Jun
25
My deck makeover has been a going concern in for the past few weeks and I am more than ready to sit back and enjoy it. It’s about time because the temperatures are soaring and I need a place to relax outdoors. Here’s a rundown of my projects to customize the space:
I scoured EVERYWHERE for a perfect planter that would not cost $200 ++. I don’t need a highly-designed fibreglass work of art. But I did want something that would be a fixture and make a style impact. This giant planter (I can almost fit inside!) is from Ikea for $49.99. I used Rust-Oleum’s new black high-gloss lacquer paint and was really impressed with the consistent gloss. Usually gloss paints leave splotchy spray marks of varied matte to glossy round shapes, but this covered amazingly well and in just 2 layers.
Before/After:
Here is the furniture I found. My original choice was inexpensive, but sold out quickly. When I investigated this set from Canadian Tire, I found it included the cushions and was on sale. An added bonus: Canadian Tire had an additional mail-in rebate for outdoor furniture until the end of May. Score! I’m not a fan of the green, or the slippery surface of the fabric, so those needed addressing. I used a cheap and cheerful off-white cotton fabric and made new cushion covers. I’m hoping that dousing the covers with Scotchguard’s outdoor protectant spray will keep them clean and safe from the elements (and messy boyfriends). I also used rubber no-slip sheets, usually used under rugs and carpets, to keep the cushions in place. There’s nothing that gets me crazier than cushions all awry.
Before:
After:
The largest project has been those curtains you see in the background. I had dreams of gradiose wide-striped curtains and despite some measuring and yardage cost issues, not to mention hours of sewing, finally worked it all out. They were worth the struggle.
Last weekend while walking the dog, my boyfriend spied this banana leaf chair with a “FREE” sign attached. It had a few scratches but we gave it a sniff and decided to take it home for a comfy curl-up alternative to the sectional – for those times I need to be more upright and functional than lazy. The cushion cover was stinky so I tossed it, but the guts of it were wrapped in plastic and still sturdy so I put it aside to be recovered. After a quick scrub-down, I used lacquer spray paint to give it a more sleek finish.
Before/After:
And, finally, the last area I’m still toying with is my mini French bistro moment in the south corner. I love the silhouette of this table, but I don’t love the chairs or the pile of dying greenery on top. I’ll keep you posted on this corner.
