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    Home » Home Decor

    Lowe's Spring Makeover: A Posh Patio

    Published: May 19, 2016 · Modified: Aug 6, 2022 by Simple Stylings · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    How to Makeover a Small Backyard and Patio

    Welcome to the Lowe's Spring Makeover Posh Patio

    All AFTER photos by Laura Metzler

    Backyard and patio makeover with Allen & Roth's outdoor sofa

    Wow Is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the whirlwind makeover that we executed a couple of weeks ago in Alexandria, VA for the most darling young couple, Sarah and Kyle Glenn. I totally underestimated all the necessary planning that would go into designing a space that I had never seen. There are so many tiny details you never think about ahead of time. But wow at what we were able to accomplish in such a short period of time with an amazing team of volunteers from Lowe's Home Improvement. I can't believe we pulled it off!

    Read on because I'm going to show you how to makeover a small backyard and patio.

    Lowe's Spring Backyard and patio Makeover with outdoor decor

    A few of months ago I announced that we were partnering with Lowe's to give a special family a room makeover in their home this spring. We were flooded with amazing applications and after a long deliberation I made the call to the Glenn's that their outdoor space had been chosen! After the initial excitement I hit the ground running, creating design plans and hammering out details.

    Before

    When I first saw the Glenn's blank slate backyard and patio my heart began to beat a little faster. Outdoor spaces are so precious, especially in a city like Alexandria/D.C., and I love designing them. I wanted to create a space for Sarah and Kyle that would bring their family and friends (and pups!) together. A space that was 100% theirs and reflected both of their personalities. Basically I was determined to make everything on their wish list happen!

    Check out how the space looked before the makeover.

    Backyard and patio makeover before
    Backyard and patio makeover before

    Almost immediately a design plan popped in my head, or a least a direction that I wanted to go. After emailing and chatting with the homeowners I was thrilled and relieved that we were on very similar pages! Comfy seating was important to them - more for hanging out than dining - and a fire pit of some sort was a must. String lights, pops of color and entertaining elements like the potting bench turned bar cart and corn hole boards were the icing on the cake!

    Backyard and patio makeover accessories

    Design Plan

    Sarah and Kyle are a young professional couple just starting out in their first home. They lucked out last year in the crazy D.C. area housing market and snagged this adorable row house in an up-and-coming neighborhood. They saw potential in the neighborhood as well as the bones of this small but classic home, and they've already done a great job putting their own stamp on it. The couple was comfortable pulling together the interior of their home but they were at a loss when it came to the outdoor space.

    One of Sarah and Kyle's biggest passions is their two rescue pups (@fredandsophie)! They dedicate their time volunteering at the rescue where they adopted Fred and Sophie by processing adoption applications, doing home visits, and occasionally attending adoption events. We definitely wanted to create a space that the pups would enjoy too!

    Lowe's Spring Makeover Outdoor Sectional

    Here are the two design plans I came up with for the space. One for the the furniture and decor on the existing patio and one for the yard area behind the patio.

    Patio

    Backyard makeover design plan

    Backyard

    patio makeover design plan

    I arrived in D.C. early with my family to sightsee for a few days but when Friday rolled around it was time to get to work! My partner in crime, Michelle of Iron & Twine, joined me on Friday and over coffee we began planning how the next two days would go. Once we had our game plan figured out we went to meet with the couple at the home to see the space for the first time! After chatting for a bit about a few products that we were missing and stopping by the local Lowe's I felt pretty good about how everything was going to play out.

    How to Makeover a Small Backyard

    DAY 1 - Manual Labor

    We had a group of 11 people total (including 7 Lowe's volunteers) to start the day Saturday and after loading up on local donuts we got to work.We had an electrical expert changing the light fixture and a team tackling the planting, painting the back door, putting furniture together, installing the window box and clearing ground for the pavers.

    Backyard and patio makeover homeowners working
    Backyard and patio makeover Lowe's team working

    Just so you know, going into this I had no idea how many Lowe's volunteers I would have or what their skill sets would be. I am here to tell you I was overwhelmed with the team we were given. I have never met such kind and hardworking people willing to pitch in for a family they didn't even know!

    The Team

    This crew gave up their whole day for us and worked in the heat without complaint. I have no idea how I would have pulled off the pavers without their expertise! But like I said I really wanted to be the 'yes' girl on this project for Sarah and Kyle. If they wanted it we were going to make it happen. Thanks to Michelle and my wonderful Lowe's angels we did just that!

