Renovation Diary

Rachel’s Inspiration for a Bohemian Dream Backyard on a Budget

Written by

Dabney Frake
Dabney Frake
Dabney is a Southern-born, New England-raised, current Midwesterner. Her dog Grim is part terrier, part basset hound, part dust mop.
updated Jun 26, 2019
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(Image credit: Annette Christian)

Name: Rachel Andersen
Type of Project: Backyard Patio Renovation
Location: Tulsa, OK
Type of building: Single-Family Ranch

The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here.

Rachel bought her first house at the young age of 21, and works hard to make it a welcoming place for family and friends. Key to her dream is a stylish and functional backyard, filled with interesting textures, comfortable furniture, and multiple places to gather and lounge. Rachel shares her major inspiration for the outdoor space, and what she expects to spend on the project.

→ See Rachel’s Entire Backyard Makeover Series Here

(Image credit: A House in the Hills)

My style is a blend of several looks – modern, bohemian, with a bit of industrial in the metal and wood I use in decorating around my home. I am not quite a minimalist, but I also don’t love having a lot of extra decor around.

(Image credit: Megan Pflug)

I’m designing the space myself, but since I’ve decided to do all DIY projects, I’ll also enlist the help of friends! When I first began planning out my renovation, I thought surely there would be a couple of things on my list that might need hiring out. But — and this next part makes complete sense if you know me — I’ve since changed my mind and decided to go fully DIY with the help of my friends. The biggest feat will be the concrete work, but if anything, it’s a learning experience, right? I’m crossing my fingers that it all goes according to plan…

There will be a lot of different basic materials, but I’m excited to add pops of color and texture with throw blankets and pillows. You can expect to see:

  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Concrete
  • Woven textiles
  • And lots of plants to add life to the space!
(Image credit: Durham House)

Budget

Materials

  • Concrete mix: $50
  • Concrete mixer rental fee: $75
  • Melamine, to build concrete molds: $75
  • Wood for benches: $150
  • Hardware/tools for molds + benches: $50

Decor

  • Patio furniture: $250
  • Pillows + throws: $100
  • Accessories + plants: $150

Total: $900

(Image credit: Ace Hotel)

→ Want more Renovation Diaries? Head over to see our entire archive of projects: kitchens, bathrooms, and more!