3 Patio Looks to Makeover your Outdoor Space this Summer


I don’t know about you, but we are both very eager to get our patios ready for the summer months ahead. When you live in Chicago (and you’re cooped up for months at a time!), you tend to spend every waking moment of a nice day outdoors. It’s funny because even on a somewhat nice day (sunny and high 50’s) Chicagoans are out and about, smiling, and often wearing shorts and sandals! And neighbors who you haven’t seen in months have suddenly emerged from their homes to soak up those warm days!patio-flowers-balcony-overhead-shot-patio

We are those people! ย But in order to really appreciate the weather, we need to get our patios in working order (because Bridget’s patio certainly doesn’t look like this, and mine doesn’t look like this anymore either!)

Those Chicago winters can do a number on things, so the start of a new season often means shopping around for some new patio decor. Even if it’s just some new outdoor pillows, a fresh rug, and a few cute new planter, some new pieces can really brighten up a space!Bridget_Patio_Furniture_flowers_plants-5

If you’re in the same boat as we are, then we hope to inspire you with 3 different styles for your outdoor area….

Classic Black & White

*Click on the pieces in the mood board below and you’ll be directed to the source

Rug // Wicker Sofa ย // Coffee Tableย // Palm Print Pillow // Striped Umbrella // Planterย // String Lightsย // Brass Bowl Planter

You really can’t go wrong with a classic black and white look for your patio, especially if you plan to add in color with lots of flowers and plants. This is similar to the look that I chose for my patio last year with a striped rug and neutral furniture. If you’re unsure of what design direction to take, then this is a safe bet!

Glam Bohemian

Kilim Rug // Gold Daybed // Drum Coffee Table // Marbled Pink Pillowย // Small Elephant Planter // Hanging Lanternsย // Outdoor Wood Mirrorย // Candles

How gorgeous is this look? Wow, such a cool global vibe. This boho look would be absolutely stunning at night time…filled with lanterns and lots of candles. We would definitely want to hang out on a patio like this! Plus you can add hints of gold to this space to make it, even more, glam and feminine.

Coastal

Seagrass Rugย // Dining Table // Chairsย // Teak Chaiseย // Umbrellaย // Sea Urchin Decorย // Striped Pillowย // Wood Lanternsย // Light Fixture

Another classic look that can’t be beaten! Even if you don’t live near the beach, you can still get those beachy vibes going with this coastal inspired look. Navy, white, and wood are a combination that stands the test of time. Lots of greenery and lush plants would look amazing scattered throughout a patio with this nautical theme.patio-balcony-furniture-outdoorsNow that we have some major inspiration, it’s time to get our butts in gear to get our patios looking fresh for the summertime! While we both plan to keep our patio furniture from last year, we’ll add some new pieces into the mix to give our spaces a mini refresh.

chair-lanterns-balcony-patioAnd now’s the time because a lot of home stores are having sales on their outdoor furniture (like CB2 and Crate & Barrel!) ย and accessories. Currently eyeing this outdoor pouf and this planter that is on sale!ย 

Bridget_Patio_Furniture_flowers_plants-15Plus it’s finally time to get our flowers planted! We had some cold days at the beginning of May, so we waited to do our planting for the season. Our general rule of thumb is to wait until after Mother’s Day to plant, because usually by then you’re in the safe zone of freezing temps at night.ย Bridget_Patio_Furniture_flowers_plants-12

And now we want to hear…which look is your favorite? Classic, Boho, or Coastal? We’d love to know which one inspired you the most to take on your own space!

Bridget & Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.