    Backyard and patio makeover team

    (From left to right. John, Michelle, Jeremy, Josh, Jesse, Cynthia, Beth, Kevin, Kyle Glenn, Sarah Glenn, and yours truly)

    One of the biggest challenges we encountered was what to do with the yard space. It was just a dirt square and early on in the planning stages my initial instinct was to sod the whole area. But after lots of brainstorming we decided that large square pavers and pea gravel would be the best solution.

    The Dilemma

    By using the pavers, the Glenns wouldn't have to worry about watering and the stress of keeping the sod alive given the sun and drainage situation in the backyard. Plus they are a young couple and I wanted to make sure they had as little maintenance as possible. Who wants to be doing yard work when you can be out back with your buddies having a beer and playing corn hole? I was really excited about this decision because pavers in a grid pattern are such a striking design element and I knew it would look great!

    Backyard and patio makeover installing pea gravel

    I call this musical pavers.

    Backyard and patio makeover installing pavers

    Before the pavers went in.

    lowresPatio011

    The completed pavers.

    lowresPatio10

    Plants, plants and more plants.

    Backyard and patio makeover plants

    DAY 2 - Styling

    Once the pavers were down, the plants were in place and the other details were finished it was time to style!

    Backyard and patio makeover styling
    Backyard and patio makeover planter box

    After

    Here is the finished backyard and patio makeover.

    Before

    Backyard and patio makeover before picture

    After

    Backyard and patio makeover after picture

    Details

    One design element that I had in my head and went to bat for was the row of hedges (Winter Gem Boxwoods) that would surround the existing patio. I wanted to create a separate room almost with a doorway from the patio to the backyard so when these babies grow in it's going to look cozy and private.

    Backyard and patio makeover after picture view from above

    You can see we painted the back door and electrical boxes a navy blue so the door was no longer a focal point and the electrical boxes faded away.

    Backyard and patio makeover plants and decor

    We wanted to keep the design somewhat traditional to go hand in hand with D.C. style and architecture but we did want to add some color and a little hint of boho with the pouf, garden stool and lounge chair. The gold pouf is actually not an outdoor item, but after talking with Sarah I knew this would fit in with the decor inside and would be an easy way to add a stylish seating alternative when they were entertaining.

    One of the elements I ended up loving that I didn't expect was the lounge chair. I had a turquoise Acapulco chair in my plan but when we found out it was out of stock we found this funky chair at Lowe's and it really grew on me. It is so fun and comfortable and super affordable too. The only thing it lacked was a bright color but we definitely made up for it with pillows, planters and accessories!

    Backyard and patio makeover lounge chair and pillows

    We filled these beautiful two-toned planters with roses that are easy to care for. I noticed these planters last year at our Lowe's store and I wanted them for myself but never had a place for them. At least I get to see them in the Glenn's space and they work perfectly!

    Backyard and patio makeover two toned planters

    One feature that I try to incorporate into every outdoor space I design is a bar or beverage/food station. A great way to do this is by using a potting bench! They are outdoor ready and often have shelves and a water basin, perfect for creating a stylish bar setup.

    Check out the Outdoor Living Today Potting Bench, Dura-Trel White Potting Bench or the Leisure Season Brown Cunningham Potting Bench.

    Backyard and patio makeover potting bent turned beverage station
    Backyard and patio makeover potting bench turned bar cart

    I've got to give a HUGE thank you to Michelle for all of her hard work. I'm not sure why she let me talk her into coming along but I couldn't have done it without her! Make sure you stop over at her blog and say hi. She has style for days and just bought a new home to renovate so there will be lots of fun projects over there. Oh and she knows more about boxwoods (thank goodness!) than any one person should. Thank you friend, you're truly amazing!

    Backyard and patio makeover Simple Stylings team

    I'm thrilled with the way everything turned out and I think Sarah and Kyle are too. We had a few bumps in the road but all the time and effort was definitely worth it. I know they are going to enjoy the space this summer. Guys, don't be surprised if I knock on your door in a couple months wanting to hang out back here!

    Backyard and patio makeover homeowners enjoying the patio
    Backyard and patio makeover Lowe's conversation set and fireplace
    Backyard and patio makeover corn hole

    The Allen + Roth sectional was definitely the key to the space! It's is so chic and modern and it couldn't have fit more perfectly on the existing patio. It is really comfortable too which was important to Sarah and Kyle.

