The last section of my Love Shack Project make-over is the back patio! Like the garden side, the patio is also long and narrow, but the patio side has a smooth cement floor and is about a foot wider ( 4′ x 20′). That extra foot gives me enough room to actually have some tables and chairs out there!
My first task was to re-hang the large wooden door so that it opens out, instead of in; thus freeing up that previously unusable space. Next, I used the left over exterior paint to paint the unfinished section under the covered roof, the wooden door, and the electrical housing. Once that was finished, I put up a few hooks so I could neatly hang the ladder, tools, and hose.
To break up the length of the patio and add texture and intimacy, I decided to build an arbour! This was very simple. I bought 5 ladder trellises from Home Depot, and placed 4 of them ( 2 on each side) against the walls of my patio alley. Then I connected them across the top with few lengths of redwood. Lastly, I took the remaining 5th trellis and laid it across the top, between them, as the roof.
Next, I added 2 sets of tables and chairs, both of which I got free from Craig’s List. They were all mis-matched colors, so I simply spray painted everything white to match. I also spray painted my metal utility shelves, planter boxes and baskets; and just about anything else that was going to be on the patio! Spray painting makes matching easy, however, its messy! Make sure you have a large drop cloth, plastic gloves and booties on your feet! ( I spray painted my feet and ruined a pair of sandals and a pedicure the first time!)
Lastly, I added some plants and climbing vines to start climbing up the arbour; and for the finishing touch, wove white twinkle lights throughout all the trellises on both the patio side and the garden side.
The first time I turned on the lights was amazing! I had created my own private, magical, oasis; perfect for entertaining very small parties! I am thrilled with the result!
Thank you!
Here are two before pix:
And this is my pretty patio now!
THE NERDCALL 