This inspiring patio makeover is sponsored by AE Outdoor, who happen to be right here in my hometown of Marietta, GA.
It’s definitely been an exciting couple of weeks around my house! With the installation of the patio last week and the arrival of a sectional sofa, that patio is looking gorgeous. Outdoor spaces are probably one of my favorite things in a house, from a screened porch to an open deck or patio, outdoor living is so prevalent in the South. We just love living and being outdoors as much as possible.
It’s been my dream to have a patio addition on the back of my house, for entertaining and just another way to enjoy my backyard. So with the addition of the patio, having functional and practical furniture is a needed part of furnishing this area.
I chose the Canyon sectional from AE Outdoor, because I like the shape of it and the fact that it had a cute coffee table with little cushioned stools that pull out for extra seating. I thought an L-shaped sectional would be great on my patio and I was right, it fits on there perfectly.
As I mentioned earlier, I am working with a local company here in Marietta that specializes in outdoor furniture, AE Outdoor and they have great looking outdoor sectionals and other pieces that really make an outdoor living space come alive. I love that they are a small company right here in my town.
They design and manufacture their own line of furniture and it’s sold at some major retailers like Lowes, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, and Target. This is good stuff, y’all! And you can buy directly from their website too.
The Canyon sectional is the star of my patio now and I love how it can be moved around, since it comes in 4 separate pieces. You can configure it anyway you want. This furniture is made from rust proof aluminum and the fabrics are all summer-proof Sunbrella fabrics, which I’m so happy to have. I can safely leave this outside and with the 5 year warranty, it should hold up fine.
With the sectional is a cute coffee table ottoman with pull out stools for extra seating.
Confession: I did take a ton of pics of the patio from all different angles, because I just couldn’t stop staring at it! I’m so in love with this new space. I look outside the screened porch and can hardly believe how pretty it is now.
Is this really my backyard? Yes…yes it is!
I figured out how I wanted it to fit on here and got everything uncrated and set up in about an hour (with the help of my roommate). The boxes were shipped directly to my house in 3 separate boxes and everything was in perfect shape.
You can see the loveseat and corner pieces are separate.
Then, there is an armless section and another right arm piece. You can see here how pretty the woven all-weather wicker is along with the aluminum frame.
I know having this space during the summer is going to be so fun. I can envision parties and hanging out here since it’s all shaded after around 4 in the afternoon.
I’ll be getting a cantilever umbrella to help shade the sectional, but truly late afternoon after 4 pm, it is complete shade on this side of the house. Early morning is shady too, which is really nice.
The Wayfair planters look great out here and we will enjoy the blooming flowers as well. You can’t have an outdoor patio space without flowers and I just may add more along the way. I love container plants!
I also moved the rocking chair from the porch out here too, since my porch was a tad crowded with one too many chairs. The rocker fits out here just great and looks right at home with the new sectional. The rocker came from Pier One.
I couldn’t resist this pretty vinyl tray from Homegoods, with all the colors I’m using out here. You all know how much I love blues and greens, so it was only natural to continue that love-fest on the patio.
The Canyon sectional comes in a pretty gray/tan solid fabric on the cushions and a combination of green and a blue print throw pillows, all in Sunbrella fabrics.
Love, love these colors!
I ordered the rug from Overstock and love it too. It adds just the right punch out here with all the colors contained in the flowers. Rugs are such a great grounding element to a space and it really finished off the patio. I checked prices on several websites for this same rug and Overstock had the best price. In fact, it looks like they’ve marked it even lower since I ordered mine.
The rug plus the round tray = fun, fun and more fun! Doesn’t this just scream summer?
I truly love the Canyon sectional and am so happy with my choice.
I had this sedum planted in this planter for months and am so surprised it is still alive. If you want a tough succulent, this lime green sedum is it. Every planter I have it in is thriving and it’s not because I’ve taken care of them. This plant fits right in with the look out here too.
I did spray paint the potting bench in a bright blue, Lagoon, from Rustoleum. I think it will help protect the wood even more and I just didn’t like the color it was as much. This pop of blue is fun and since the patio and sofa are all neutral, it just adds that special little touch back here. I can see serving food and beverages from the potting bench. Party time!
You may remember I got these Polywood chairs last year and now they have a special place to sit on the patio and finally got out of the yard. And the cushions blend seamlessly with my new sectional cushions. That was a happy surprise! I thought they might go well, but was so thrilled to see it in person.
