to GO BIG! I've been wanting to do a backyard patio makeover, and I figured with summer right around the corner, this is the perfect time to enjoy LOTS of time outside! There are so many little details that went into transforming this space!
First, I will show you the before and after shots, so you can see the huge difference. Then, I will break it down for you to see everything!
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Here's the
BEFORE
We didn't have a ton going on back here except toys, trash, and storage.
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Here's the
AFTER
Now we have a place to eat, visit, relax, and enjoy!!  It feels like an extension of the inside of our home.
This is what we did...
swingset BEFORE
spray painted the entire thing black, got new chain to hang the swings from, and added name plaques to each swing so there won't be any mix up!
swingset AFTER
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kitchen window BEFORE
We added a new cafe awning over the window, spray painted old chairs, bought new foam and covered them for cushions, spray painted the trash can and even added vinyl lettering to it!
 kitchen window AFTER
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patio table BEFORE
We spray painted the chairs and table black, recovered the chairs, hung a chandelier, brought an old door that I had outside and added a few little decorative things to it.
patio table AFTER
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patio  posts BEFORE
We hung wire on eyehooks over the entire patio entrance to hang our burlap curtains on. Now, when it starts to heat up during the days, we can just close the curtains and still enjoy sitting outside. We used left over fabric strips to tie them back for now.
patio posts AFTER
....................
full view BEFORE
 full view AFTER
(note to self: move the hose next time!)
This has been SO much fun transforming our patio! I couldn't have done it without the help to hang, sew, drill, level, paint, and move things! Thank You! Thank You!! I promise to have MANY girl nights out here soon!
Please, go to Naptime Crafters and VOTE!!
XOXO!! 

27 comments:

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

Love it Marni! You did a terrific job. My favorite part is the awning, the scalloped bottom is wonderful!
xoxo,
Amy

Unknown said...

I already voted!!! :) Great idea to paint the swing set! Love the curtains too!

MaryBerry Boutique said...

OM GOSH! I love this! Isnt it awesome what a can of spray paint can do?! NICE!! It looks like a place i would like to spend time:) GOOD LUCK! gonna vote right now:)
Mary

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

That is amazing. I can't believe you even painted your swing set! What a fun space ... I'm sure you'll have so much fun using it this summer.

Natalie said...

Holy Cow, Girl! That's unbelievable! I never would have thought! WOW!! :) Way to go!

Erica J said...

wow this is truly creative- You did an amazing job!

Unknown said...

everything looks great.. love it!!!
can tell you put alot of work into it, it paid off!!

Anonymous said...

Love this! Wanna come and do mine next?

Lolly Jane said...

I really, really love this. too cute assigning the swings a name! who thinks of that?! darling, looks like so much work!! great job!

Lolly Jane said...

aaaaand ps: good luck to you. we're so truly happy to have made it to the final round with you and will honestly be happy for you if we lose to you, no seriously we won't hold a grudge (just don't gloat!) hahaha!!

Darcy said...

Holy Cow. Speechless! Fan~freakin'~tastic!

Terri @ Creative Eyedias said...

Looks like a wonderful place to relax after all your hard work! Visited from Cheri's...

Great work! Please come visit my blog.

Megan Gunyan said...

Lovely! I'd go outside all day, everyday! I love the curtains (all of them), and the cafe awning is a perfect touch! The door is awesome---what a great idea! It all turned out great. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Hey girl...thanks for linking up this week. I've had a blast co-hosting. Your talent seriously never ceases to amaze me!

PC said...

Love the curtains...brilliant idea!

Laura Lee said...

It looks great! Great idea!

Unknown said...

I love how it turned out! You may have inspired my next project!! My wheels are already turning! Thanks for sharing!

memakingdo said...

I absolutely love this! It looks great. Thanks for linking up @ memakingdo!

Jeannies Bottle said...

Wow, I would LOVE to have a covered porch like that. Yours looks super!

memakingdo said...

I wanted to let you know that I featured this today!

HuNnY aNd PoPpA LeWiS said...

Wow that is one awesome transformation--very inviting and cozy!!!

Charla @ Healthy Home Blog said...

Oh, wow! Your pictures should be in a magazine. :)

Unknown said...

What an INCREDIBLE makeover. I totally love it. The after pictures are just so stylish and fantastic....you really put some work into this. You have totally inspired me.

Doreen said...

Hi Marni. Came across this post by following all your beautiful spray painted projects. You did an amazing transformation on your patio. We have a similar long "bowling alley" patio. We were lucky enough to be chosen for the HGTV show Design on a Dime (which aired a few years ago). The designers covered our plain white posts with similar curtains. They are out favorite part of the makeover. Gotta love those summer nights!

christina said...

it looks fabulous! what a great place to hang now, enjoy:)

Bettina Groh said...

Everything looks great! I love the fact that you got a new look without spending a fortune!

Pink Texas Chick said...

I just came across your blog while looking for patio ideas. Great job, looks great!