Today I’ve got some summertime patio ideas and inspiration.
And I’m solving a few common outdoor living challenges too.
Summer is in full swing, let’s make the most of it!
All images by Monica Vargas Photography
Last year I unveiled Snowberry’s renovated back patio.
It has everything we need
But it felt a little stark.
And unfinished.
A few things bugged me.
1.The big, blank exterior wall behind one sofa
2.Our sloping patio created a lopsided sofa
3.Constant worry about dirty sofa cushions
4.Lack of places to set a book, or a drink
5.Softening up the stone wall
6.Disguising the fountain’s electrical outlet
Here’s what I did to address these common challenges.
And create a softer, prettier outdoor space to enjoy for the rest of the summer.
LEVEL OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Patios are generally built with some sort of slope for drainage. Our patio sloped toward the stone wall and fountain. The sofa placed against the exterior wall was the most noticeable and the rows of cedar shingles highlighted it. When I told Jim this was bugging me, he went online and found these adjustable furniture risers to level the sofa. They were delivered a day later and a problem that bothered me for nearly two years was quickly resolved.
Jim plans to paint them to better blend in with the sofa.
ADD INTEREST WITH AN INDOOR-OUTDOOR MIRROR
How to address the big, blank cedar shingled exterior wall? Jim suggested a TV. And I pretended not to hear him. Then I found this beautiful indoor-outdoor mirror. What? I’ve never heard of such a thing. After confirming it is in fact suitable for outdoors, I ordered it immediately. Turns out it’s the perfect thing. Not only does it look pretty on the wall, but it reflects greenery from the other side of the garden. Sort of a through the looking glass feel. It makes the space a bigger, more open and inviting.
PROTECT YOUR SOFA CUSHIONS
We love our RH Provence sofas and ottoman. If I had to do it all over again, I would have chosen a darker cushion fabric and one with more texture. With lots of trees and birds overhead it’s hard to keep the cushions clean. Also, we aren’t far away from the Bay and get a quite a bit of marine layer action over the hill. The past couple of weeks are a prime example. While its wonderful for maintaining mild temperatures, and makes us feel very coastal, the dampness wreaks havoc on the cushions. Oh, and did I mention little doggie paws?
My solution is to cover the seat cushions with throw blankets. I started out using my ‘house throws’ from Target. But they’re not quite long enough and the weave not tight enough to keep dirt falling through. I found some great inexpensive throws at Eye for Pretty Home in Danville. You can also find them here at on Amazon. They’re very lightweight and the perfect length. And once tucked in they stay in place. They’re also complimentary to my Serena & Lily outdoor pillows which are holding up well after a couple of years.
We have protective covers for all the outdoor furniture. And do cover them at night during the spring and fall. During the warmer months we throw caution to the wind and leave them off. I keep this small, cordless debris blower charged to clean off debris in the morning.
These throws have been a great solution.
ADD GARDEN STOOLS AS END TABLES
Other than the fire table ledge, we had no place to set a book or a drink or a candle. Earlier this year I shared my love of garden stools. And they are a great solution. With so many options to choose from I couldn’t decide. I considered dark green, but I love pretty floral stools too … and considered this one and, oh my gosh, this one. Ultimately, I decided to go neutral and purchased two of these ivory stools from Ballard Designs.
Garden stools are versatile and can be sued indoors and out. I love them as side tables. So much more fun than a traditional side table. And they can be easily moved around where needed and are a breeze to keep clean.
I love how they make the conversation area look more finished and complete.
USE POTS & PLANTS TO SOFTEN EDGES & HIDE THE UNSIGHTLY
We love our stone wall and water feature. It’s a real wow factor on the patio. Hearing the sound of falling water day and night is soothing and tranquil.
But looking at it through photographs it feels like a big slab of very stark stone. The ivy geraniums planted above help soften it. But it needed something more. Also, the fountain electrical outlet is an eyesore and needed to be disguised or hidden.
Turns out the solution was easy and already in my garage. Two pots I’d purchased in the last year but had not been using. The cement funnel pot came from Eye for Pretty Home in Danville. It’s very modern and not really me. Or Snowberry. But sometimes mixing things up works and I decided to try it. Filled with an ivy geranium it hides the outlet and I love it. The second more traditional terra cotta pot is from Emily Joubert Home & Garden in Woodside . I plopped a fern in it and voila … instant greenery along the wall.
The fern and ivy geranium came from our local Safeway.
Our hardscape and landscape design and installation by Enchanting Planting in Orinda.
The custom stone wall and water feature is the piece de resistance.
I found the waterspouts at Giannini Statuary in South San Francisco.
Our large terra cotta posts came from Giannini a well.
They have many styles, sizes, and finish options.
Last year I bought this console table at Frontgate.
It works well as a bar or buffet table when entertaining.
Frontgate is having 15% off site-wide sale, and free shipping.
They have great outdoor furniture and accessories.
Our Carlisle chaise lounges are on sale too.
So, there you have it.
A few simple ideas and inspiration to create a prettier and more finished summertime patio.
I love our patio and enjoy it for morning cocoa, afternoon ice tea, evening cocktails … all the things.
Pippa and Maggie may enjoy it more than we do.
Life is good.
This blue and white smocked dress from Target turned out to be one of my summer favorites.
It’s still available and on sale.
I’m wearing a small.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
I’ll see you Saturday when I join Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.
Until then, Cheers from Snowberry!
