I pushed my Recent Finds post to tomorrow because I was SO EXCITED to share our patio makeover!
If you caught this post, you might remember that we’ve been working with our friends at Pottery Barn to make over the space. I will say that I feel extraordinarily grateful to have been given this opportunity; I’ve been working with a [now] friend at PB’s sister company Mark & Graham for a long time, doing freelance photography work for them… and when this project presented itself, I was dancing.in.the.streets.
Such a dream come true!
As you probably know, we have a ton of Pottery Barn in our home, and my mother has always been obsessed with it. (When I was in high school, my parents redid my room so it could also function as a guest room, and they decided to put PB furniture in there. I freaked. 😜) So thank you, PB. This has been an incredible experience and we’ve had so much fun with it.
Anyway, the final step to the project was bricking over the cement walkway… and now the space is done! Looking at the “before” photos is pretty crazy; I can’t believe how far we’ve come. :) I also can’t tell you how much we love the patio. The deck is definitely a kids’ zone, and there are toys littered all over it. As there should be! The patio, however, has been designated as an unofficial adult zone because of those three un-baby-gate-able steps. (New word. 😆 Lucy loves those steps and it’s terrifying!)
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a tough year. Something that’s helped, though, is pulling away with Mitch back there. We try to do it every night, which isn’t hard since it’s so inviting! We sit, have a glass of wine, and talk. And it’s been as great for our marriage as it’s been for our dispositions and outlooks.
So often, I start the day in a state of despair… but I end it feeling happy or at least hopeful because of our late-night talks on the patio.
Okay. Let me show you the transformation!
Before:
The products
Torrey Wicker Sectional Sofa + Chair/Ottoman: Holy BEAUTIFUL. It’s a synthetic wicker sectional, which has changed everything for us because it can be left out year-round. It’s weatherproof and maintenance-free… and it’s remarkably resistant to sun, rain, heat and cold. GAME-CHANGER! Very often we toss the cushions under the walkway or in the garage if we’re going down to the lake house for a long weekend… but there are torrential downpours during summers in Chicago so the cushions get soaked pretty regularly. And guess what?! TOTALLY FINE. They’re quick-drying and water-repellent, and they have machine-washable covers. Before I wash them, though, I just use a dustbuster on them, and more often than not they look fantastic. Here’s to a simpler life!
Chester Lanterns: Stunning. Candles can really make a space. Who knew?!
Faux Trailing Plants: THESE LOOK SO REAL. Take it from me and buy a couple now. I loved them so much that I got one for Emma’s room and one for the living room. (I also love these blue hydrangeas, these white hydrangeas in a pot, and these white hydrangeas in a vase.)
Hanging Catchepots: We have a couple of hooks meant for hanging plants on the patio, but had never done anything with ’em until this project. It adds a lot to the patio!
Melanine Whale Serving Platter in Aqua and Whale Melamine Serving Platter Navy: SO LOVELY, RIGHT? I have a whale problem. They’re all over my house. And we live in Chicago. But these aren’t glass! So they’re perfect for outside. And I don’t have very many outside whales, soooo…
Capitola Concrete Round Coffee Table: I can’t lie. I love a solid matching set of furniture, even though that might not be in style right now. But when I saw this coffee table, it really stuck out to me… and so I went with it and did SOMETHING CRAZY and mixed and matched. It’s been great, and the white top really brightens up the space. Granted, it’s only adults who use it at this point. But so far, no staining!
Chester Brass Hurricanes: I’d been eyeing these for the longest time. I bring them outside on special occasions, but keep them indoors either on our buffet or mantle the rest of the time because I’m so obsessed with them. They come in two sizes! (The large is VERY large but I love it.)
Blue Catchepots: These are such a good deal and really beautiful! A nice pop of color.
Manor Glass Flushmount Light Fixtures: We have the prettiest shiplap-y ceiling, but it was totally unnoticeable due to a number of factors–namely the tired can lights. The flushmount fixtures were Mitch’s idea and WOW. Never would have thought they’d make such an impact! The walkway is so much brighter now.
Laverna Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, 20 x 20″: I already owned these striped pillows, so I decided to embrace neutrals for a more mature look. So happy with the decision. It’s calming!
I’m in love with the final product. Moment of truth!
Spoiler: Noodle would give it two thumbs up if she had opposable thumbs.
Now:
Shop the post:
Torrey Wicker Sectional Sofa + Chair/Ottoman / Chester Lanterns / Faux Trailing Plants (I also love these blue hydrangeas, these white hydrangeas in a pot, and these white hydrangeas in a vase.) / Hanging Catchepots / Melanine Whale Serving Platter in Aqua and Whale Melamine Serving Platter Navy / Capitola Concrete Round Coffee Table / Chester Brass Hurricanes / Blue Catchepots / Manor Glass Flushmount Light Fixtures / Laverna Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, 20 x 20″ / Wood and Marble Cloche / Acrylic Stemless Wine Glasses all c/o
In collaboration with Pottery Barn. Thank you so, so much for supporting the partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running!