Renters transform dingy outdoor nook into luscious tropical paradise

"Outdoor living" doesn't have to be rustic; sometimes all you need is to step outside of your home, take a breath of fresh air and relax somewhere comfortable. Fortunately, creating a space in which to do this can be accomplished on front porches, back patios and apartment balconies alike.
While planning your outdoor space, it's critical to consider both its duty and its decor. The husband-and-wife team at A Piece of Rainbow wanted a place to "eat, read and dream daily" that also could "evoke the beauty of the ocean" and memories of "favorite places like Kauai."
Advertisement
1. Tropical pallet paradise
The couple are renters: not allowed to paint, drill, or attach anything to existing surfaces -- but that didn't stop them from turning a tiny, bland concrete patio into a tropical paradise! Despite appearances, everything you see is freestanding and therefore removable. Genius.
2. Back patio makeover
Liz Marie was tired of the ugly concrete slab in her backyard, so she cleared it out, set up a gazebo and filled it with items she loves. The furniture was made over with spray paint, and many other items are things she made herself. The best part? "NO BUGS!" she says.
3. Fall-inspired patio makeover
Inspired by Liz, Pamela decided that her patio needed work, too.
Pamela purchased the same gazebo that Liz did and a set of furniture; then filled in the spaces with fall-inspired items and flowers. Her patio is now one of her favorite places to be. "I turn on the twinkle lights and relax with a nice glass of wine," she said. See more photos at PB&J Stories.
4. Pallet wood front porch
Redo Redux's patio project focused on the front of their 1950's home. The concrete was cracked and sagging, so when someone gave them a bunch of pallets, they knew exactly what they would do with them.
Each pallet was disassembled, de-nailed and planed to bring out the beauty of the wood. Then each board was placed on a carefully constructed frame and set in place. After this photo was taken, the wood was stained a beautiful dark walnut, a railing and stairs were added, and the white metal post was covered with more wood to complete the look.
Advertisement
What is your ideal "outdoor living" space? SHARE this article and tell us your ideas in the comments below!