Our 1954 Home: Patio Revamp
Earlier I mentioned that Patrick and I were revamping our patio, and today I’m excited to share what it looks like, along with some other changes to our backyard!
When we moved in our backyard featured lots of mature plants, but no grass. After planting grass we realized there was a portion of our backyard that didn’t get much sun, and the grass never faired too well in that area. Additionally, we really wanted to have an outdoor dining space, but didn’t want to give up the very nice lounge space we had set up in the shade of the covered patio. So we decided to expand the concrete, allowing for a dining space, while also taking care of the grass that wasn’t working out. We really lucked out and snagged this small vintage set on Craigslist right before the concrete was poured. The seats were originally a very East Coast, Cape Cod, “At the shore” blue and white strip pattern, and I reupholstered them in orange as we have so many orange flowers in the backyard.
Additionally, on either side of the steps from the sliding glass door, were what I originally believed to be planters, that had brick placed in them to fill them out, we decided to remove the brick and fill with concrete, creating a more level surface for the chairs we already had sitting there.
We also added a few new bullet planters. And I do mean new, not new to us, as it the norm here. As we haven’t been out antiquing or hitting up flea markets, and not having any luck at a decent price online for vintage ones, we decided to opt for the new ones created by Hip Haven. However we found out Hip Haven sells ones that have “irregularities” at a discount on their Etsy shop! Since our vintage bullet planters are imperfect already, having new ones with any imperfections would be just fine, and honestly, when the planters did arrive, I had a hard time spotting anything really wrong with them!
We’ve made a few other changes to the backyard since I originally shared it back in 2018. When we moved in the backyard had a guava tree, but late last year the guava tree split, and we had it removed and planted an orange tree in its place. Even though we live in California, I love having a fire in our fireplace during fall and winter, and Patrick build a woodshed awhile back, but with all of the new colors added to the backyard I decided to paint it turquoise. Also, a corner of the yard that meet up with the house had the back of the old air conditioner sticking out (we aren’t removing it, at least any time soon, since it’s rather cool looking on the inside), so I created a faux western outhouse to cover it up, and give me a little old west corner for photos.
This little patio revamp really makes staying at home so much due to COVID a lot easier. It’s been absolutely delightful sitting outside for lunch lately. But I’m also eager to share the new space with friends and look forward to entertaining again once things are safer.
Want to freshen up your outdoor space? Here are some resources to get your hands on some of the same goodies!
Pink and Turquoise Garden Hoses & Holders, and Brass Nozzles – Garden Glory
“Irregular” Bullet Planters – Hip Haven’s Etsy Shop – For perfect bullet planters and more, see their website!
Colorful Stripe Door Mat – Target
Outfit
Top & Jewelry: I honestly don’t remember…
Pink Jeans: Old Glory Antique Mall, Vancouver, Washington
Shoes: Re-Mix
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Oh! What a great job you two do! I love the Far West meets the Jetson’s who then meet the Flinstones! Your friends will love it when you all can get together! Stay safe and healthy!
–Erik in NW Ohio
Thanks for sharing your back yard space. It’s very nostalgic for me. In 1970, my family moved into the house my grandparents built in 1960. It was a yellow stucco ranch house with a red brick fireplace in Garden Grove. It even had the pink block fence like your house. My dad and his friends build a patio roof over the concrete patio also much like yours. (I looked on Google Maps, it’s still there!)
Our back yard was never so charming as yours. There were still a lot of orange trees around back then, but we never had our own. Nice touch! I admire your creativity and your eye for style.
I love it! Pretty, yet functional.
Fantastic job! This space is so inviting, charming, bursting with old school awesomeness, and cozy at the same time.
Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
Absolutely love how this turned out! It’s the perfect space to relax in with style.