Another plan in the works is building a privacy screen right behind the chairs a couple of feet off the patio. It will help shield the neighbors, since they are so close. Not that we don’t like our neighbors, we very much do, but when we are outside, it will be nice to have a little more privacy. A screen will be perfect and my dad and I are already hatching a plan for that. I’m sure I’ll be adding some climbing vines to it as well.
The other planters anchors this corner of the patio. I’m so happy with how big the patio was built, so glad I didn’t skimp on size. It’s nice and big and holds everything with no problem.
That cute backdoor cover that my dad built really adds to this space now and it’s hard to believe it was one of the first things he did when I moved in the house. It adds so much charm back here! Now, I think I have to paint the back door a bright color to make it even happier.
It will be fun watching the planters grow all summer long.
I have a feeling this will be a favorite new hangout space for us. It gets morning shade and late afternoon shade and I’m hoping to get an umbrella out here soon too. That will be the finishing touch. I looked at a cantilever umbrella at Ikea for just over $100 and that is definitely on my radar.
Getting this patio installed and decorated is truly another dream come true for me. Finishing this house step by step, inside and outside has been such a fun journey and I’m so happy with where it is at this point. It truly has been an amazing 3 year endeavor.
One thing I’ve decided to do is to have a big tarp handy and when I know it’s going to rain and storm, I’ll cover up the whole sectional and that will protect it even further. I bought a 12 x 16′ tarp for just over $30. I’ll do what I can to make it last for a long, long time. I’ve got a deck box that I’ll store the tarp in. I could buy individual covers, but those are pretty expensive and wouldn’t be that easy to put on and take off. A handy tarp can be added in just a couple of minutes and then stored away.
Working with great sponsors like AE Outdoor has also been a huge blessing and I’m very grateful for the partnership. I truly believe they are a great company, with superb products and warranties that stand behind their products. I look forward to using my patio for years to come. You can order fabric swatches to know what you’re getting ahead of time and right now they are having a 20% off sale.
Becky in 'Bama says
Your new space is stunning!! Crazy question: where is your AC unit located? My best friend bought a very nice outdoor patio set for her deck. HOWEVER, if we sit out there she MUST go inside and turn off both AC units (she has upstairs). Otherwise, the noise drowns all conversation. I know that a lot of times it cannot be helped, but when builders are thinking about outdoor spaces – like patios and decks – I wish they would take into consideration location of these outside units. Just a thought. Enjoy that new space!
Rhoda says
HI, Becky, my AC unit is on the other side of my screened porch. So, when we are out there, we do hear it, but it’s not too loud and doesn’t really bother me that much.
Becky in 'Bama says
that’s good…I think one reason my friend’s is so loud…it’s not a screened porch with a cover – it’s a deck – open air and the sound is not deflected in any way. NOTE: I also have ‘porch envy’ for your screened space. 🙂
Donnamae says
It really all does look wonderful! You’re taking your time…thinking things out…your plan is working! Those finishing touches you mentioned, will make the space look completed! Enjoy! 😉
liz says
Love the patio and I look forward to more updates. One idea to add some safety and fun is to use rope lights – think Christmas lights inside a plastic tube. Attach the lights under the lip of your patio. Even if you add a flower bed, the gentle glow at night will be pretty.
Our sailing club has a large patio and we added blue rope lights under the railing. It adds a nice touch during parties and lets our guests know where the steps are located.
Are you considering a privacy screen by the two chairs? If you did a pergola-style structure, you could add drapes or a screen to get some privacy in the evenings but have an open feel during the day.
Rhoda says
HI, Liz, I would love to add some lights out there. I’ve got to call my electrician back and get an outdoor plug installed down there.
Renae says
Hi – this turned out so beautiful. Would you mind sharing more details on the rug? What is it called?
Rhoda says
Sure, here’s the link to Overstock. It looks like it is marked down even more from when I ordered last week, so that’s a great deal! https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Green-and-Ivory-Outdoor-Area-Rug-67-x-96/6233342/product.html?fp=f&cid=241297&token=241297-2412972015051214314269913678009911766287889537-1-c7deb5&utm_source=strongview&utm_medium=email&utm_content=e&utm_campaign=t_20150115_shipconf&fp=f&TRACK=emailcusts
susan says
Hi! It looks so pretty! I love the big sectional and the ottoman so cool! I could totally take a nap there 🙂 Can’t wait to feature you Friday!! Susan
Catherine says
Bea-U-tiful!!! The colors are so fresh and inviting–your neighbors must LUV how you’ve ADDED to the neighborhood!
