Even the most uninspiring concrete slab can become a lively and welcoming outdoor room overnight with a cheerful infusion of color, character, and comfort.

Patio-before-makeover

Talk about a blank slate! Rock and cement bounded by a fence and looming shrubs—nothing enticing there. The most you can say for this space is that it offers a nicely neutral backdrop for anything we want to add.

Patio-after-makeover

And add we did. Colorful and comfy furnishings in a cozy grouping transforms this bleak patio into an outdoor living room that invites company and conversation. Lots of container plantings around the perimeter provide an immediately lush look.

Patio-loveseat-and-chair

With lightweight all-weather furniture (ideal for flexible arrangements), we created a sitting and dining area on a 8×10-foot slab. By adding soft cushions, a collection of vintage lanterns, and a cluster of potted plants, this desolate space was transformed into an instant oasis guaranteed to be a welcoming, as well as low maintenance, destination all season long. One tall and lush potted palm lends a feeling of warm tropics and cool coastal breezes.

Painted-patio-tables

Small tables are easy to reconfigure depending on your entertaining needs and ensure that there’s always a place nearby to rest a drink or a good book. Accent your tables with potted succulents and collected conversation pieces like our railroad lanterns.

Outdoor-pillows-and-throw

Accent pillows provide pattern, color, and comfort while a snuggly throw or two on hand offers warmth in the cool evening air.

Wicker-side-chair-on-patio

An inviting side chair at a right angle to the sofa completes the intimate sitting area. A ceramic garden stool acts as side table here but can stand in for seating in a pinch. The formerly neglected slab of concrete fits a lot of living into a small space.

Beaded-pillow

A mix of solid, floral, and decorative pattern offers visual interest that plays off the neutral background of the patio and furniture. Beading on this pillow creates a whimsical and textural detail.

Garden-stool-side-table-and-outdoor-rug

A lively patterned outdoor rug defines our room, grounds the furnishings, and provides much needed softness underfoot.

Patio-umbrella

The patio gets a full-on blaze of afternoon sunshine that heats up quickly without some kind of canopy. We created some much-needed shade with an expansive patio umbrella. The green hue blends nicely with the surrounding foliage.

Paper-lanterns-under-patio-umbrella

In the evening, we can light up our canopy with hanging paper lanterns fitted with battery-operated lamps. The mix of different sizes, solid colors, and perky patterns adds a playfully festive touch.

Patio-table-and-chairs

Previously just a half-hearted cluster of bistro furnishings adrift on a sea of concrete, this folding table and chairs offers a spot just outside the door for morning coffee. When entertaining, it can be quickly relocated to serve as a bar and replaced with a console table buffet.

Outdoor-artwork

A pair of outdoor artworks in vivid color breaks up the large neutral expanse of exterior wall. Look for weatherproof panels like these, metal wall hangings, or unique found objects.

Planted-patio-containers

For instant impact, we grouped planted containers on and around the patio. As you would in a bed or border, we layered them with a variety of foliage, color and texture.

Railroad-crossing-sign

An old railroad crossing sign marks the spot. The vintage piece relates to the collectible railroad lanterns on the tables and creates a coherent connection between the potted garden and the sitting room.

Colorful-planted-patio-containers

Assemble an instant garden of clustered, potted plants with these tips in mind.
Vary plant heights: Go as tall as you can, with Buckthorn Fine Line™ or palmetto varietals, then layer in mid-range, short, and trailing plants to build a unique plant horizon.

Mix in florals: Work with plenty of tough colorful plants, such as hibiscus, lantana, and impatiens. Play with different-sized flower heads, interesting shapes (such as the lace caps of Hydrangea Lets Dance® Starlight) as well as clustered or single buds. Group plants according to their sun/shade and watering needs.

Use variegated leaves: Plants with striated leaves, such as Rhododendron Bollywood, look great in shady spots and create visual interest before flowering plants are in bloom. Chartreuse-leafed plants, like Lil’ Miss Sunshine™ Caryoptertis, lighten up dark spots and add a sunny atmosphere to the garden.

Alternate foliage textures: Mix feathery foliage, such as that of Elderberry Black Lace™, with spiky Purple Fountain Grass and the broad, flat leaves of Hydrangea Pinky Winky.

Play with Pots: Vary your garden pots with respect to size as well as material. Employ a mix of terracotta, metal, and woven containers; this implies a collection gathered over time.

 

Products that may be of interest:

Potted shrubs and annuals from Proven Winners, provenwinners.com

Outdoor rug from Home Decorators Collection, homedecorators.com

All-weather wicker loveseat and chair, pillows, throw, garden stool, umbrella, paper lanterns, wall art, goblets from Pier 1,
pierone.com

Krylon 53533 Watermelon Interior and Exterior Decorator Paint – 12 oz. Aerosol

© Caruth Studio

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