Before + After: Our Patio Remodel

Decorist, an Online Interior Design Service Gives our Patio a Makeover with Lowes

A few months ago,  I shared that Decorist + Lowes stepped in to give our backyard patio a significant upgrade, and I’m so excited to share the final result! Our friends can never believe it’s all from Lowes because it’s not necessarily the first place that comes to mind when you think of comprehensive decor, but I think our patio remodel proves it should be. I had to keep it under wraps because in case you missed me shouting it from the rooptops, Lonny, one of my all time favorite design/lifestyle magazines, featured the before + after of our home yesterday with my Top Ten renovating tips.  Though they did show the patio photos,  I wanted to share the details & my  shopping list, so you can get the look!

So, the burning question…which concept did we choose? Decorist Design Concept #1! It perfectly brought together our inspiration of a European garden with a laid back vibe. As a little reminder, Decorist is an online interior design service that provides professional decorating help—in your style and on your budget for a very reasonable flat fee (my Classic Service was $199). Make sure to scroll to the end of the post for a complete shopping list.

Plus, great news for TYL readers!  Decorist is offering an exclusive discount just for you.  Click here to start your design project and   get $20 off a Decorist design service using the code “patio.”

PATIO REMODEL BEFORE

(This is what the patio looked like the first time we saw it.)

Obviously when we moved in, all the stuff had been removed, but it left us with a stained concrete slab, dingy painted stucco walls and barely surviving plants.

Soon after we moved in, my mom & step-dad came for a visit and they helped us plant flowers and tomatoes to at least make it look less dead. Then, we painted the stucco wall a creamy white, which immediately brightened everything. Paint is always the answer IMHO. The photo above is how our patio looked when we were paired with our designer.

PATIO REMODEL AFTER

So, what happens after you choose your design concept, you might ask? This is where the fun begins. It’s time to get your hands dirty and put the plan into action. The first step was having the brick laid in a herringbone pattern, which my designer chose to mimic  old European streets.

Once the brick was down, we could start with the fun part—the actual decorating. The curtains are something I would have never thought to do myself and really make the space feel warm and inviting. I also really loved the use of the three little tables in a group. Anytime we had a question, my designer Hilary was available via email to help the process along. What’s the difference between hiring Decorist and hiring a designer in your community? For my house, my designers charged an hourly rate, so it’s hard not to feel like every second is being clocked. I was lucky that my designers also gave me a flat project rate and assured me the cost would not exceed that (but that’s probably not the norm). With Decorist, you pay one flat low design fee that you know upfront. You are also working with them virtually, which means you are responsible for the execution of the plan, rather than a designer coming to your home to do it for you.  It’s a much more affordable option for making your space look professionally decorated.

Now, let’s discuss the plants. My favorite book of all time is The Secret Garden. I have dreamt of having “a bit of earth” for SO long. But, confession time…I have decided that I absolutely hate (HATE) gardening. I tried and failed and I’m not too proud to say it. So, we brought in an expert. Angela Price owns a company called Eden Condensed in LA that specializes in small space garden design.  I gave her the inspiration, and she bought it, brought it and planted everything without us having to lift a finger. Now all we have to do is keep them alive.

Would love to hear what you think of our patio remodel in the comments! We have one more reveal coming soon—the downstairs powder room, so stay tuned for that.

SHOPPING LIST

Gray Jacquard Pillow Covers  // Drapes // Lowes Lanterns // Lowes Strung Lights // Lowes Solid Black Pillows // Lowes White Garden Stools // Lowes Elephant Stool // Lowes Sectional // Lowes Brick // Lowes Rattan Chairs // Lowes Watering Can //  // Lowes Striped Bolster Pillows  // Lowes Sage Pillows // Lowes Gray Rug // Lowes Black Rug // Lowes Window Boxes // Lowes Chiminea // Lowes Planters  // Lowes Mirrors //

Photos by Jessica Sample

A very special thank you to Decorist + Lowes for partnering on this patio design.