Before & After: Our Patio Reveal!
Hey friends! God bless your patient souls because I KNOW this post has been loooong awaited! I have this thing about showing “unfinished” renovations, when really, the unfinished stuff can also be pretty interesting, too (…it’s me in my own head, per usual)! Moving forward, I’ll be sure and show more progress-type photos/blog posts along the way. Constantly learning over here and I always appreciate your feedback so much!
Sooo if you’re new to LL, we decided to do some serious renovating to the back of our house in February (you can refer to this post where I shared our reno plans). In a nutshell, we removed four paneled windows along the back of our house and installed custom floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. We added new siding (went for horizontal instead of vertical) and a fresh paint job, then added a covered patio (but opted for a polygal roof instead of extending our current roof to save the natural light). Given that this renovation was a big one, I’ve decided to break up “the reveal” into two separate posts because there’s just so much to share! Thus, today we’ll focus on the outside patio and all the furniture details, then in a couple of weeks I’ll share some before/after snapshots from the inside of the house and (fingers crossed) share a video (!!) giving y’all a house tour from the inside out, while also sharing the materials we chose and why, who we used for contracting, etc. We learned a TON from this process and I am thrilled to share it all with you guys!
Aaand with that said, let’s get to the patio makeover! Take a look at these (drastic) before and afters…
**ALSO, for materials we used, see THIS POST.**
^^I mean…WHAT a difference! We are on cloud 9 about this reno!!
…And now sharing more of the good stuff below. 😉
Hello, patio sanctuary of our DREAMS! Let’s just say coffee in the morning, a midday book sesh and sipping wine at night under the twinkle lights is on the agenda everyday this summer. Even when our patio looked a little (okay, a LOT) funky from when we moved in, Blake and I were still outside soaking it up daily. The Texas heat gets super intense, so we were only able to be out early in the morning and as the sun was setting – but now that we’ve got the cover, Watson and I can go hang out at 2pm (…with the fan on full blast, of course haha).
When brainstorming our ideal furniture situation, the number one word that came to my mind was ‘comfort.’ Growing up, I remember my aunt always creating a sanctuary space out of her patio (whether in a house, apartment, duplex – you name it, she had a knack for transforming a patio space no matter how big or small) and the one thing that sticks is my mind (10 years later!) is just how comfortable her outside seating was. It was always inviting, had lots of character and the seats were plush enough that you’d want to sit and chat for hours. Thus, I kept that at the forefront of my “must have” list when shopping around for furniture. I looked at a LOT of different retailers and the one set Blake and I kept coming back to was this mid-century set by Clay Adler from Overstock.com.
We narrowed it down between a few conversation sets, but ultimately decided that the modern silhouette with traditional materials (wicker) was what we liked most. The furniture is gorgeous and really fills out the space so nicely. We also put down a jute rug (we used a size 6′ x 9′) to complete the space and make it feel more cozy. Lastly, we hung a couple of woven planters to add some flowers and a pop of color. These were super easy to hang and are lined so all you need to do is buy the flowers and add some potting soil…definitely my kinda planters! It all works so well together and feels really tranquil – which is exactly as we’d hoped!
Overstock has so many amazing options at all different price points, but we particularly loved their wicker conversation set selection. Given that our patio has a step, it is naturally divided into two areas – one to fill with furniture and the other used as more of a walkway to and from the sliding doors. We didn’t want the lower area to feel empty, so we scooped up two woven basket chairs (omg these are SO comfortable and look amazing!) – they come in a set of two, called the Acapulco Basket Lounge Chairs. This area is perfect for relaxing while I play fetch with Watson throughout the day, and we love that if we have more guests over there are plenty of seating options! Also – I feel like these chairs have such a chill, Austin-y vibe that works so great with the new navy siding on the house. Such a fan of this look!
We are completely in love with how the patio renovation turned out…and as you can probably gather from above, Watson is digging the new look, too! Cheers to more relaxing evenings with friends and family in this beautiful space!
