Changing our underused back patio into an outdoor living area was the best decision we made last year!
For the last week, I’ve entered a state of bliss each time I step into, or even see, the backyard. We still have a couple of big projects left on the list for this year, but the two parts I’ve been looking most forward to are now complete!
With the vegetable beds built and planted last month, we turned out attention to the back patio.
It was set up as a dining area before, but I was constantly longing for a more welcoming spot to get comfy with coffee in the morning, and maybe a glass of wine in the evening. Most of all, I wanted a retreat from our habit of crashing on the couch in front of the TV while simultaneously working on a laptop or scrolling through social media on a phone every evening.
Can anyone relate to that scenario?
I find it much easier to be still and relaxed outside, and that quiet downtime has been desperately needed around here!
We decided it would make the most sense to change the covered patio into an outdoor living area, which would keep the cushioned furniture out of the weather. Then, later this summer, we’ll extend the patio with a deck and that will become a dining space.
As a reminder, here is the mess that we started with a few weeks ago.
Not exactly a relaxing spot to run away from technology, right?
Here’s what it looks like today!
Our first step was inspired by all the beautiful blue porch ceilings I saw on the trip to Charleston. We painted the ceiling and back door SW Tame Teal. Then, we replaced both the ceiling fan and door hardware with more modern versions that better match both our style and the new furniture.
Once everything was painted, it was time for the really fun part – a Cost Plus World Market shopping spree! As I mentioned in Friday’s birthday post, I was overjoyed to be selected to partner with them on this makeover. PS: Links are also affiliate links, so you pay the same price and I may receive a small comission if you decide to purchase. Win-win!
I found tons of ideas from their inspiration rooms and ended up combing pieces from three of the looks to create our own unique space.
I’m going to link all the products in a shopping section at the bottom so you can find all the sources in one spot, but I wanted to mention the why behind some of the pieces as we go.
Hopefully, the reasoning will help you think through creating your own outdoor oasis!
Adding a cushioned sofa was my first priority.
I fell in love with the Marina Del Ray collection’s modern look. Because our weather can be so harsh, I put this piece in the most protected spot against the windows, then selected everything else to work around it.
It wouldn’t be a project of mine without some storage and organization, so the Praiano Wood Storage outdoor coffee table is perfect. The top comes off in four sections and the entire inside is storage! I love that the wood adds a bit of warmth AND the slats mimic the look of our veggie garden.
Across the sofa, I wanted additional seating for entertaining.
This side of the porch has to endure more hot sun and rain, so I was looking for something that didn’t have fabric cushions. Style was also a big factor because the chairs would be facing the inside of the house.
The Andalusia Woven Chairs are absolutely perfect! (If those are unavailable, try these!)
The chairs look just as good from the back, which is awesome because you’ll see the back from our future outdoor dining area. And while we’re looking at this view, how great is that little coral punched stool that I’m using as a table between the chairs?
Somehow I haven’t mentioned my favorite thing yet, that gorgeous outdoor mat! It was crazy inexpensive for a 6′ x 9′ rug, and because it’s made of almost a plastic material, it’s been very easy to keep clean. I was nervous ordering it sight unseen, but I’m a convert to these mat coverings for outdoors now.
The last piece of furniture I added was a little white table next to the couch. I was worried about the area next to the door feeling too crowded, so went with a light and airy table.
With all the furniture in place, I just needed some outdoor decor and lots of plants to make the porch feel cozy and welcoming. I realized my tall planters from the front yard were gray and woven just like the couch, so I hauled one to the backyard and filled it with a big citronella plant to keep the mosquitos away.
I’m loving how well the gray accents on the patio tie back to the concrete beds. It’s so amazing seeing the backyard come together! 
Are you ready to tackle your own space now? As you read, you may have noticed my best tip for pulling everything together. Repetition!
Find a 3-4 colors, patterns, or textures that mix well together and make sure you have a few examples of each. For me, the primary three things were the color teal, linear wood, and woven gray. Navy, black and white all played supporting roles as well. The final touch was the little pops of coral and pink!
If you loved anything I used in our space, I made a little grid for you below. Click on any of them to go right to the product pages.
Oh, and almost everything on the list is on BIG sale right now, including the sofa being 50% off!
Every single morning since we’ve finished the space, I’ve grabbed my coffee and headed straight outside. It’s such a relaxing place to start the day! If you’re recharged by spending a little time outdoors like I am, please don’t wait 5 years to create a little retreat like I did!
We’ve already had my parents, brother, and nephew over for dessert on the patio after our birthday/anniversary dinner. I look forward to many more nights like that with family and neighbors!
