Vision to Reality: Outdoor Nook

It took several months, many trips to the home improvement store, some doubt, a few smashed fingers and lots of curse words but FINALLY it is finished. The vision I first had last fall for our patio has finally come to  fruition.  

This project really kinda began last summer with the soul smouldering heat we experienced for so many months. The scorching sun kept us from spending much time on our patio because we have very little shade in our backyard and a patio umbrella can provide only so much relief.  I knew we needed to make some improvements to our outdoor space if we wanted to enjoy it on those smoldering summer days, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money on the project.

What we started with

I started by making a check list of what I wanted the space to be. What kind of characteristics I wanted it to have and what kind of functionality.  Here's what I came up with:

-shaded

-intimate

-comfortable

-rustic

-eclectic 

-ample seating

-ability to lounge 

-lots of color

-outdoor dining 

-cozy

-touch of whimsy 

-upcycled materials

I began scouring the internet and magazines for ideas. I did endless Google and Pinterest searches, looking at pictures of outdoor spaces til my eyes glazed over.  I was a woman possessed. I quickly came to the realization that in order to make the space exactly how I wanted it and keep within budget we would need to build most of the components ourselves.   

The first task was to find a way to add some relief from the sun. With a little pinspiration, I decided on a pallet wall to add shade and enclose the space a bit to give it that cozy, intimate feel. I like using pallet wood for building projects as much as possible because first of all I can get them for FREE (who doesn't love that?) and secondly I am a strong believer in upcycling.  We began the first phase of the project last Fall by building the pallet wall, 2 pallets high by 2 pallets wide.  It was really easy and really cheap to do. We dug some holes, filled them with concrete & set 2x4's in them.  Then we left the pallets intact, slid them over the top of the 2x4's and attached them with wood screws.  I'm sure our neighbors thought we were crazy when they saw this structure going up in our backyard but what they didn't know is that I had a vision and it would all turn out alright. Even friends and family had skepticism and concern when we told them we built a pallet wall, like what the what?  

Getting closer...

And so our pallet wall stood out there all alone for several months, through the Winter and early Spring until temps began to warm and we had the motivation to start on the second phase of the project: building an L shaped "couch."  We decided to go the easy route and purchase treated lumber for the 2 benches that would make up the seating area. This was by far the most difficult part of the project due to all the measuring, cutting and trying to get everything level. In the end though, the benches turned out just how we wanted so it was worth the frustration.

Next it was time to build a patio table that would fit the space and help add character. I wanted to use pallet wood for most of the project and wanted a rustic, patterned look kinda like an old wooden floor. Again there was lots of measuring & cutting not to mention what seemed like an endless amount of sanding to get a splinter free finish.  Landscaping timbers were used for the legs (another cost saving idea!). When the table was finished I had a moment of anxiety where I thought it was too pretty to put outside and considered moving it into the kitchen; I eventually calmed down and came back to my senses. 

Love this retro flower pattern

When all the building projects were completed it was time for the final phase: finishing off the space with cushions and decor. I was going for an eclectic look so I didn't want everything to be matchy-matchy but I did want it to coordinate.  This lead to me driving all over the St Louis area trying to find the right size cushions in the right color combinations at the right price.  The best selection and prices were at Old Time Pottery, Garden Ridge & Gordmans however I still found myself making some of the pillows to really get what I wanted. Adding the cushions, pillows and a few other finishing touches brought it all together and brought my vision to reality.  Voila! A cozy, rustic outdoor nook.

This has quickly become my new favorite space. I could eat every meal out here and easily spend all day lounging and reading. I'm trying my best to get Luke on board with the idea of "outdoor living" but he is reluctant and maintains that what the space really needs is an outdoor television. Eerrr, NO! Totally defeats the purpose. It's alright though, I won't mind having this spot all to myself, listening to the birds sing while sipping a glass of cold sweet tea. 

Bosco-Approved