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The temperatures are rising, which means it’s time to refresh the outdoor space! Today, I’m joining a group of friends to bring you 5 ideas for patio decor that I hope you will love.
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The Outdoor Pinterest Challenge
Each month I join a lovely group of gals to bring you our own version of an “HGTV challenge” using a Pinterest photo as inspiration. Our fabulous hostess is Cindy at County Road 407, and it’s always a thrill and a half to see what everyone creates!
If you came over from Kristin at White Arrows Home, thanks so much for joining me today! I’m dying to visit Kristin’s cozy Northwoods cabin and sit on her porch.
At the end of this post, you’ll find many more decor ideas from my friends, so I apologize in advance if you get the itch to go shopping as a result! (smirk)
The Pinterest Inspiration Photo
The inspiration for this month’s challenge comes from Bria Hammel Interiors in her front porch reveal. It’s so serene and charming, I want to go to there!
Since the spirit of the challenge is to make do with what you have, I decided to use my back patio to achieve a similar look as Bria.
I’m taking five elements from our combined porch/patio decor to give you some ideas for decorating your own outdoor space.
Grab yourself a tall glass of iced tea and let’s head outside together!
5 Ideas for Outdoor Decor
1. Choose a Color Scheme
I find it soothing to have just 1-2 colors dominating our back patio. That way nature can fill in the rest of the beauty.
Like Bria, I chose blue and yellow as my two dominant colors with splashes of green as well. Unlike Bria, my cushions are a neutral white, so I introduced color through my throw pillows. (More on that below.)
2. Ground Your Space with an Outdoor Rug
I didn’t fully appreciate the value of having an outdoor area rug until we bought ours. It tied everything together and gave the whole space a more finished look.
Rather than choose a bold color for the rug, I opted for a neutral greige rug that would coordinate with any color scheme when I inevitably change my mind someday. Ha!
We recently power washed and sealed our flagstone patio (DIY post coming soon). I use the term “we” loosely since hubby did all the work! I’m glad we could also give this rug a good cleaning in the process. 😉
In hindsight, we should’ve enforced a “no scooter on the rug rule” for the kids…#lessonlearned but #ohthememories!
Tip: Rotate your outdoor rug regularly to even out the wear and tear.
3. Include Outdoor Pillows of Various Sizes
If you read my post on lantern decorating ideas (another Pinterest challenge), you might remember the blue/green patterned pillows I sewed. I love the selection of outdoor fabrics available these days!
I included zippers so I could reuse the outdoor pillow inserts and update the fabric as needed. I’m already on my second set of pillow covers.
4. Coordinate a Few Pots with Your Color Scheme
If you joined us for last month’s Pinterest Challenge, you may recall seeing my painted terracotta pots and decoupage flower pots.
I used blue and yellow materials to create a stacked container garden, and I’ve also collected a few other planters with similar colors in various patterns like the one below.
I was really crushing on Bria’s vertical herb garden, but sadly, it’s sold out online. I’m on the hunt for a similar one to place over our potting bench, so stay tuned!
5. Have a Variety of Plant Heights/Sizes
I couldn’t help but notice the many beautiful flowers, herbs, and ferns on Bria’s porch. She inspired me to pick up a few fresh ferns and small flowering plants (like the Dipladenia you just saw) on a recent venture to Home Depot.
In a nod to the taller plants on Bria’s porch, my pink plumeria (Frangipani) is posing for you. It’s very special to me because it came from a dear family friend who has since passed.
“Uncle Dave” (as we affectionately called him) would be so proud to see his prized plumerias on display.
I hope you found a few ideas for patio decor that you might like to use this year. None are revolutionary, but perhaps you now have the gears turning on some opportunities to spruce up your space!
Pin it for later!
Shop the Post
More Ideas for Patio Decor and Porch Decor
Don’t forget to pay a visit to my friends below to see their unique interpretations of this month’s challenge! Your next stop is my bestie Julie from My Wee Abode who will prove that you can have a gorgeous home in any size dwelling. Give her a big hug from me!
Enjoy your time on the patio!
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I also have a plumeria tree that a dear family member gave me and it is such a favorite. Mine bloomed once (a white bloom) for me the year my daughter was born. Your blooms are so amazing. Does yours get a lot of full sunlight? Do you fertilize it specially?
Thanks, Elizabeth! Yes, these plants are so beautiful! I think I’ve found the perfect spot for this one with pink blooms. It gets morning sun and part shade in the afternoon.
They sell plumeria-specific plant food, but I’ve been using my favorite fertilizer, Color Star (https://amzn.to/2BRVvEf), which works wonders on all my flowering plants. I apply it every 3 months and water the plant every 2-3 days in the summer depending on rainfall. You can also buy Color Star at a nursery. It’s truly the best! A big bag lasts a very long time. I hope this helps you get your plumeria blooming again!
Best wishes, Crissy
Wow, Crissy, your backyard and patio are so beautiful! We have frangipani trees growing in our backyard (one with pink blooms and one with yellow), and they are our favorite. The blossoms smell heavenly. Thank you for the pointers. I think my patio needs some attention!
And my kids would go nuts over that waterslide!