SHOP SNOWBERRY’S PATIO LOOK ~
What a beautiful and peaceful place to hang out . Just love it !!
You are the sweetest, RaeAnn. Next time you’re in the Bay Area come by for a Spritzer! xo
Beautiful. Love the mirror! Great idea about the throw blankets. Chief has managed to get paw prints all over our outdoor sectional. At least they come out with a rag and water but I like your blanket idea.
Oh, Chief!!! Yep, its great that the fabric cleans up so well … but still, it’s cleaning. I love tossing throw blankets in the wash. Somehow that feels easier. And I’m all about easy. Try the blankets … Chief will appreciate the additional coziness! xo
Love the throw! Great color and texture. Also, those stools are a great idea for drink placement or additional seating. Just a beautiful outdoor space to relax with a spritzer!
Thanks, Holly … it’s definitely spritzer friendly! xoxo
Such a beautiful area and great fixes. Such a fabulous place to relax and enjoy summer.
Thanks, Marty! It’s a wonderful place to spend summer days … especially when we’re having such wonderfully, mild weather. I’ll bet its a lot warmer where you are … understatement. xo
Juliet, your patio space is dreamy. I just love all of the areas that you have created in your backyard. I love coming to your blog for inspiration.
Tammy, you’re so sweet. Thank you! You have a pretty dreamy patio space yourself! xo
Your outdoor space is beautiful Juliet. I love your comfy furniture. Your furbabies are adorable too.
Pinned!
Thanks, Cindy … Pippa and Maggie think they are the stars of the show! xo
Also, painter’s (CLOTH) drop cloths are very inexpensive and come in varying sizes for many projects including cover-ups for cushions. Can be found at Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.
That’s a great idea, Doris! And the perfect lightweight texture. Love it … wish I’d though of it. Apparently they make lovely draperies too! xo
I HOPE TO G- D YOU BOUGHT THE FERN FROM SAFEWAY THAT I HAVE BEEN EYEING!!!
I HAVE NO WHERE TO PUT IT!
IVY GERANIUMS I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE……….DO THEY SAY IVY ON THE TAGS?I NEED WHITE ONES PRONTO!
THAT SPACE IS WONDERFUL……………..ONE DAY YOU MAY SEE BETTY AND I SITTING THERE SOAKING UP THE BEAUTY!XXX
Haha … I bought mine at the Lafayette Safeway! But I’ll bet the closer one has the same thing. Its so big and healthy … and I’ve kept it alive for several weeks. It’s currently under an umbrella so as not to tax it too much. As for ivy geraniums … I’m not sure that’s what the tag says but that’s what I call them. Because they’re trailing geraniums. I’ll have to look it up. Bring Betty over. I’m sure she, Pippa and Maggie would get along famously! And, Abby the cat would decamp for good!!! xo
Oh Juliet! You and I think so alike. It really is the little things that make a space really pretty and practical. Fixing the sofa slope was a game changer. It’s those nagging things that just bug you and when you solve them you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
We have furniture covers as well but they would be a pain to put them on and take them off every day to protect from the overnight damp. We got some lightweight camping tarps from Amazon. Just toss them atop the cushions and in the morning we whisk them away and everything is clean and dry.
Enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.
Karen … it is a pain to put the covers on and off every night. Sigh. We’re diligent for a while and then say forget it. Even with the covers on the moisture in the air gets underneath. Camping tarps is a great idea and much more expedient. xo
Such a welcoming and lovely patio! That mirror is sensational! I like how it reflects the greenery from your landscape.
Thanks, Barbara … I’m in love with the mirror too. I’m so glad I waited until I found just the right thing. Even if it did take two years! Thanks for stopping by! xo
Such a dreamy space to relax in with one of your spritzers! The mirror is a perfect addition to the space.
I really love the lanterns near your water feature. Do you have a source?
Hi Rosa! The lanterns are from Serena & Lily and come in two finishes. A natural and the gray color I have. Here’s the link. https://bit.ly/3LNHAh3 And have a wonderful weekend! xo
Juliet your patio/outdoor living area looks sophisticates, comfortable, homey and the perfect place for a cocoa, tea or spritzer. I can imagine that the pups love it! Good design takes time, if you do it all at once inevitably you change your mind because you have lived with it a bit and see what you like or what doesn’t work.
See you Saturday!
As usual everything is beautiful.
Good morning, Ellen … thank you! xoxo
Juliet your yard is like paradise. Since I’ve been there I just wanted to recreate that feeling with the pretty fountain and the couches. Love that it feels like your in a walled garden in England or France! The green is so unique and a great choice. It all looks so new still and pretty. I especially love how the mirror reflects the garden! Always getting more inspiration from you. I know where I should spend my weekend.. x Kim
Juliet your patio is so elegant! I just love the water feature, the conversation area, and the outdoor kitchen, it’s all so wonderful! The accent pieces you have added are beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!
Your patio looks amazing. I can understand the worry about keeping the sofa cushions clean. We live in an area where there’s lots of rain and wind so it’s a constant struggle. Unfortunately, throws would just blow away so I’m still finding the right solution. I love the little side tables and your mirror looks amazing too. Good to learn about the risers. Thanks for sharing this.
First, your outdoor space is gorgeous! But I really want to thank you for introducing me to the furniture risers! I have an Article sectional on my porch that I love but it “sits” too low-I was resigned to just living with it until I read your post-I ordered immediately, we “installed” today and it’s amazing what a difference it makes! You are the hero today!