    Backyard and patio makeover firepit
    Backyard and patio makeover Gas Fireplace

    And last but not least I surprised Sarah and Kyle with this marquee "G" as the final touch! I guess it's kind of becoming my signature move. You can see the marquee anchor on my deck here!

    Backyard and patio makeover marquee light
    Backyard and patio makeover with Simple Stylings and homeowners

    This was truly an experience of a lifetime and I'm so very grateful to Lowe's for giving me the opportunity to accomplish such a feat and to the Glenns for opening up their home and hearts to us in the process! Sarah and Kyle you guys are the most fun and so deserving of this new space!

    Completely exhausted but 100% thrilled with the outcome, we said goodbye to Sarah and Kyle. After all of the planning, two long days and a couple of fun dinners we all became fast friends. I hope this shows you just how to make over a backyard and patio in just a weekend.

    Shop The Look

    SHOP THE PATIO

    Backyard and patio makeover mood board
    1. Allen + Roth Green Aqua Ceramic Planter// 2. Garden Treasures Tucker Bend Wicker Patio Chair // 3. Mayne Plastic Hanging Self Watering Window Box // 4. Wild Sports Washington Nationals Corn Hole Game //5. Allen + Roth Geometric Throw Pillow// 6. Kichler Lighting Linford Olde Bronze Outdoor Wall Light // 7. Garden Treasures Indoor/Outdoor Steel Plant Stand // 8. Allen + Roth Plug-in Bulbs String Lights // 9. Bond Canyon Ridge Propane Gas fireplace // 10. nuLOOM Living Faux Leather Moroccan Gold Pouf // 11. Allen + Roth Stripe Outdoor Throw Pillow // 12. Allen + Roth Sea Palms Wicker Patio Conversation Set

    **Thank you to Lowe's Home Improvement for sponsoring this makeover for the Glenns and for choosing Simple Stylings to create it. All opinions are 100% my own. And thank YOU for supporting the brands that make Simple Stylings possible.

    Cheers!

    signature

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Missy

      April 27, 2018 at 7:22 pm

      How did you get the marquee letter to hang on brick? I have one I'm trying to hang on the outside of my window on my patio and nothing is working. I've tried the suction cupsand command strips. Help!

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        April 30, 2018 at 10:54 am

        Hi Missy! We actually drilled screws directly into the mortar between the bricks. That probably doesn't help you much but it's easier thank you think! :(

        Reply
    2. [email protected]

      May 20, 2016 at 6:41 am

      What an adorable couple and of course rescue pups. And the outdoor space turned out amazing. Love that seating and wish I'd have room for it.

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        May 20, 2016 at 11:28 am

        Thanks Julia! Their pups are adorable and so are they. Thank you for your support always!

        Reply
    3. Kimberly Duran

      May 19, 2016 at 2:02 pm

      What a fantastic space and transformation!! Nailed it! xxx

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        May 19, 2016 at 10:55 pm

        Thanks so much girl!!!!!!!

        Reply
    4. Lisa @ Shine Your Light

      May 19, 2016 at 11:33 am

      Summer! You designed and created such a great space!! The homeowners must be thrilled!! I love love love the stone and pea stone part, that came out great, and all he plantings and styling look fantastic!! What a fun project!

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        May 19, 2016 at 11:25 pm

        Thanks so much Lisa!! It really was and fun project and the homeowners were amazing!

        Reply
    5. Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling

      May 19, 2016 at 11:13 am

      Looks so great!! I love those pavers!

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        May 19, 2016 at 11:26 pm

        Thanks so much Amy!

        Reply
    6. [email protected]

      May 19, 2016 at 8:05 am

      Holy smokes, This turned out perfectly! I love the touches- such a great before/after.

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        May 19, 2016 at 11:27 pm

        Awww, thanks so much Ashley!! xoxo

        Reply
    7. Rachael @ This is our Bliss

      May 19, 2016 at 7:38 am

      Beautiful job! What a lucky couple - I'm sure they were so grateful for your amazing work! Those pillows look fab :)

      Reply
      • Simple Stylings

        May 19, 2016 at 11:29 pm

        Thanks so much Rachael!! You're the sweetest!

        Reply
    8. cassie @ primitive & proper

      May 19, 2016 at 6:35 am

      WHAT!?!?! how did i not know you were doing sarah's yard!!!!! LOVE her!

      Reply

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