**For materials information, see THIS POST.**
CONVERSATION SET c/o | BASKET CHAIRS c/o | HANGING PLANTERS c/o | JUTE RUG c/o
74 Comments
So beautiful!!!
Thank you so much, Diana! Was a huge project for us but we are so happy with how it turned out. 🙂 Have a great weekend, xoxo!
Your dog is darling. Are you concerned about it getting your couch dirty?
This turned out so gorgeous!! It’s so airy and looks so inviting! My boyfriend and I are planning on renovating our patio next summer and this is major inspiration!
looking at the same patio set. Is it comfy?
Hey Kate! It’s amazing! Super plush and really comfortable. We are loving it!
This is exactly the inspo I needed! I am in the middle of a patio renovation myself and have been stumped on a good looking shade structure, I love what you did! What exactly did you do? It almost looks translucent? Please explain I am dying to know!
Ah! Just found it in a separate post of yours, Polygal. Thank you!!!
Can you share where you found this? I’d really like to know the material for this too! Thanks!!!
Hey Denise! You can learn more about our patio materials here: http://livvyland.com/2018/01/21/patio-renovation-plans/
Did you redo the windows yourselves, or did you hire a pro? I’d love to redo our windows/deck door, and wonder if its a reasonable DIY…or if we should just get a pro
Your reno is BEAUTIFUL!
Omg this is stunning! The before and after is incredible like you would see on Fixer Upper! 😃 Can I also quick ask where to find your button up? I love it!
What material is the top of the patio/covering?
Hi Veronica! It’s cedar plans and polygal in between. I am going to do another full post (and video hopefully) in the next couple of weeks talking all about our materials, so be sure and check back for that one! 🙂
Thank you for that!! This was my same question!!!
Livvy,
I’m about to buy a house and am planning on including a patio reno in my reno budget. I LOVE yours! Could you give a rough estimate of the cost minus furniture?
OMG I swear you are living the DREAM! Haha, well at least my dream 😉 But seriously, your patio came out beautifully and Watson is just the cutest! Can’t wait to own a house one day (once we leave NYC) and have a great outdoor space like this!
Xo, Kacie | http://www.theprettylittlehustler.com
Is that the central or courier shirt? Love your blog!!
What did you use for the sides between the posts (the metal grate looking stuff?) It all looks beautiful and similar to our deck goals. I love the idea of that material instead of wood slats to be able to see into the yard better. (I hope this is all making sense. 🙂 It’s hard when you don’t know the right terminology yet!)
Hey Andrea! I totally understand!! I will be doing a second post within the next week sharing the details on all the materials we chose (with a video component…waiting on that to be edited and then I can create the post!). The fencing is “chicken wire fence” – I have seen it quite a bit around Austin lately, we love it!!
Beautiful! Thank you for the idea!!!! Love your dog too!
Livvy, Beautiful patio! I’m curious…what color is your house paint??
I want to know too, I just love the color.
What plants are those?! Where did you get the little stool that one of them is sitting on?! I need to order ASAP! 🙂
Gorgeous! I’d love to know paint colour as well! Thank you.
This is really a lovely reno, what is the cost of putting together something like this?
hi – love the transformation! can you share who you worked with in austin? I’m looking to do something similar and want to work a trusted contractor.
Hey Katie! Of course! We worked with David Ortiz Remodeling. It’s a husband/wife duo and they are fabulous and SO nice, highly recommend! https://www.yelp.com/biz/david-ortiz-remodeling-services-austin-2
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for showing how you tied the porch roof into your existing roof – this is exactly what I want on the back of our ranch but wasn’t sure how that would work! Gorgeous!!
What material did you use for the roof
In love with this!! 💕
Simply Lovely! I was wondering what’s the material you used for your roof.
Hi Diane, thank you so much! The roofing is Polygal plastic (opaque) with cedar planks. 🙂
Gorgeous! Trying to figure out how big I need to make my patio right now. What are the dimensions for this? Seems to be the perfect size!