Oh, your comment brightened my day, Cici! How wonderful to have frangipani too! Aren’t they just gorgeous? I love how they add a tropical vibe. A friend told me I can make leis from the flowers. Have you tried that yet? Wish your kids could come have fun on our slide! Hugs, Crissy
Crissy,
Your outdoor space is absolutely one of my favorites from that fireplace to the pool in the background. It’s the perfect spot for social distancing!
Thanks, Christy! Yes it does give us more flexibility for social distancing, so there’s another reason to be thankful during these difficult times. I hope you’re enjoying the outdoors this time of year too, my friend!
CRISSY, what a beautiful, restful place to spend summer days and evenings! I would love to wander beyond your patio too and head out to the pool and the garden beyond. What a lovely idyllic outdoor room and beyond!
Thanks so much, Yvonne! We do enjoy it as a family. I’m a big fan of your style and decor, too! Have a wonderful start to summer!
I love the neutral basics with pops of colors in the accessories and flowers. I threw out my turquoise outdoor rug I had bought from Home Goods a few years ago and we got rid of our umbrella table so this year I have an opportunity to change my color scheme and you may have swayed me to go neutral with my rug!
Thanks so much, Pamela! I’m loving all the colored rugs I’ve seen, so it’s a tough choice. What you didn’t see is the spot where the boys wore down the edge with their scooters, so I’m sure we’ll eventually replace it too. Good to have options! I look forward to seeing what you do!
Your patio is so gorgeous! I could sit there for hours, but I would want to go take a few turns down that slide and into the pool!!
Come on in, Kristin. The water’s fine! We never specifically wanted a pool, but I’m so glad we have it to entertain our boys now. And yes, you should definitely go down the slide! Ha!
Your Plumerias are such a pretty color, your uncle would be proud. You’ve created a pretty outdoor space.
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. I know you love plants as much as I do. I hope the weather cooperates so you can enjoy yours, too!
I always love how pretty your home is, inside and out! And you are so handy to make those pillows… they look store-bought! Always fun to be ‘next’ to you in a hop! 😉 Hugs!
Thank you, my dear! That’s so kind. I always enjoy hopping with you and sharing ideas, too. Hugs back!
Love your beautiful wicker patio set, so pretty and the view of the pool looks so inviting too. Such a pretty patio area to enjoy.
Thank you, Marty! I noticed you have a beautiful wicker set, too. I love the relaxed feel of a woven texture. I predict there will be lots of pool time at both of our homes this summer!
I want to come over and slide down that super cool slide into your pool! And then sit in this lovely place with the brick arch overhead; what a wonderful spot to decorate, Crissy! You created a lovely haven for summertime enjoyment!
Ha ha! Come on over, Lora! Yes, the slide is super fun for kids and grown-ups alike. Like I said over on your blog, let’s arrange a patio swap someday! (wink)
Crissy you have me dreamed of a covered patio with comfortable furniture and your backyard is gorgeous too. Love your practical tips for creating the perfect patio. Pinning lots of images!
Wow, thank you Michelle! If we ever took this space for granted, a few months stuck at home really taught us to appreciate it more! It’s my sanctuary when I’m feeling stressed. Thank you for pinning!
That plumeria is just gorgeous. It is a perfect addition to your gorgeous patio. I agree with you about outdoor rugs.
Thank you, Katie. The plumeria is my favorite, and I never would’ve known about it were it not for that friend whose family lived in Hawaii. Yes, I admired your outdoor rug, too!
Your outdoor patio is so inviting. I can imagine it is heavily used! Love the view too. Great tips. I need to remember the one for my rug. Thank you for joining in. You always have the happiest photos and posts. Love it! Pinned
And I see your hubby moved the safety gate for you! 😉
Thanks, Cindy! Yes, this space is definitely one that gets used a lot. Any time Mom is outside, my boys are soon to follow (hence the gate). We’re all a bit jollier outdoors! Thanks for pinning, my friend!
I love all your ideas.
And now I’m going to do some research to see if a plumeria will thrive in my climate.
Thanks so much, Carol. These plumerias are dormant much of the year, but when they bloom, they are so lovely. I hope you can get one!
Crissy I love the coloring you have on your patio. What a beautiful place to enjoy a nice cool summer evening. Very pretty.
Thank you, Terrie! We do spend lots of time out here, and I’ve enjoyed having a little more time to garden with us being home the past few months. There’s a silver lining!
You have a gorgeous outdoor patio to enjoy! I agree that a rug adds so much to an outdoor space and I especially like feeling it under my feet when I’m on our patio. You’ve made such pretty cushions that add a nice pop of color to your space. I also loved seeing your pretty plants and getting a glimpse at your pool.
Thank you, Paula! It’s one of our favorite places to spend time with the kids. We’ve enjoyed a few picnics recently since the weather hasn’t been too hot yet.
What a gorgeous patio! Your color combination is fantastic. I love the tropical plants.
Thank you so much, Laura. The tropical plants really brighten my day. Glad to be hopping with you again!
Love love love the backyard!
laura in Colorado
Thanks, Laura! Hope you’re doing well!