The yard was (is) in rough shape and a whole lot of weeds need to be pulled, but that’s for another day.
We’re going to enjoy the patio today.
It’s been a tad humid here most days, but there have been a couple cool evenings where we’ve been able to sit outside to enjoy a drink and some apps. And by apps, I mean cheese, because that is of course this Wisconsin girl’s favorite snack.
Since we’re taking breaks on the patio from all the painting going on inside, I figured the blog could do the same.
No worries paint lovers, the painted room reveals will continue next week. We’re getting there!!
My friend Tara from Lehman Lane got a group of us bloggers together for a Summer Outdoor Tour. (You can see all of the other bloggers’ outdoor spaces linked at the bottom of this post.)
When Tara first asked me about joining, I was a little worried I wouldn’t have anything to share, but sometimes a deadline serves as the perfect motivation excuse for a painting break.
As I was setting up the patio, I realized what a perfect stress reliever it was. Digging through all that home decor piled up in the sunroom was so much fun, I’ve really missed decorating!
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The patio might be smaller than we have at our Milwaukee house, but we’re still glad to have an outdoor space here. It’s not quite set up with all of our outdoor furniture, but there are a few fun things we used to make this rental patio seem more ‘us’.
(The outdoor couch is in our sunroom, buried under all the home decor just begging to be brought back to life. I can’t wait to get the sunroom set up but given its current storage unit state, it’s probably last on the list.)
Here’s the before so you can really appreciate what the patio looks like now:
And now:
1. Outdoor rug
I’m a huge advocate of the outdoor rug anyway (why should indoor floors have all the fun?!), but especially when you’re dealing with a weirdly discolored rental patio.
It’s the perfect way to pretend the patio is new and pretty.
Plus you can take the outdoor rug with you, which is basically what I’m focusing on while we’re in the rental. Anything we can take with us is more than worth the money.
2. Table and chairs
Our table has definitely seen better days, and giving it a good coat of paint is on my summer to-do list.
Meanwhile, just having a place to sit down outside and enjoy a drink and some food (cheese!) is perfect.
Even if you just have a small little balcony, grab two chairs and a little end table for in between. In my first apartment, just being able to get outside sometimes made all the difference. No one wants to be stuck inside all summer.
3. Fun serving dishes
We didn’t bring too many of our appetizer dishes figuring odds of us having a party in a city where we have no friends is slim to none, so most of those are packed up in storage in Milwaukee.
But we did bring a couple, of course.
How fun is this Wisconsin cheese board?! Perfect for some delicious Wisconsin cheese. 🙂
And it wouldn’t be summer without some fresh fruit.
We bought this wood bread bowl the other day from a local decor store.
Kalen actually picked the bowl out, I’m so proud. I’ve been seeing these bread bowls everywhere lately so of course I had to see what they’re all about. I already want about 3 more to fill with all sorts of fun things.
For now, I’m loving the apples, but I’m on the lookout for faux moss balls, wouldn’t they look perfect in it?!
My Moscow Mule mugs of course also made the cut when we were being picky about what dishes to bring with us. They keep drinks SO cold.
Isn’t that little wood slice fun, too? (Milwaukee folks, go to Sendik’s, their decor is unreal this season! I want it all.)
4. Cushions and pillows
Make it feel homey! Remember when I was outdoor pillow shopping? (FYI, all of the outdoor pillows in this post are under $15 each.)
I love this new little striped green and blue pillow. I’m starting to bring in more blues into our decor, and what better way than pillows!
Despite the heat, of course I still have a throw sitting out.
This blanket is my favorite, and sometimes I just like the feeling of a blanket around me. Yes, even in the summer.
5. A summery centerpiece
Probably my favorite part! This old wooden tool box is so fun, isn’t it?! I’m obsessed. (Milwaukee folks, it’s from Roost.)
Filled with vases, old wine and beer bottles, and fresh flowers, it is peeeeeerfect for summer.
Just arranging this little centerpiece made me so happy. I need to finish cleaning and unpacking so I can focus more on decorating!
6. Lanterns and candles
I found these little glass and wood bead lanterns the other day, which are perfect for giving off a soft glow when the sun starts to set.
And of course these little mercury glass votives are perfect for pretty much any season.
Oh and that little hat is fun, yes? Target dollar section for the win.
7. Potted plants
If I had my act together, we’d have some potted plants around here, too, since of course you can take potted plants with you when you move.
But with everything else going on, planters aren’t happening this year. Maybe next summer.
Faux succulents and grass work just fine for now.
GET THE LOOK:
Since a popular question I get is “Where’d you get that?!,” here are links to the same or similar sources:
- Outdoor rug (similar)
- Wisconsin cheese board (other states available)
- Moscow Mule mugs
- Green, white and brown striped pillows
- Green, white and aqua striped pillows
- Green and white pillows, large (similar)
- Green and white pillows, small
- Green and white throw blanket
- Wooden toolbox (similar here or here)
- Wooden bread bowl
- Glass and wood bead lanterns from Kirkland’s (can’t find them or anything similar online)
- Mercury glass votive candleholders
- Fire pit cover
How are you decorating for summer? Got any other easy patio decorating ideas for renters (or homeowners)?
Remember to head over to the other ladies’ outdoor patio spots, too.
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Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod says
Meg – you have definitely made lemonade out of lemons! We can’t believe that you have just moved, been painting like a mad woman and were able to create this pretty outdoor space! Love all of your beautiful details…especially the lantern with the wooden beads! Hope the fence is repaired soon. Your rental house has become a home very quickly!
GreenWithDecor says
You guys are too sweet, thank you!! Aren’t those lanterns so cute?!
Tara @ Lehman lane says
Despite your move, your new patio looks wonderful Meg! I love the centerpiece you created with the glass bottles and the white flowers. I am so glad that you decided to join in the hop and I hope you are having a great summer so far!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Tara! I’m loving the centerpiece, too. Glad I could join in the hop!
Tee @ Beauteeful Living says
I bet it feels great to bring some familiar and favorite home items to make your rental feel more like home. I love the way you styled your table! Seriously, who cares about the fence when you’ve got such a cute display on your table. I hear you about cheese! Definitely a favorite of mine! Happy summer and good luck with all of the transformations as you make yourself at home in your current place :).
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Tee! Decorating definitely makes it feel more like home! 🙂
Emily says
I think your patio and table look great! It’s a perfect spot to relax with a cold beverage and cheese (my fave snack, too). And I love your table centerpiece!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Emily! Gotta love cheese!
Kim @Hunt & Host says
Super cute and summery!! I love the little touches of green it really pulls things together! Thanks for sharing!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Kim!
Christine says
What a lovely spot to sit and get away from paint! You did a great job I just finished a big backyard project, so I am all about outdoors right now. Good luck with the painting and keep up he good work!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Christine!
Iris Nacole says
Wow, can you visit my house and spruce it up for me? I can’t believe you just moved in and got all of this done! My house still looks like I just moved in, or I’m moving out. LOL! Love the tips you shared to create such a beautiful entertaining space!
GreenWithDecor says
Haha, thanks so much, Iris!
Kelly says
I love all of things about this space – such a great way to create a relaxing environment in a temporary space! And that rug is absolutely beautiful!
Best,
Kelly
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Kelly!