Ez csodálatos. Gratulálok a tervezéshez
I absolutely LOVE your patio setup! I just bought that rug after seeing your setup 🙂 Can I ask where you got your decorative pillows from? Thanks!!
Hey Stephanie! Our throw pillows are from World Market. 🙂 So glad you love the rug!! It’s a good one! xoxo
Nice
Your dog is darling
Are you concerned about the couch getting dirty?
Aw thanks! Ohh yes…and we got another dog since I shot this post so that sofa gets dirty ALL the time. The good news is that the cushion covers are washable and look good as new with a quick wash! Also, the set came with a charcoal grey cover option so we switch them out from time to time. Would LOVE for it to stay clean all the time, buuut such is real life over here, ha!
Hi! I just stumbled on this post while looking for inspiration for my deck renovation – wow this is beautiful!! What type of railing did you use here?? I’ve been looking at cable railing for my deck but have only seen horizontal or vertical railing – nothing like this.
Hello! I think you’re referring to the chicken wire fencing? Let me know if that answers your question. 🙂
Hi there,
So beautiful and major inspiration!! Can you share where those perrrfect sliding doors are from?? We’re mid-reno and searching with no luck.
Hey Tiffany! These are by Andersen, we got them through Home Depot. 🙂 We have loved them and the Andersen team has great customer service…big fan!
Hi
Could you please tell me where you got your wicker setting from
Hi! I just stumbled upon this from Pinterest. I want to cover my back porch, but have struggled to find a way because of our roofline. Yours is the same as ours. Do you have the plans/blueprints for the structural portion? I’m wondering how you connected it to the existing roofline and what the gutter system looks like. Thanks!
May I ask about how much did it cost just for the patio design and fan connection (she lives in Texas)-no furniture-hoping to surprise my sister with this. she invites friends/family and has nowhere to entertain. I will be purchasing this for her. Thank You
WOW that patio is really stunning. I love the open air feel to it and what a beautiful doggo.
Hey,
Great Blog! I have got to know some useful Ideas. I really like the way you have explained Each and everything in Detail.
Thank you for sharing it looking forward to reading more Blogs from you.
Thanks and Regards,
This makeover looks great. New ideas for me.
Hi livvy my name is Ryan i read your post it was very interesting and right now I am also looking for someone who can help me to change my house furniture and much more but if you can help and guide me so its good for me.
Love you deck. Is the hog wire 4 inch or 3 inch? How has the wire held up?
Thank you!
This is a very informative article!!
Hi! Considering this furniture set and wondering if the cushions are more white than gray.? I am looking for something more on the white side and from your photos it looks as though they are. Thanks!
Hi
Your pss as tio is breath taking.do you have a video on what material did you use for the top ceiling for your patio??
Thanks so much, Claudia! For the full post on materials used, check out this blog: http://livvyland.com/2018/08/07/youtube-video-before-after-patio-renovation-material-details/
I cant tell…Does your roof have a top or is it open to the sky? Your whole space is amazing.
Hi Laura! Yes, we used opaque polygal as the roofing between cedar wood planks. 🙂
Hi where did you get the clear/white shades you used for the top to keep area shaded?
Our contractor mostly shopped at Lowe’s, so I imagine that’s where he got them! Not certain, though!
This is so beautiful! Looks so cozy. Great job! What size is your patio? We are building a house and yours is the perfect size!
Hi 😉
What plants are those?! Where did you get the little stool that one of them is sitting on?! I need to order A
May I ask the size of your patio? I love this remodel and am looking to do something similar. Thank you! It’s beautiful! 🙂
hello…! nearly 5 years late to this. but really interested in your deck design… i have similar issues and have been trying to think of ways to get more height at the eaves and getting a sloped roof away from the house end without brackets penetrating the roof as well as maintaining existing gutters.. cant quite make out what gutters you have , they look closed in..??? anyway… i love the look of what you have done and was wondering how you structurally attached it to the house, and how you maintained the guttering.. if you have any that is.? understand may be different things available in Australia compared to you guys..
kind regards Ced
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