Before and After: A Budget Refresh for a Tiny Patio

Written by

Jamie Wiebe
Jamie Wiebe
Jamie lives in Denver, Colorado, and writes about home decor, real estate, and design trends. She is slowly renovating her '50s home with her husband and her dog, Maggie, who assists by prematurely tearing up laminate.
published Apr 23, 2019
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(Photo Credit: Laura Tuskin)

Are you ready for spring—but not ready for a major DIY project? Laura‘s easy patio refresh proves you don’t have to sweat to create an inspired space. “My front patio had been completely neglected for years after we moved into our new home,” she says. “I was intimidated by the super-small space.” This front patio faced the rest of the neighborhood, and leaving it empty “not only was bad curb appeal, but meant we were missing out on fully enjoying our new home.”

(Photo Credit: Laura Tuskin)

Laura didn’t paint the walls or scrub the brick—after all, the patio was already in a pretty decent space. What she needed was some serious design inspo. She finally found the perfect patio set at Cost Plus World Market. The slim bench Laura picked is only 48 inches wide, and pairs beautifully with the round coffee table and occasional chair. The total cost for the furniture? About $130.

“Once I found seating that would fit in the space, everything else was easy,” Laura says. “The process from gathering the items to decorating was about two weeks.”

(Photo Credit: Laura Tuskin)

Completing this space was all about choosing the right accents. A patterned blue rug and checked pillows bring color to the small space, and a lantern and wicker basket filled with hydrangeas add just enough dimension.

(Photo Credit: Laura Tuskin)

“Our family now has a new place to enjoy life—outdoor life,” Laura says. They can watch their boys play in the yard or “just sit and enjoy the Colorado sunsets. Every spring and summer, you will find us out there!”

Thanks for sharing, Laura!