Finishing this project has made me even more excited that Cost Plus World Market is opening in Tulsa next month! In the past, we’ve had to go to Dallas or order online, so this is HUGE for us! If you’ve never been inside one of the stores, check out their store locator page and get going!
For even more outdoor inspiration, check out this video with tons of ideas for getting an indoor look outdoors.
Here’s one final look at the before & after. I’m in love!
Lidia says
It is beautiful and retreat is the right word!! I’ve been dying to decorate our outdoor patio but our weather has been the pits. Can I come over and hang out on yours?? 🙂
Melissa George says
Absolutely! I hope your weather straightens up soon too!
Ashley Palmer says
Yay! I loved reading about your patio update. Having a comfortable outdoor space is important to me too. Also, love those chairs! Going to check them out and see if they come in other colors too.
Lisa says
This looks so relaxing! I absolutely love it and how you mixed different pieces rather than just buying a set. They all compliment each other so well! This definitely gets my wheels turning for our outdoors ?Can’t wait to see the rest of your backyard when it’s finished!
Melissa George says
Thank you! I’m so glad I mixed things up too! I had my fingers crossed until everything arrived and I could see how well it worked together in person. 😉
Cornelia L Short says
Looks so inviting and I’m loving your color scheme! I can’t wait too show this to my husband ? I absolutely love the fan too! Is your ceiling viny and if so what kind of paint did you use?
Thanks for sharing!
Melissa George says
Thanks, Cornelia! That fan works WAY better than the one we had before, I’d totally recommend it for both style and function. We found it in the store at Lowes. Our ceiling is wood, so we just used exterior latex paint. I was curious about painting vinyl, so I did a quick search and found this: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-collection/vinylsafe-colors-for-vinyl-siding Hope that helps!
Evelyn B says
Wow! Looks great! Just love the blue/gray rug. The whole is such a remarkable change! Love to sit and visit with you and drink a cuppa. How inviting! Wish I had something like that. We need to get a roof over ours first and then I’ll be looking at yours more closely. Such a great place to go each morning.
Melissa George says
Thank you! It’s so shocking what a different vibe the same space can have. Adding the roof to yours will be a big project, but I bet it will be worth it! We’re still debating whether we’ll add a cover over the deck/dining area when we get it done. I think for this year, it’s just going to get an umbrella on the table for some shade. 🙂
Joy Lynn Shanor says
I LOVE IT!!! This is similar to what I want to do in my teeny, tiny back yard. I want to extend the covered patio with pavers to create a dining area which will give us more space to create a nice sitting area on the itty, bitty covered patio. I have BIG plans for our back yard…just gotta get my husband on board. Unfortunately he can’t read my mind yet so he’s not understanding what I hope to do.
Melissa George says
Thank you! And oh man, I hear that on the husbands! Everyone is still trying to convince me that I want the dining area off the back of the patio instead of the side, but I know they’ll all concede that I was right when it’s done. LOL
Kelly Mahan says
The place looks beautiful! You’re a very talented decorater, congratulations!
Caroline says
A year late on posting, but where did you find the console-esq table you used for your bar? I need something that size, but seem to be striking out in regards to finding everything.
The space is beautiful and I love the blue ceiling. The link you posted above for painting vinyl is going to come in handy in my future.
Melissa George says
Hi Caroline, We picked up the table in store at At Home last year. Hopefully, they are carrying them again this year because it was affordable and came in two different sizes.
Caroline says
Thank you so much! We screened in our porch last year, so my goal this year is to make it beautiful. A good table will come in handy for that.
Lora Nelson says
It’s just lovely. We need to do the same thing and bring the indoors outdoors.
Melissa George says
Thanks Lora! It’s so nice to have added usable space to our daily lives…at least when it’s nice outside. 🙂
Theda says
It’s a beautiful outdoor setting! I’m curious about the structure in the next to last photo. It has potted plants hanging on it. Is that a post you’ve done previously? I really like it and could use something like that. I enjoy your blog…so much good info and I like your taste!
Melissa George says
Hi Theda, thank you so much! Here’s the post that shows how we created the raised bed. There are spots for veggies in the bed and then herbs and flowers on the backing! https://www.polishedhabitat.com/building-raised-garden-bed/
Allen says
Tell me a bit about the large vertical “walls” you’re using as planters in the yard.
Melissa George says
Hi Allen, They’re 4×4’s we cemented in and then used inexpensive fence pickets as the cross pieces. Then we added some IKEA containers to use as planters on the wall, and we also use the pickets to help trellis veggies. There’s a full post about the beds here: https://www.polishedhabitat.com/building-raised-garden-bed/