Thursday, March 12, 2009

Time to refresh for spring!

I know we are all ready for spring, Right?? It was 80 degrees here on Tues. and today it was around 40 degrees. Ugggg......I was enjoying my flipflops and capris! Today, back to the heavy clothes. Well, it won't be long before it stays warm, I hope.

I wanted to show you guys what my patio looks like right now, not too pretty, huh? In fact, it's quite ugly. I wanted to tell you my plans and get your input. What about painting the furniture a bronzy color, getting new cushions(with some color) and staining the concrete?? I was going to stain it this fall, but just didn't want to tackle it and still not to sure about it. Any other ideas? Of course when the weather stays nice I will plant lots of flowers. Tootsie has the most beautiful flowers, I wish I enjoyed planting as much as she does!
I think a little cosmetic work will freshen the patio up, I've had the table and chairs forever, but don't want to spend the money for something new right now especially when it's still in good shape. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!!

Here it is last year, it looks much better with flowers and greenery. BIG difference!!

Stay tuned for the giveaway, it's going to be on another blog. Details coming soon!!
Update:
The Giveaway will start tomorrow March 17!!!

39 comments:

  1. Can you belive this Arkansas weather?! Tuesday I was so hot I slept without even the sheet, then last night I had to use the down comforter and 2 other blankets. Crazy! Looking forward to warm weather. They are letting water in the lake (Hamilton) so that is a good sign! Can't wait to get the boat in the lake!!

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  2. The flowers are a huge impact and I love those gorgeous hanging baskets they make a big statement. Can't wait to see what you decide to do.

    We are in Southern Missouri and I was loving the flip flop weather but of course now it is so very cold again. Can't wait till Spring!
    Sarah

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  3. I love your patio now! But I think your ideas will look fab too! How do you stain concrete?

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  4. How about painting it Black with Red cushions?

    I know it will be very pretty whatever you decide on.

    You have a really nice sized patio area.

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  5. It's beautiful Kristen! I really like your ideas though. Can you put colorful pottery on the bakers rack similar to Susan's hutch on her famous porch? The pottery might help with cushion color selection. ☺

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  6. that looks great! but then everyone knows I like the lush look!

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  7. Hi, about those flower pins. I think she sews them so they stay together and then glues the hanger or pin with a leaf on the back. I have made some similiar but i cannot figure out how she makes them stay together. Mine fall apart if touched to much! lol. She sells them for $4.00 a piece. i dont think that is too bad. mishelle

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  8. Hi Kristen...I've been thinking the same thing as you about our patio...I love the lush look of plants & more plants! Your patio furniture looks great to me as is!
    ;-) Bo

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  9. We've had warm weather up until today. I'm on a two hour delay for school today because we are predicted to have a rain/snow mix! I was in shorts two days ago!

    Your porch furniture would look great in a bronze color. Staining the concrete is another good idea. You could also get one of those outdoor rugs to make your patio look more like a room. I wish I had an outdoor space like yours. I'll bet that you spend a lot of time out there in the summer.

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  10. Hi Kristen! It's Raegina. I think staining the concrete is a great idea! If you want to come look at the basketball court we poured in place of our swingset in the backyard you are welcome to see what it looks like after being in the weather for a year. I also think it would look neat to score it first - have someone make lines in the concrete so it looks like big tiles. We have a friend that did that and it's really neat looking! Besides that, I think it looks great with flowers everywhere!! I can't wait for flower weather! Take care! Raegina K

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  11. Your patio looked amazing last summer, so pretty! I love the idea of staining the concrete. What color are you thinking? I do like Melissa's idea of red cushions. That would look great with your brick.
    ~Michelle

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  12. Stained concrete is big here in indiana. Since we just pored the downstairs padio my hubby is too fond of staining. I think the plants really give it that punch of color. I have all black and white furniture up stairs, and down stairs patio is all creme. I was also thinking of painting the white furniture upstairs black. But I have so much going on inside that the outside will have to wait. Good luck to you and can't wait to see what you do.

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  13. I've got green colored furniture too from forever ago and last year wanted to paint them also, but ran out of time. Staining the concrete is another project my DH and I have talked about doing, but has been put on the back burner also. So I am all for the changes you plan on making. Can't wait to see what you decide to do!

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  14. Your patio looks great with the plants! I am going to tackle a similar project myself on my deck, so I will watch yours and see what you do! I love your taste! I know it will be gorgeous.

    Lou Cinda :)

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  15. In the bottom picture of your patio, all of your beautiful hanging baskets and pot plants got my attention, but in the top picture, I do believe I see a little face looking out the door. (bottom left of the door) SO Cute*!!!!

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  16. Oh, I love the idea of staining the concrete and I would add an outdoor rug, they come in such pretty colors and designs now. Painting the furniture and new cushions always changes things up. I love the look with all the lush plants. I also love the look of putting shutters on the window and really making the patio look like a room. Can't wait to see what you do. Hugs, Marty

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  17. girl...I had taken no offense at all...so you need not worry. I admit to being a plant maniac...and I do love all things to look a little jungleish! lol....don't worry. It takes a lot more than you think to offend this chick!
    I love your patio with all the plants. It is warm and inviting and so alive!
    have a wonderful weekend friend

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  18. Kristen, I like your ideas, but girl those flowers make a huge difference!
    I can't wait to see what you do! Nancy

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  19. First ... let me say I love your porch/patio. In any season. I have used outdoor rugs before and if there is ANY chance yours would get wet, I would advise against it. They don't dry out quickly, yours probably wouldn't get a lot of sun (?) and when they are wet, folks track all the wet inside the house. I would consider a really colorful painted 'area rug' which would make the space even more lively with flowers. It could be multi-colored. You could also just paint the table and plant stand a contrasting color to the chairs (which are pretty complex for painting ?) Let us see what you do ...

