{from ruth} Patio Make-Over

When we moved into our current house....oh over a year ago now...I had big dreams for the patio area. Living in southern California makes you appreciate outdoor space to add to your small one bedroom. Its a great large space and we had a few chairs and a grill to start filling it with. We wanted to make the patio an area of bright colors with room for a potting garden and spaces to entertain. It has taken a whole year to acquire all the furniture and do the work on the gems I bought based on potential. The metal folding chairs and wooden dresser were goodwill finds and I had grand plans involving large amounts of spray paint.  After extensive craigslisting we added a gardening cupboard and a bonfire-pit that really brought the space together.

We are loving the final look, having bonfires and barbeques with neighbors and friends. Please don't mind my shadow in the top picture; it is really hard to get a good picture outdoors without some sort of shadow! I couldn't be happier with the final look of the folding chairs—painted red to match the small bistro set we found—and the dresser—painted and re-purposed as a serving buffet and wood storage. I just love the mid-century modern look that dresser turned buffet server ended up with.

It is really the details that make the patio feel like it is finally finished! The bottles used for decor are a collection of bottles saved from special events over the past year, and add just the right touch of personality to this outdoor space. The potting garden has been an abundant source of tasty meals this summer with cherry tomatoes, basil, thyme, and parsley being used in every pasta dish we make!

This little retreat is now my go-to place for reading, doodling, or hanging out with friends that stop by. I am looking forward to all of the barbeques and evening fireside chats that are still to come this summer (and fall, because lets be honest...it is southern California!).