Patio makeover: hosting the ultimate BBQ party
My entire family is fully-vaccinated and we are ready to get the party started! After being stuck at home for a year, socially-distanced from most of our beloved friends, we are so excited to be throwing a post-vaccination backyard BBQ party, with–hear this–real live people! My dad loves hosting BBQs, so he will be the MC, and because I always have to be in on the action, I will be the DJ. After whipping up a fabulous summer outfit and dusting off some gorgeous platforms shoes, I was ready to turn my eye toward giving our neglected patio a much-needed makeover.
In order to get it looking perfectly chic, I did some online research and looked to Instagram for some amazing influencer inspiration. I learned that sprucing up our patio will not only help impress our guests, but it could also add value to our home. That has us even more excited!
Deck and patio
For those who wish to make big improvements to their backyards, the 2020 Cost vs. Value Report informs that an average wood deck addition can cost approximately $14,360 and recoup 72.1% of the cost at sale, and a composite deck addition can cost about $19,856 with a 66.8% ROI. That’s a ROI increase of 18% since 2017 which means this type of project is becoming more and more profitable. Something to consider. (And keep lumber prices in mind which have gone up considerably in the past year.)
Fortunately, we already have a patio deck, but it is in desperate need of rejuvenation by staining or painting. This update will be the best way to give our patio new life, make it stand out, and create that sparkling summer vibe. And best of all, it will immediately add curb appeal. According to Home Advisor, staining a deck can range from $540 to $1,050, while painting a deck can cost between $300 and $1,200 in total.
After reading some tips for choosing the right deck colors from Better Homes and Gardens, we decided to paint our deck a dark gray because it goes well with cool or warm color schemes, giving us more options when it comes to matching furniture and accessories. My runner-up color choice was a beautiful chocolate brown.
Patio furniture
We decided to go with white sofas to allow our accessories to stand out. I was really inspired by the idea of having a sectional on the deck like the one lifestyle blogger @zevyjoy shared on her feed. These sectionals are really easy to find at any of your favorite retail stores like Wayfair, Overstock, Target, Home Depot, Walmart, and even Amazon, along with many other different styles.
When looking through these retail options, it is important to take into consideration the durability of the material used in the furniture. It should be able to withstand rain, sunshine, wind, and humidity. FYI, I found that swings are very much in style.
We had to have a large table for our guests, with lots of seating. So I went thrift store shopping for a wooden table and chairs that I could spray paint. I also found a cool countertop for extra serving space that will come in handy for my dad as he BBQs.
Spray painting wooden furniture is easy and gives you the freedom to choose the best color for your dream patio, whether it be neutrals, pastels, or bold colors.
Accessories
I knew we had to get a rug. After scrolling through so many fab pics and seeing how a rug can instantly enhance a patio’s look, I was sold. If you are interested in buying an outdoor rug at your favorite retail store, just make sure it is waterproof.
When choosing pillows and throws, take the opportunity here to make your look stand out with colors or patterns. Potted plants, lamps, and even string lights will give your patio deck a real laid-back atmosphere.
If you want to add an extra perk, consider getting an outdoor fire pit. That’s what we are doing!
The gist
Giving your patio a makeover can be fairly simple. Most of it is just renewing what you already have—like staining or painting your deck or fence, spray painting old furniture to give it new life, or buying new furniture you feel can serve your vision. Accessories are the most enjoyable part of the process, so have fun with them and remember all of these things are accessible to you at your nearest retail stores or by delivery online.
We are all very fortunate to have been able to receive vaccinations after such a difficult year. Now that we are safer, we can have a social life again. My little sister is already working on a summer playlist, my mom has a whole bunch of ideas for cocktails and sweets, and dad’s ordering a new BBQ grill as we speak. Getting back to normal feels really good.
