Monday, June 29, 2009

Patio Magic

by Amy Platon

Well, since we all like home makeovers, I thought I’d share my newest creation. Behold, our new and improved back porch. This little 10x10 space needed some sprucing up this summer.


I started with ordering some new JCP cushions that were half-off. The bench cushion they offered was too big for my loveseat, so I opted for two cushions to take advantage of the deal. Then I was off to installing my ultra cheap painter’s drop cloth curtains. Thanks to Layla Palmer over at Lettered Cottage for this fabuloso idea. Cost: $20 for two 8ft drop cloths. Bonus: they are water resistant so perfect for outdoor use. I bought the rods at Target as well as simple black clip rings to hang them with.




And how do you like the pillows? Hmmmm?


Well, this is gonna make you gasp (out loud even). I bought 2 short table runners from Old Time Pottery @ 6.99 each. They were double sided.




I just opened the seam at one end for the lumbar pillow and stuffed it with the stuffing from a pillow I hated. Then, for the chair cushions, I cut the runner in half and stuffed two pillows. With only minimal sewing skills, I had three pillows for less than $15. The table runner fabric is like a canvas material, and seems to be water repellant, but I bring them in at night to preserve them. I also bought two more runners for back up since they were such a bargain.

The potted plants are from Home Depot at $12.99 each and voila! Cozy summer back porch in full swing. There, now I’m all ready for the 4th of July family get together I’m hosting this year.

Wanna see the before photos:
Home Sweet Home

Other home ideas:
Kid Infusium

Our "in progress" kitchen makeover:
Kitchen Inspiration

23 comments:

  1. Lovely! I pride myself on being resourceful with decorating ideas. Repurposing is fun! My mom is always scarfing up stuff on the 'free table' at her apartment building. Woven placemats made the perfect toss pillows for my ottomans that sit under a window. I like the painter's drop cloths. I'm sure it feels summery! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is the best idea I've heard for pillows EVER! How resourceful!! I'm so glad you shared with Monday's Muse :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Super makeover - and great idea to use the table runners!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I need a back patio now... *jealous*

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks so relaxing! I can picture myself out there w/ a cup of coffee!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It really looks fabulous! I'd love to spend time there!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gorgeous job! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous nook!

    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'd love to know where you bought the drop cloths. I've been looking because I love this idea and think they look great, but the drop cloths I'm finding are MUCH more expensive than what you got them for.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow, it looks very inviting. Happy WW!

    ReplyDelete
  10. what a great space!! it looks like a resort!

    my ww's:

    http://www.mcclurefamilyspace.blogspot.com/
    http://www.2by2boutique.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very relaxing, I'll be there for lemonade at noon on Saturday.

    Happy WW!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like the patio and I like your pillow idea! Very clever. Great blog. Hope your weekend is wonderful. We are having a big 4th party at our house with our church. Should be interesting...big smile!
    Blessings,
    debbie

    ReplyDelete
  13. My best friend is a wonderful sewer and I admire all of her creative, inexpensive ways of completing projects...you both have a wonderful talent. I love the colors you chose for your pillows/chair cushions.

    Great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The porch looks beautiful. Hopefully you will enjoy it this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  15. What inspiration- I need to get on the stick and rework my patio- thanks for the help. =)

    ReplyDelete
  16. great design idea,

    thankyou for sharing your picures with us

    ReplyDelete
  17. The porch is inviting me to come sit with a cold glass of lemonade!!! Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very chic, very pretty, and best of all -- very affordable. Fantastic, creative, and lovely. Thanks!
    Happy 4th of July... Cass

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love your patio makeover.. absolutely beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend and a fabulous 4th!
    ~Really Rainey~

    ReplyDelete
  20. Man! That is AWESOME! I love the curtains and the green in he cushions. Great idea for the table runner. I've seen the same done with place mats so I always keep my open for deals on those too. You totally scored and have a great space to show off!

    ReplyDelete