Creating SPACE without leaving home

Goldie is looking at possibilities - she is close to the AHA moment.
Since the Sun is shining and it feels like summer is getting closer,
now is the time to tackle that outdoor space

Case Study : Real Back yard Dilemma

We turned a tired cement patio area into a charming, relaxing outdoor room, giving our client a bright and sunny additional living space:

Our client Jasmine had outdoor space that desperately needed some design help.
The question that often stops people in their tracks is "How can I fix this ?"

What : The area was a nice size but lacked charm.
Conditions:Budget was a key element.
Already owned:
Positives: white metal patio set that she had inherited
couple of striped pillows and two red Andirock chairs, a garden set, on sale, on hold at a local box store. A couple of pots, and existing built in awning.
Negatives: An ugly shed and a few redwood furniture items that had seen better days.
A mix of cement and aggregate floor not in great shape.

What did Jasmine want?

A patio to enjoy the good weather, a place to expand her living space & a lovely french feel.
Without spending a lot of money.

First item on the list - more comfortable and practical seating.
The set Jasmine had found was versatile and fabulous. Deep bronze with blue cushions.
We told Jasmine to go for it.
The patio set was serviceable and attractive. Our solution was to paint the set to match the new patio lounge set, and tie it in using color.

The shed dilemma was easily solved. We loved the shape and suggested some yummy green and blues, with gray for details.

To hide the utilitarian look of the windows we had our clients add shutters.

We gave Jasmine a shopping list and a chore list.

The family worked hard, cleaning up painting and shopping.

The revitalized patio set looks slick

and Voila - hard work and focus is rewarded!

I just adore how the shed suddenly becomes a destination and how the shutters finish of the windows. The outdoor rug anchors the patio set on the concrete, breaking up the cracked grey surface. The metal lanterns await hanging, and add a European flair.
A space transformed

View from under the covered awning, after Lift Your Spirits Home Transformations was done

We created this cozy spot to read and enjoy the outdoors. It's a great idea to create a few seating areas, to enhance the use and charm of the space. Perfect for one or two. Lemons from the tree with leaves wrapped around the basket handle, add a rustic touch.

A real find for us was this old table stand. It had been stored in the shed, waiting to be tossed.
Now it makes a elegant plant holder, and the wrought iron curls match the awning legs.
Find some fun elements at discount box stores, your local garage sale or the neighborhood Goodwill store, like we did below. Get the color moving around the area. Create distinct groupings.

The versatile patio seating looks inviting and makes entertaining a breeze.
We used what Jasmine had, including a galvanized bin. Upside down, it becomes a plant stand.



I love the new patio, and how it integrates the outdoor areas, and so did our clients.
The biggest reward for Jasmine?

She was grateful to have us keep her on track, to achieve her backyard dream.

Jasmine penned this note :
"I absolutely love what you did with my backyard, especially the addition of the bright color. It's now one of my favorite places to sit with a cup of coffee and return phone calls."

the reward of a job well done is to sit in the sun!