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  20. The weather has been crazy here in the Ozarks! I am ready for it to stay warm. I love all the greenery and all the colorful flowers! So beautiful! I would serve all our meals on the patio.
    Blessings,
    Wendy

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  21. Hi Kristen,
    I would kill to have a covered patio - we get full sun in the backyard with no shade. Your patio is lovely - I like the idea of painting the furniture. It looks like it's in great shape so I see no reason to replace it either.
    Can't wait for Spring! ~Kim

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  22. Hi Kristen! I'm stopping in via Jannets Country Cottage! My thoughts are this patio is GORGEOUS with or without stain, with or without flowers! First I am nuts about brick homes, have always wanted a cement patio instead of deck and even better with overhang above!!! I have to keep restaining the decking and it is a pain!lol If you feel you have to stain I would go a little darker grey and since I'm a nut for anything black I'd do the patio set in black and add colorful cushions! Thats just my 2 cents but I adore this patio! I'm sooo jealous! Have a great weekend - Sincerely, Jeannette

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  23. Hi Kristen! Oh, honey, looks like all you need is a little warm weather and more of those gorgeous hanging baskets with plants! Looks good to me.
    I wouldn't dare show my baren patio!
    ;)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia:0

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  24. Memphis weather has done exactly the same. Flip flops a few days ago and now socks, shoes, and sweats. I love your patio. Isn't amazing what plants and some sun will do? I pretty much paint anything that doesn't volunteraly move. :) Can't wait to see the finished product.
    Blessings,
    Linda

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  25. Kristen, your patio looks so pretty with the hanging baskets, and the baker's rack filled with lovely treasures. I am SO ready for spring. We had a pretty snow here on Tuesday, but thankfully the ground was too warm for it to stick. laurie

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  26. Hey Kristen, I see your sweet little dog looking out the door onto the patio. That is just so precious!!

    I love your patio ideas. I have really been wanting to paint my patio set as well. I think it is a great way to freshen up without spending a fortune on something new. And, especially if there is nothing structurally wrong with the table and chairs.

    I love the look of stained concrete, and I have heard that it is pretty easy to do. I think that would be a great idea. I cannot wait to see what you do.

    Have a great weekend, Nicole

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  27. Hello,
    I can't wait to see what you do out here.
    It's amazing what
    re-painting and new cushions will do to transform a space outdoors.
    You could do a MM post on it.

    We have some plans to start a clean up and do a few changes outside as well. I'm ready but it got cooler again here too.

    Sassy is toooo cute.
    I have a feeling I will break down and get another Shih-stzu soon.

    Have a great weekend.

    Oh I'm doing a MM post Sunday night and it has my new Blue frame.
    ~Melissa :)

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  28. Hi Kristen, Little Sassy looking out the window is adorable. The colorful pottery that Diane suggested sounds really good expecially with the new cushions and painting the patio furniture. Maybe a outdoor picture hanging somewhere with all the colors that you are going to use. Sherry

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  29. Tennessee weather has been the same. I sure was loving that warm weather. Hopefully soon, we will be all spring! How about using black for your furniture and then some red and black with a splash of yellow maybe for the cushions. I am interested in seeing the stained concrete. I am sure it will be lovely whatever you choose.

    Back Porch Blessings,
    Rebecca

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  30. I've never heard of staining concret ~ I can't wait to see that. I'm having the same thoughts of trying to bring more color to our patio when it get warm. Haven't seen 80 yet but I was thrilled with 60 last weekend.

    Jo

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  31. Your patio is great!! How fun to look forward to all those beautiful plants and flowers!!
    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

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  32. Hi Kristen,
    I have been playing with backgrounds all night. I have had 5 on already. I think I took your last one ?? Not completely sure, but the colors worked well.
    Hope you don't mind, but if you switch back and forth like I do, just let me know and I'll change it back.
    Enjoy your nice weather ~~ on the patio. I'm sure it will look fantastic with your talent !!

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  33. Kristan, I can't wait to see what you do with it. I think greenery makes all of the difference.
    Hugs, Terrie

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  34. I had that very same set for several years. I was tired of it and wanted to do something - just like you. When I checked into replacement cusions - it was ridiculous - I could almost have a new set for that. SO, I sold the set at a garage sale and replaced the set for about the same price! PAM

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  35. Very pretty back deck... Love the summer look much better.

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  36. What a difference a few flowes makes huh ??? I can't wait for the nice weather !!!

    How about covering the concrete with slat tiles ???

    Have a nice day,
    Kathy :)

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  37. Hey the weather is like that here in Georgia also...hot one day then cool...oh well Mother Nature is in control.

    Yes a BIG difference what greenery can do. so pretty!

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  38. We had the same cold snap that came through with rain. Tomorrow the temp is heading back up. I'm like you and had my sandals on. Can't wait for it to stay warm.
    Flowers make a huge difference, don't they? As far as the table--can your glass come out? If so spraying is what I would do. If the glass can't be removed it is a problem. The brownish tones would be so pretty with your house.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.

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  39. Your patio looks g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!

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