The budget patio makeover reveal is finally here! As you can see above this patio was never used before, so I was starting with a clean slate! This can sometimes be more difficult as you have to purchases all of the items, you don’t have anything to start with designing the space. I wanted to create a cozy area that could be used for reading or date night or somewhere to escape. I am so happy with how this budget patio reveal turned out.
A little while ago I posted about plants you can take outside for the summer and bring in for the colder months. This was important as the budget patio is in Vancouver. During the winter months it can be colder and there is a lot of rain. Not ideal for potted plants outside. Using plants that were able to come inside for the winter was key. This patio is on the second floor, although there are some trees in the background it is not the same as a ground level patio. There is less greenery. It was important to bring in some plants to create that outdoor vibe.
As this budget patio is only 5 feet by 8 feet, not very big! I tried to use pieces that could be multipurpose. This outdoor ottoman was a great find for the patio at only $39. It is 100% waterproof, will not be damaged by the sun and lightweight so easy to move around. This ottoman will double as a footstool and an outdoor coffee table. By simply adding a try to the top of the ottoman it is instantly transformed.
This outdoor rug was the biggest find for me. It measured 5×8 which meant it would cover the deck perfectly and I wouldn’t have to worry about making any updates to the 1980’s vinyl. I liked the design of the rug online but when it arrived it was even better. It had a great texture and the pattern looked better in person. It can stand up to the elements as it is UV protected, has a resistance to moisture and mildew and can easily be wiped clean. When searching for an outdoor rug it is important to check how durable it is. I’ve had other rugs and pillows that lasted one summer they were so sun damaged.
For the throw cushions I used a mix of outdoor and indoor. The beige cushions are for outdoor use and are protected against the sun and moisture. The other three need to come inside when it rains or during the winter months. I was ok with this as I really liked how the down throw pillows looked on the outdoor love seat. There are many affordable outdoor pillow options, I found a these smaller ones at Home Sense for an affordable price. Pillows are an item that can add up quickly. By using a few pillows I had on hand and only purchasing two outdoor pillows this was a huge savings.
Here is the budget patio makeover! Can you believe this is the SAME SPACE? It is totally transformed, by making sure I purchased items that fit the space and worked together. It might not look like it but 5 feet by 8 feet is not a lot of space. I planned out and measured for the love seat. It had to fit perfectly in order for this to work. I measured a few options I liked using a tape measure and green painters tape. This really helps to visualize how a piece of furniture will work in a space.
Cost breakdown: budget patio makeover
Starting budget: $500
I realize $500 might not be a really low cost for a budget patio. Since I had to work with a blank slate and purchase all the pieces for the patio. The budget needed to be a little higher. I love buying secondhand items, but unfortunately couldn’t find a patio love seat or couch that fit this small space. In the end I purchased the Ikea love seat. It was affordable and the cushions were a great quality for the low price. Plus if I ever want to update the patio I can easily replace the cushion covers.
Budget for patio: $500
I have listed the price I wanted to pay for the items and in brackets the actual price.
Outdoor rug – $30 ($100)
Outdoor chairs – $300 (purchased a sofa instead $350)
Outdoor cushion – $100 (included with the sofa price – no cost)
Wood for planter – $40 (used plants I currently owned – not cost)
Small side table – $30 (bought the outdoor ottoman instead for $40, used a side table currently owned)
Plants: $10 (used what I had – no cost)
Outdoor Light – $30 (string lights $10 – on sale)
Lanterns: $60 (2 lanterns, glass votive and 3 candles $50)
TOTAL: $550
When you actually breakdown the entire cost of the patio, you can see how it adds up quickly. A lot of the room makeovers I see online never include the plants, small decor, or candles. These items do not cost a lot but they can really affect your budget. I think it is really important to work everything into your budget before planning. Once you have the small decor in the budget you might realize those pieces are not realistic or you need to rework your budget.
At night the colours really pop on the patio and the lighting is perfect for a small space. The two lanterns actually worked well and doubled as door stops for the patio doors. If you are thinking of making over a room in your home or a patio, don’t be intimidated! Start with a budget, figure out what you can afford and go from there. Once you set a budget, it is easy to search Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace or online retailers like Wayfair. You know the furniture you are looking for and the budget you are trying to find them at. Anyone have a new project they are starting or any questions you want to ask? Let me know in the comments below.
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