We too have the wicker-look outdoor patio furniture -about 10 yrs now- and it’s fabulous! Still no fading and so easy to take care of. But the cushions are another story. The original weren’t the prettiest and faded badly, so we had them recovered in a SunBrella fabric–even that is fading badly 5 years in. Guess it’s about time to have them re-done –again. : (
This ( https://freddyandpetunia.wordpress.com/2014/02/09/wanna-see-some-crazy-stuff/ ) is the privacy I created for my mom’s and neighbor’s houses to share! The climbers I planted are Wisteria!
You’re going to be such an outdoor-woman now–hope your laptop has a good battery! ; D
Catherine
Rhoda says
Catherine, that is a great looking privacy screen! My dad and I are pondering what type we will do and I’m hoping it will be pretty too.
Michele Hedges says
Rhoda,
I really enjoy your blog and I absolutely love your patio! I love the colors. That sectional is to-die-for! My hubby and I just bought a fixer upper and I just starting blogging for the first time ever about the whole process (plus whatever else I feel like lol!) and I can’t wait to tackle the back yard! Currently we have an old rotting deck. We hope to replace it with stamped concert but I’ve really been inspired by your pavers. Thanks for sharing and enjoy!
Michele
Yvonne says
Rhoda , the new patio is Drop-dead gorgeous!! I didn’t realize the size when seeing it in it’s before decorated state. You can have some serious parties out there now. I would love to have a big spacious patio but alas, we rent…and we only have a teeny upper deck. I do enjoy my morning coffee there and sweet tea with my bats in the evening.
teresa says
It looks fabulous. there are some beautiful flowering hedges htat would also make a lovely screen break and be a bit more elegant. I look forward to seeing what you two come up with.
Jeanie says
Fabulous, and I love the rug, too!
Melanie says
Gorgeous, as always! Love it! Some twinkling lights would be fun
suzyq says
Hi Rhoda, I did wonder who you would protect your gorgeous furniture from the elements and then I saw your IG post. Great idea!!! Your house is coming along so nicely – you should be so proud of all your hard work. What a privilege for you to have worked along side your dear dad.
Suzyq
Rhoda says
Thank you, Suzy, yes it was such a great project that we took on together and I couldn’t have done it without him. Grateful for my parents!
Theresa says
Once again, you have amazed us with a new project, love the patio and furniture, look forward to seeing privacy fence. I love every project you generously share with your readers. I like your style of decorating, and appreciate you providing picture and detailed instructions on each project. This is one of the most reader friendly blogs on the internet. I get so many helpful ideas from reading your blog, my hubby is currently making me a similar framed pegboard for craft room like the one in your niece’s craft room. I have followed your blog thru all the remodel of your new home, and learn so much, you make us realize, “I can do that”.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Teresa, I’m so glad you enjoy my blog so much and take away ideas. That makes ME so happy!
Julie @ Southern Wild Design says
Wow, Rhoda! I’m green…or is that blue?…with envy! Fabulous job! And I love the colors! The rug is a must have some day. What a difference it makes! I was thinking that a tall trellis/pergola is definitely in your future for some privacy screening. Enjoy your summer. ~Julie
Elizabeth @ Pineapples and Polka Dots says
What a beautiful outdoor space! I love the color palette that you chose. It looks like a perfect place to spend the summer (and the spring, and the fall, too!). You’ve done a fabulous job!
Tara G. says
Looks so comfy for a good book and lemondade (and bug spray for me!)!!!
Tara G. says
*lemonade
Beth says
Rhoda:
I’m seriously thinking about buying a different set from AE because yours is sold out. I have a question about the seats. Are they solid or are they straps? I just want to be sure they’re not straps. We have tall and big men in our family. They need the support. I’m only asking because I was reading the specs on the furniutre used in the screened porch makeover by Beth that you featured on your blog and the seats are straps. So..it got me to thinking about the furniture from AE, which I do prefer. Thanks a bunch, Beth
Rhoda says
Hey, Beth, the seats are solid, not straps. This furniture looks to be very well made to me. Good luck!
Beth says
Perfect! Thanks, Rhoda. I would have never even considered it might be straps if I had not checked out the furniture from the porch redo that Beth did. We’re going to get the Camilla! Yippee!
pam says
really interested in the awning cover over door….did you build it ? is the “roof” shingles?
can you share the building or purchase plans with me……really want this item or look for my home
thanks
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pam says
pam here….read the blog more thru and found the plans….sorry to bother you
Anne Horning says
Love your patio! Just wondering where you found the potting bench. I have been looking for something similar and had no luck.
Rhoda says
Hi, Anne, I found that one on Wayfair.com. It’s been with me for 5 years so has lasted pretty well. It’s wood and I spray painted it that color, the original was a brown/red color, but the spray paint has helped protect it.